when passionate debaters get caught up in the heat of the moment.
Photo: Fiona-Lee Quimby
way is to voice an opinion on one of life's Big Questions.
And no, that's not politics and religion, we're talking the really Big Questions.
Were the Beatles better than the Rolling Stones?
Are cats better pets than dogs? Is it OK to go further than a kiss on a first date? Star Wars Or Star Trek?
In a world where popular culture drives most of us, these are the new arenas for debate, where everyone has an opinion and nobody will back down.
And from this week, those opinions have a television forum.
With Big Questions, Channel Nine's new semi-serious, semi-comic debate program, passionate Australians will finally be (hopefully) convince a studio audience they are right.
It will, promises host Jules Lund, be a bit of nostalgia as clips supporting the various arguments are shown, a bit informative chance to prove it.
"It's a bit like trying to herd cats," Lund said.
they're very good at trying to get their point across.
"
Take for example the series pilot, where AFL aficionados Sam "Fatty" Vautin and Matthew Johns.
"Chaos," Lund said, "but hilarious to watch. I had to blow the whistle on them at the end just to shut them up.
television lately, something fast, a bit unpredictable and a lot of The show itself will be quick-moving, with a rotating panel of debaters arguing five topics per program, plus one additional subject taken from the week's events.
Star Wars v Star Trek debate, Lund said, something else is sure to catch.
rotates and the questions are short and sharp," Lund said.
their subject. If it's a film they know all the lines and ..
. even back up their opinions.
"As host I'm supposed to be serious and neutral, but I've found myself giggling and getting caught up in it all.
It's just a lot of fun."
job. Few, however, expect to be shot at by their mates and forced onto an ant nest.
But that's what happened to Jules Lund in his paintballing expedition. After being peppered by all and sundry for the benefit of the cameras, he dived to the ground to avoid any further hits - straight into the ants. "Unbelievably painful!
" he recalled.
television was during the 2004 election, when the Prime Minister John Howard took on then Opposition Leader Mark Latham. The worth the argument, but Howard won the election .
.. and both were beaten Big Questions, Channel Nine, Thursday, 8.
30pm
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