I haven't watched the show and I'm not a huge fan of Julia Gillard at any rate. But, in all the past satires of politicians their families have generally been off limits so the stuff on Tim (from what I've seen of the ads) mightb be a tad unfair.

David I can recall some fairly pointed stuff aimed at Janette Howard. That does not make it right but I don't think Tim's the first partner to be mocked.

The issue is muddied by the role that the partner chooses to take. Flo Bjelke Peterson copped some public mocking as well but she also took a high profile at times (whereas my understanding is that Janette Howard tried to stay low profile).

R0bert

Did any of you watch the first episode? Tim ends up being the one who stands up to the independents (over the issue of how they want their tea) and they all back down. He was the only ray of commonsense in the whole thing.

Came across a bit dopey, but rose to the occasion.

Anyway, it's all fantasy, so one shouldn't take it too seriously.

Graham,

I thought Tim came across as a bit sad and lost - his character evoked pathos. Obviously it was scripted to make him appear an appendage of Julia's with no real role or "life" of his own. He was reduced to holding up magazines to checkout girls in the hope that they would recognise him as the PM's partner. As you point out, however, he was the one who rose to the occasion in the end.

I don't think it would be easy being the PM's spouse, having publicly said you'd like to marry her, only to be rebuffed, and I don't think I'd recognise him either.

He hasn't exactly had a stellar career. Dreadful drink driving record.

They've taken all of those things and dramatised them, but given him something to improve his self-esteem.

As far as satire goes, it's pretty kind.

That's why it's dull Graham.

Although Tony Abbott professed to have a 'belly laugh' at it. Go figure.