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City Press TV review
Show: Single Galz
Channel: SABC1 (DStv191)
When: Monday, 19:30
SABC1’s Single Galz, now airing its second season, follows three twentysomething roommates – Nompendulo, Ivy-Ella and Kea – who are on the brink of what could be successful or mediocre lives.
It’s similar to sitcoms such as My Perfect Family and Ses’Top La as it follows the familiar recipe of studio sets and canned laughter. To be honest, I’m not sure why we still bother with this format. It’s so weird when the laughter you hear isn’t real – it’s like you’re being told what’s funny without being able to have your own opinion. At least you know it’s a show for the people in attendance when there’s a live studio audience.
In one episode, Ivy-Ella (Swankie Mafoko), an eccentric young woman with a lust for life, attempts to set her roommate up with a guy. The roommate, Kea (Hloni “Ms Dippy” Padi) and this young gentleman have been friends for a while and the attraction has been successfully suppressed until now, but then both start seeing other people and the tension builds.
We’ve all seen this story before and, as cute as Ivy-Ella is, she doesn’t save this sequence from being corny.
Nompendulo (Nomtha Zikalala) is used a little less in the series, but she might be the more comedically inclined of the three.
The series is set in Braamfontein, the epicentre of student life in the city. Instead of creating sets that look similar to various hang-outs, why not just film on site? And maybe add a touch of music – we know Braam is where the “skrr skrr” kids run rampant. I’m certain the chance of hearing some locally produced slappers would draw them.
Think about the way US shows such as Entourage and Atlanta did it. I imagine all this would cost money, but it would also result in a polished offering. There isn’t an abundance of funding in the film industry and one can’t blame the creators of these shows who are trapped in the studio. Perhaps if we were to re-think this idea of expensive award weekend getaways to Sun City, there might be a bit more money in the pot to take shows such as Single Galz and Generations out of the confines of obviously fake settings.
One major saving grace in the show is the always phenomenal Linda Sebezo, who plays Sis Pinky, a vibrant older woman who looks out for the trio of young sisters.
The veteran of stage and screen sinks her teeth into this role and I wish they’d give her more screen time.
(Photos supplied)
