Jolie RobersonWhat Lies Beyond - Bindi Irwin
October 17th 2006 02:05
I couldn’t help but watch Australian Story, which aired last night on the ABC. What Lies Beyond featured those closest to Steve Irwin and how they are coping six weeks on from his death. I wasn’t alone – 1.13 million viewers tuned in. The figure isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but it is fairly significant for a show on the national broadcaster.
I’m a bit ashamed to admit this, but part of me was gleeful that the only interview Bindi Irwin has given was on the ABC and not one of the commercial stations. The interview with Terri Irwin became such an awful ratings grab, with A Current Affair running ‘what you didn’t see’ footage the following night. That sort of sensationalism does nothing but cheapen what was quite a lovely interview.
I really liked Australian Story’s approach to the piece. It was subtle and tasteful – the focus was on interviewees rather than the interviewer. There were no insensitive questions and no gratuitous footage of Steve. Everything included in the programme was pertinent to the story being told.
It also brought up some very interesting points. There has been a fair bit of public outcry about Bindi; is the poor girl being forced to step into her father’s shoes too soon?
From last night’s interview, I really don’t think that is the case. It is obvious that Bindi is a natural performer. She was on this path before Steve’s death and she wants to continue walking it. As John Stainton said, it would be cruel to prevent her from doing something she clearly loves.
I always find it a bit strange that many people automatically turn those closest to a deceased person into the villains of the piece. Terri and John are seen by many as shamelessly exploiting Bindi for their own gain. Some people seem to expect Terri to emulate Queen Victoria – wear a black shroud, bereaved in grief and wallowing in the life departed. Equally as dreadful are those who already have her married off to John Stainton or Wes Mannion. Both attitudes are repugnant. The woman lost her husband two months ago – give her time to grieve, but don’t suggest that she grieves forever.
As to the fascination with the Irwin clan, I’m not precisely sure what attracts me to these interviews and shows. I liked Steve Irwin, but I certainly wasn’t a die hard fan. Yet the sense of loss upon his death hit me like a freight train – as it did for a good chunk of the world. Many cynics claim this grief is purely superficial; mourners are just jumping on the bandwagon. I think this is unfair – the outpouring of sympathy is genuine, and it actually took many of those grieving by surprise.
In reality, it really does make sense. Steve Irwin was a passionate man who loved his family and loved wildlife, and he was committed to making a difference. The world lost a good man, and that is always something to mourn.
I’m a bit ashamed to admit this, but part of me was gleeful that the only interview Bindi Irwin has given was on the ABC and not one of the commercial stations. The interview with Terri Irwin became such an awful ratings grab, with A Current Affair running ‘what you didn’t see’ footage the following night. That sort of sensationalism does nothing but cheapen what was quite a lovely interview.
I really liked Australian Story’s approach to the piece. It was subtle and tasteful – the focus was on interviewees rather than the interviewer. There were no insensitive questions and no gratuitous footage of Steve. Everything included in the programme was pertinent to the story being told.
Screencap of Bindi and Terri from Australian Story
It also brought up some very interesting points. There has been a fair bit of public outcry about Bindi; is the poor girl being forced to step into her father’s shoes too soon?
I always find it a bit strange that many people automatically turn those closest to a deceased person into the villains of the piece. Terri and John are seen by many as shamelessly exploiting Bindi for their own gain. Some people seem to expect Terri to emulate Queen Victoria – wear a black shroud, bereaved in grief and wallowing in the life departed. Equally as dreadful are those who already have her married off to John Stainton or Wes Mannion. Both attitudes are repugnant. The woman lost her husband two months ago – give her time to grieve, but don’t suggest that she grieves forever.
As to the fascination with the Irwin clan, I’m not precisely sure what attracts me to these interviews and shows. I liked Steve Irwin, but I certainly wasn’t a die hard fan. Yet the sense of loss upon his death hit me like a freight train – as it did for a good chunk of the world. Many cynics claim this grief is purely superficial; mourners are just jumping on the bandwagon. I think this is unfair – the outpouring of sympathy is genuine, and it actually took many of those grieving by surprise.
In reality, it really does make sense. Steve Irwin was a passionate man who loved his family and loved wildlife, and he was committed to making a difference. The world lost a good man, and that is always something to mourn.
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Comment by Anonymous
Aaron.
Comment by Aaron
Aaron.
Comment by Chantal
As for Bindi, she's still extremely young as long as noone's pushing her, she can do whatever she likes with the rest of her life... there's still quite a lot to come!
Comment by Nina
Comment by Big Cat
Chatterpillar
Talking (s)trumpets, Germaine Greer could be the one to speak. She's as much an expert on children's formative development as she proved she is about animal rights, when Nine blurted her criticism of Steve for all to hear straight after his tragic death.
But maybe Seven will get her this time, being the "child experts" that played on the baby and crocodile story to Steve Irwin's detriment. (Among big events and others that over-reacted, the company running the then new Adelaide-Darwin railroad painted over "The Steve Irwin" livery of the loco that pulled the first train to Darwin as a result.)
Comment by Nina
I can just see it now - on the advice of one of the legions of child psychologists that frequent these shows, a certain host will take it upon herself to 'rescue' Bindi and take a camera crew in to liberate the child from the Australia Zoo grounds.