Bill Oddie - Don't ya love him?

ashby_1963 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 08:11 PM

I am new to WAB and apologise if this is a repeat of any previous thread.

I enjoy most nature programmes but find it difficult to enjoy Springwatch/Autumnwatch.
I understand that they are trying to appeal to wide audience but I can't see the point of all the dumbing down (Wearing antlers, making animal noises and the like)
If people switch on to this type of programme it is reasonable to assume that they already have some level of interest in the subject matter and may not be interested in Mr Oddies failed aspirations to be a musician.
I think the presenters are pretty good, with the exception of Bill; it would save some licence payers money and boost veiwing figures if he was replaced, possibly by an empty chair.

demicav · #2 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 08:16 PM

I get the impression that some people find Bill a bit annoying. I don't mind him so much except when he constantly interrupts other presenters.

Hedge Witch · #3 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 08:17 PM

I absolutely agree! Far too much time is spent chatting and showing the presenters and their antics. I don't have anything against Bill Oddie really. But don't the nature lovers tune in to see nature? It's that simple, really.

And I cringe when the makers treat us like idiots, although I suppose they want to appeal to a wider audience.

tameblackbirds · #4 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 08:21 PM

I think that is a little unfair, I agree with the dumbing down, but talk to anyone who doesn't even notice a blackbird under their nose, they need to be spoon fed about nature and even then they can look at you like your a bit strange. Bill is what he is, a man who during his lifetime has suffured from depression and nature helps him to keep it together. So he doesn't always conform to the traditional bbc presenter form. But he knows his stuff so what harm?

The Woodman · #5 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 08:22 PM

There was clip of Bill with Kate on TV's "Have I got News For You" last night and a presenter was asking him a question via a link. Bills attitude to what might have been a simple question to him was unforgiveable. I think he shows himself up badly and is getting more and more like a grumpy old man.
Come on Bill if you're reading this - bring back that old sparkle you once had.

Venger · #6 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 08:27 PM

I know you're new ashby (so I'll forgive you

)... but not this again!!!
Every year when a new season of spring or autumnwatch begins we get this.

If it gets people into nature then huzzah! everyone needs to start somewhere, from spring/autumn they can move on.

If you don't like him, don't watch him - no-one's forcing you to sit through it!

grumble grumble!

pressld2 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 08:31 PM

Hi Ashby and welcome to WAB!

Yep, this thread (or versions of it) has been run before with opinions pretty evenly divided between those like you (and me

) who are less than impressed by Mr Oddie and those who enjoy his antics.

It saddens me because there aren't enough programs on TV about UK wildlife and the few there are get ridiculously dumbed down and rendered unwatchable by (to quote the legendary Bernard Black) "a beard with an idiot hanging off it". Even the recent BBC flagship series Nature of Britain, while not completely unwatchable, suffered from a lightweight script and an even more lightweight presenter.

Bring back Nature's Calendar!

Dave P.

Kayleigh · #8 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Venger

I know you're new ashby (so I'll forgive you

)... but not this again!!!
Every year when a new season of spring or autumnwatch begins we get this.

If it gets people into nature then huzzah! everyone needs to start somewhere, from spring/autumn they can move on.

If you don't like him, don't watch him - no-one's forcing you to sit through it!

grumble grumble!

I agree vanger..
If you want to know my opinion find the old thread..I find I repeat myself over again..Same with cat and Squirrel threads in the end I don't reply..

Wildlife Presenters

ashby_1963 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 08:36 PM

If this topic crops up on such a regular basis then it's about time someone at the BBC did something about it rather that bleating on about how it is "your BBC"
If it is something that is offputting to me (and apparently many other) serious and lifelong nature lovers then just think of the negative effect it is having on the first time viewers and those with just a passing interest who might otherwise be encouraged further.

If you are not interested or have already submitted your views on this issue as several of you have stated, there is no obligation to leave a reply.
As I mentioned in the very start of this thread, I am new to this site and would like to gauge opinion as of now, not some point in the past.
My apologies for not making this clear in my initial post.

pressld2 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tameblackbirds

talk to anyone who doesn't even notice a blackbird under their nose, they need to be spoon fed about nature and even then they can look at you like your a bit strange.

The thing is, though, that those people don't watch Springwatch/Autumnwatch. They're far too busy watching the latest Pop Idol or Big Brother or whatever the latest offering from StupidVision (tm) is.

I wouldn't mind so much if, just occasionally, they would make a programme for those of us who don't need to be spoonfed.

Dave P.