Is it a sad day in television history when people scan the news in hope for an embarrassing news gaffe? Perhaps it is. I must confess, it is quite entertaining to come across a blooper. Maybe it is because of the 'don't smile principle'. You know what I mean, those serious, career-building situations where you must not, cannot, should not laugh or blurt out something horrific. And when someone does, it just makes it funny.
And thus, in my mindless wandering, I came across some superb BBC bloopers. Some of them are absolutely brilliant; some are funny but harmless gaffes; and others are just terrible.
1. The famous 'technical' glitch
This became such a popular news clip that everyone must have heard of it by now. Let me recap. BBC was supposed to interview someone in the know about an Apple-related legal battle. It was meant to be one of those “Is the court case making your teeth grind”? sort of Q-and-A sessions. Except for the fact that something went horribly wrong. There was a major hiccup along the way, because, instead of ushering in the IT expert, someone brought in the wrong man. Incidentally this man was there for a job interview. Watch the clip and catch his expression at the beginning of the interview. It must be said that the gentleman, Goma, carried himself rather well given the awkward circumstance.
Click here to watch the Guy Goma Clip
2. Awkward blunders
This is a medley of bloopers from past BBC shows. Most of them are harmless gaffes ... yes, even the one about a politician's 'erection' expense. Sometimes it is not their fault. If I had to sit there and talk about the increase of tea cozy accidents, I would have trouble looking somber and serious too.
Click here to watch the BBC blunders clip
3. Pee Protest
I wonder if the poor news reader had other thoughts on his mind. After announcing that some folks walked out over something related to pee, he corrects himself without flinching. It was quite a 007-worthy save, if not for the fact that he covered his face just at the end.
Click here to watch the pee protest clip
4. Walk-outs
Speaking of people dodging an interview, here are some classic examples of people walking away from the presenter. To his credit, I must admit that a younger looking Micheal Douglas looked immensely apologetic.
5. Behind the scenes
The real gem in this medley video is the cut scene to “James in Downing Street”. I would call it the unintentional depiction of a spoof comedy moment. All you needed, right then and there, to complete the moment was Rowan Atkinson in the studio and perhaps some thunder sound effects. I suppose it could have been worse; he might have been groping around his shirt.
6. Itchy and Scratchy Show
I spoke too soon. Here you come across Jane Hill adjusting her attire and poking around a bit whilst reporting a power cut. It's probably a technical glitch ... I meant the fact that this video was broadcast, not the groping around in an embarrassing manner.