Ocean's Deadliest
Email Print Normal font Large font Farah Farouque, Reviewer
January 29, 2007
A special presentation of the late Crocodile Hunter's final documentary.
The exuberant Steve Irwin.
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AdvertisementTypeDocumentaryChannel9DateMonday January 29Time7:30 PM
In life, the exuberant Steve Irwin was not a conspicuous sight on prime-time in Australia. His kingdom was pay TV.
His accidental death in September last year, however, served as something of a Princess Di moment for this nation. Every utterance of his family seems to now be pored over for whatever wisdoms they might offer.
Tonight, in what will doubtless prove a ratings bonanza for the Packer kingdom, on offer is a special presentation of the late Crocodile Hunter's final documentary. Irwin was apparently in the midst of preparing this series with naturalist Philippe Cousteau (grandson of Jacques) when stung by the stingray (he was actually filming a segment for another series featuring daughter Bindi on the day of his death).
No preview copy was available at the time of printing, but features of this documentary include an appearance by wife Terri providing an introduction. The film has already aired in the US, to mixed reactions. The Boston Globe noted there was nothing macabre in the program's contents but the underlying reality of Irwin's death made it feel "disconcertingly like a snuff film".
That, of course, is unlikely to dissuade most viewers in the circumstances.