I shouldn’t moan. With between 6 and 7 million viewers per episode a few complaints are inevitable. You can’t please all of the people all of the time, somebody once said. Possibly Josef Fritzl, I can’t remember. Anyway, one of my favourite complaints of late is as follows (including response and subsequent reply). Enjoy.
—–Original Message—–
From: XXXXX XXXX [mailto:xxxxxxxxxx@btinternet.com]
Sent: 03 October 2009 14:07
To: ITV Viewer Services
Cc:
Subject: Benidorm
I wish to register a complaint about the disgusting choice of language
used in last nights Benidorm show. I’m not referring to general
swearing as that’s a given these days on television unfortunately, but
what in my opinion was completely unacceptable was the reference to
Retard and Spakka. I which to register a formal complaint and the
process required to bring this to the attention of your regulator.
I look forward to your response within the next 7 days.
Regards
Xxxxx Xxxx
Dear Mr Xxxx
Following your email received here in Viewer Services, we have obtained the following response from the Producer of the series:-
We are sorry that you found the language offensive in episode one of series three of Benidorm.
We’ve worked hard to minimise the amount of bad language used in the third series of Benidorm but we do have to be truthful to our characters and the language we believe they would use. We feel that the use of the words ‘retard’ and ‘spakka’ are consistent with the character of Brandy and the type of comment she would make.
But again we are sorry for any offence caused. Our aim with the series is purely to amuse the audience and certainly no offence was intended.
I hope the above clarifies the situation and thank you for taking the time to contact us here at ITV.
Regards
XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX
Reply:
From: Xxxx Xxxx
[mailto: xxxxxxxxx@btinternet.com]
Sent: 20 October 2009 21:22
To: Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx
Subject: Re: Benidorm
Thank you for the response which I appreciate. Despite my comments its still a great series / programme and the classic line of the “Doves” last week with Mel was fantastic.
Regards
Xxxxx Xxxx
