Urban gets urban and into the faces, hearts and minds of Aussie civilians and combatants.
It's quite a time capsule, particularly as we approach 30 years since the show first aired. Always interesting to see changes in familiar landmarks and streetscapes. People don't change so much in 30 years, with teens still recognisable as such, just without the e-scooter or head-to-phone posture!
It's also a rich vein of nostalgia for car enthusiasts, as there's often something in the background you'll rarely see today, if ever.
The first series is arguably the best, as people are clueless to Urban's motives and intentions. A common question you'll hear is "who are you?" or "what station is this?". This caught people off-guard, and while not truly candid in most cases, they had less time to formulate a set narrative.
As time went on, the show and Andrew Urban became better known. It got to the point that people (mostly kids) would ham it up for the camera, with older people more willing to talk, given they'd seen the show on TV and knew it to be legitimate.
Not suggesting Osher Günsberg was quizzed as part of a future showreel, but it's often the case that friends and family might encourage you into showbiz after seeing your poise on TV. At the time, he gave his birth name (Andrew) and it was a later series, should you be seeking it. I'd say 1996 or 1998.
Notable people?
1994's series one is memorable for a philosophical Greek deli merchant who was studying astrology. He was spot-on in his belief of the rise in computing and its profound affect on humanity. Just perhaps not in the way he envisaged.
Most chilling, however, was his forecast for a major cultural shift for Australia from February 15, 1996. Less than a month after that date, (2 March 1996) Australia had the first of several right-wing Coalition governments.
This review would be incomplete without special mention of the Indigenous busker man with the Babel fish tongue. At least five languages, all very passable.
Currently being re-run on SBS Australia, with some episodes available to view on the SBS Youtube channel.
