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SABC1’s new dramedy, Makoti, uses the hurdles we put in our path to tying the knot in an attempt at creating a few laughs. Phumlani S Langa finds the show too cute to be taken seriously and it’s not even funny.
TV REVIEW Makoti
SABC1 (DStv channel 191), Wednesdays 7.30pm
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Urban Brew Studios brings us a new dramedy that involves a young couple who are preparing to wed. But they have a few issues to deal with before tying the knot.Planning the wedding is one thing but navigating the extensive requirements of the parents on either side can be the ultimate test and decent-enough tinder for some fiery content.
Lilitha and Mthokozisi, played by Thulisile Phongolo and Siphesihle Vazi, hold down the leading roles backed by a legendary support unit. They have Tina Jaxa as Lilitha’s mother and Mike Mvelase (Khaphela from the old Generations) as Mthoko’s father and Makhosazana Ndlovu as his mother.She might have the meatiest role as she wants nothing more than to derail this union and, after a few episodes, you may even start rooting for her, too.
Urban Brew gave the show a polished gloss look and feel with drone shots of downtown Joburg, which get a bit tedious after a while. Surely we could use another kind of shot to show the city?
The overacting hits you first – and it hits hard. Phongolo first graced our screens on Generations The Legacy as the troubled teen Namhla Diale. The initial months of this role might be the shimmering jewel in this actor’s catalogue which has grown quickly since then. There was a hunger in her work, it was believable to the core; even in that debut casting she came across as centred and natural.
Somehow things seem to have tapered off and I think this may be due to the roles she picks. The writing doesn’t push her or any of the other actors.
This bubbly slay-queen-like wife has very little in the way of depth in character. No disrespect, pairing that character with the field anchor from Selimathunzi puts a trench-size chink in the armour. Lilitha’s co-workers are just facades. DJ Mo is your regular Jozi f**k boy type and he shares a working space with JC, a neurotic virgin who works too hard.
After 10 minutes of the first episode, it is hard not to wish for a drive-by shooting or some cheating. It is all a bit soft and too slow to be that cute. These characters won’t leave you wondering what will happen to them in between episodes.There is a pastor, Siyabonga, and his wife who provide a little intrigue. He is invested in his church and keeps pouring their money into it which strains his marriage.
Makoti tries too hard. Diary sessions, confessionals, are cut to where two of the characters, usually lovers, share a couch and discuss the joys and challenges of their relationship.These are barely funny and if you consider shows that have made famous use of this method, you have to hit it out of the park. Those moments need to be short and punchy and do away with the on-screen banner that says “diary session”.
If they get to season two, I’d know for sure that there is certainly a higher power out there looking out for all of us. Truly.
