Macquarie Network ::: 2GB | 2CH | LIVENEWS | STREET CORNER | RUGBYLEAGUELIVE | WHAT CAREER | AMAZING AUSTRALIANS :::
Tuesday, 02 December 2008

'Muppets' make Border Security: Bowler

19/08/2008 9:32:00 AM.  | AAP

The success of Seven's TV show Border Security is due to the plethora of ignoramuses attempting to illegally board planes, according to its narrator Grant Bowler.

The program about what happens behind the scenes at airport immigration, quarantine and customs returns for a sixth series after the Olympics and Bowler is confident about its future.

"As long as there are muppets in the world with a passport there will be Border Security - it's as simple as that," Bowler said.

"Because there's nothing better than sitting at home and going: 'No, you're not going to, no you did, how could you, how did you think that would work'."

Bowler, who's been with the program from the beginning, says he's been told by officials that Australians have become more alert thanks to the show.

"'Cause they've all seen the show and they go 'mustn't do that'," he said.

"(But) generally, incoming travellers ... still do the same thing."

The first episode of the new season, to air on August 25, features Californian surfer Rusty who is suspected of importing drugs.

He is cleared but ends up being rushed to hospital for overdosing on muscle relaxants and is refused entry to Australia for failing to disclose his criminal record.

Customs also uncover 50 jars of tablets containing 4kg of pseudoephedrine, not the herbal remedy they were made out to be.

Over the years the show's producers and crew have built relationships with quarantine, customs and immigration staff and can now get better stories than ever, says Bowler.

But he says he still can't believe the show got off the ground in the first place.

"That many agencies that are concerned with protecting privacy and security to all kind of go 'yeah, ok' was a shock to everybody," Bowler said, adding that officials are still quite protective of people's individual privacy and rights.

"Nobody thought the show would ever get made, that everybody would agree and go, yeah, you can do that."

Border is one of the highest ratings shows on TV - each episode regularly pulls in more than 1.5 million viewers.

Bowler is not surprised.

"Before Border Security came along you never knew what happened in all those rooms," he said.

"You'd never been inside the mail centre, you'd never seen how they checked cargo when it came in.

"So I think part of its fascination is with that, it's a place where you're not allowed to go for a really good reason, and you'll never be allowed to go."

YOUR SAY




 


 

500 characters maximum. 500 characters left.


 

* Required field

 
Register to receive daily news and sports details

YOUR SAY

Looks like Julie's sister got in first with a shovel.Boy what a smack!!!!!!!!!... Lance Freestone, on Duel of the Jules! Gillard and Bishop get catty

Well done Kevin.Keep that downward pressure on interest rates coming.Australians just love your lower petrol prices and interest rates.Always knew Howard was a liar .Libs... Lance Freestone, on Another big rate cut tipped for Tuesday

Didn't this Liberal admit that she chased her sister with an axe when younger? Now she's an old battle-axe but still no more refined. Maybe... Beyond Ajoke, Voterland on Duel of the Jules! Gillard and Bishop get catty

Very edifying Bolts to see Bishop motioning like a cat.Good stuff ! Thats the way you want to see the potential deputy PM react to... Lance Freestone, on Duel of the Jules! Gillard and Bishop get catty

Never underestimate the stupidity of the electorate !... J Youngster, Sydney on Even Gillard would beat Turnbull: poll