The Dutch broadcasting system is made up out of a lot of different broadcasting companies, similar to various political parties. Each one has it's own target audience, most of whom originated out of different religious beliefs. As such, the progressive VPRO and the strictly Christian EO are each others polar opposites. So what did the VPRO do when they had 10 minutes to spare before signing over to the EO once every four weeks back in 1974? They gave those precious minutes to the people who made the hit Top of the Pops parody 'Van Oekel's Discohoek' and let them do whatever they wanted.
This footnote in the Van Oekel legacy had long been forgotten, being nothing more than five one-reel episodes that involved a bit of swearing, some nudity, a couple of stabs at the EO (mostly in the form of fake reverend Ds. Bongers) and at times incomprehensible comedy. They were also ten minute adverts for the upcoming Discohoek as well as nice little extras for Van Oekel fans waiting for the next monthly installment. Indeed, the first two episodes have been wiped from existence, but the other three can now be found amongst the extra features on the Discohoek boxed set (number 7 in the series 'Wim T. Schippers' Televisiepraktijken').
From these we learn that episode two was centered around some kind of speech (lost to the ages as it turned out). Episode three involved a rather nonsensical competition in which the viewer had to count all the times Sjef van Oekel uttered one of his trademark words 'Reeds'. This turns out to be a missing piece of the puzzle for long time Discohoek fans who had been wondering why Van Oekel is announcing prizewinners during the Carnaval episode (episode 10) which was the next in line. Episode four appears to be a parody of satirical program that feature smart-alec panels such as 'That's life'. While the fifth and last installment plays out as a prologue to the final episode of the Discohoek, in which we catch our first glimpse of Fred Haché conniving with the AVRO (another broadcasting rival) to take over the show while Sjef gets into a car accident accompanied by a stark naked lady friend. This unknown lady, 'Susanna' remains uncredited (as does everyone in this programme) but also appears with her clothes on in Schipper's Herodotus adaption 'Volk en Vaderland'. Unfortunately, her real name is not mentioned there either. The entire last sequence of this Oekel Special was repeated at the start of the Discohoek season (and series) finale, albeit with slightly re-dubbed dialog.
Having watched the entire 'Wim T. on DVD' collection, this reviewer must conclude that Van Oekel's Discohoek remains one of the most enjoyable productions, combining great seventies music with silly, often groundbreaking humor. These three remaining 'Specials' are a welcome addition to the Oekel discography and fill in some of the aforementioned blanks as well as providing us with laughs and a new take on some scenes. Reeds.
9 out of 10
This footnote in the Van Oekel legacy had long been forgotten, being nothing more than five one-reel episodes that involved a bit of swearing, some nudity, a couple of stabs at the EO (mostly in the form of fake reverend Ds. Bongers) and at times incomprehensible comedy. They were also ten minute adverts for the upcoming Discohoek as well as nice little extras for Van Oekel fans waiting for the next monthly installment. Indeed, the first two episodes have been wiped from existence, but the other three can now be found amongst the extra features on the Discohoek boxed set (number 7 in the series 'Wim T. Schippers' Televisiepraktijken').
From these we learn that episode two was centered around some kind of speech (lost to the ages as it turned out). Episode three involved a rather nonsensical competition in which the viewer had to count all the times Sjef van Oekel uttered one of his trademark words 'Reeds'. This turns out to be a missing piece of the puzzle for long time Discohoek fans who had been wondering why Van Oekel is announcing prizewinners during the Carnaval episode (episode 10) which was the next in line. Episode four appears to be a parody of satirical program that feature smart-alec panels such as 'That's life'. While the fifth and last installment plays out as a prologue to the final episode of the Discohoek, in which we catch our first glimpse of Fred Haché conniving with the AVRO (another broadcasting rival) to take over the show while Sjef gets into a car accident accompanied by a stark naked lady friend. This unknown lady, 'Susanna' remains uncredited (as does everyone in this programme) but also appears with her clothes on in Schipper's Herodotus adaption 'Volk en Vaderland'. Unfortunately, her real name is not mentioned there either. The entire last sequence of this Oekel Special was repeated at the start of the Discohoek season (and series) finale, albeit with slightly re-dubbed dialog.
Having watched the entire 'Wim T. on DVD' collection, this reviewer must conclude that Van Oekel's Discohoek remains one of the most enjoyable productions, combining great seventies music with silly, often groundbreaking humor. These three remaining 'Specials' are a welcome addition to the Oekel discography and fill in some of the aforementioned blanks as well as providing us with laughs and a new take on some scenes. Reeds.
9 out of 10