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TV Review: Two Jews on a Cruise

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Last year, Paddy Wivell made A Hasidic Guide to Love, Marriage and Finding a Bride which was accused by many in Stamford Hill of fundamentally misrepresenting the community. Now, Wivell is back with the sequel, which takes two of the "characters" from the previous documentary, Gaby and Tikwah Lock, and follows them on a Mediterranean cruise. This time there is no misrepresentation - the show does exactly what it says on the tin. Wivell strikes up a jokey, tender relationship with this profoundly eccentric couple as they embark on their first proper holiday since they were married 40 years ago.

Gaby, a teacher, is funny, maddening, and occasionally downright insulting. Tikwah puts up with his foibles but not without kvetching. However entertaining the couple, it is clear that the key to this documentary being shown at prime-time is the glimpse into (to outsiders) the weird world of the Orthodox. Wivell clearly has the trust of the Locks, but it is hard to escape the feeling that there is something faintly exploitative about the programme.

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