The FAQs about episode 1

Where exactly is New Zealand?

We're not really sure, ourselves. It's somewhere down in the vicinity of Australia. We imagine that New Zealanders are used to this kind of geographical ignorance. During episode 1, there's one reference to the boys being English and then later, Sallie says she thinks she'd prefer to date an Australian.

Is it true that one of these guys was in Lord of the Rings?

Yes. Bret McKenzie was an elf. Apparently the LOTR fans call him Figwit. We've seen pictures of Figwit and we have no idea who he is or what he did in the LOTR.

Um, which one is Bret? Why do they call him Britt?

Bret McKenzie is the one with the scruffy beard. Jemaine Clement is the one with the Elvis Costello glasses. And we understand the confusion because it sure does sound like Jemaine is saying "Brit" when he's actually saying "Bret."

Isn't the character of Mel, their one fan, a little over the top?

Not at all. We've known quite a few obsessed groupies and Kristen Schaal, the actor/stand-up comic who plays Mel, is spot on. She's scary good.

How funny is the scene in the New Zealand consulate?

Quite funny. In fact, it was laugh out loud funny but not quite rolling on the floor laughing my ass off funny. Murray, the band manager is played by Rhys Darby, a fellow Kiwi and stand-up comic, who is reprising the role he had in the Flight of the Conchords' BBC radio series.

Is life in the East Village really like that?

We have friends who live in the East Village and would say the show is taking a few liberties. Their apartment seems pretty spacious for two struggling musicians.

Will the show be a hit?

We're going to go out on a limb here and say this is a can't miss series.