Comedic Duo's Holiday Special Falls Flat, Critics Say

Israeli comedians Yael Poliakoff and Ilan Feld, known for their sharp satirical work, returned to television with a holiday special titled "Better We Stay Together" that has been met with disappointment. The duo, celebrated for their ability to distill grotesque and petty Israeli traits into absurd yet insightful comedy, were expected to deliver their signature biting social commentary.

However, the special, which aired Tuesday on Reshet, featured the pair performing songs intended to unite the nation, set to familiar tunes with lyrics adapted to the current Israeli reality and the High Holidays. While there were nods to their previous successful shows like "Achad Ha'am 1" and "Achad Ha'am 101," the overall feeling was described as an "in-house" company fun day, where the performers seemed to enjoy themselves but failed to connect with the home audience.

The review noted that the "Better We Stay Together" special felt like a series of disconnected songs with unfocused lyrics, linked by tired transitional segments. One segment referencing Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai's subway project was deemed too pointed and likely to be censored. A single, well-produced rap song at the end, reportedly funded by Huldai, was praised for its execution but criticized for its message, which deviated from the duo's usual sophisticated parody.

The critic acknowledged that some viewers might find hidden satire in the special, but argued that based on the duo's past successes, this particular offering felt lacking. The unique strength of Poliakoff and Feld has historically been their ability to zoom out, view reality from an absurd perspective, and reflect it back to the audience in a way that elicits laughter. The reviewer felt this connection was lost in the special, despite the performers' good intentions to boost national morale.

While the duo remains a significant part of Israeli folklore, slang, and comedy, the reviewer concluded that for this specific special, their usual private language and ability to create a community around their work did not translate effectively, suggesting that perhaps "it would have been better if they hadn't."