The BEST episodes of The Checkout season 2
Every episode of The Checkout season 2, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of The Checkout season 2!
Satirical consumer affairs series presented by Julian Morrow and Craig Reucassel from The Chaser, Hungry Beast's Kirsten Drysdale and Kate Browne from CHOICE. Conditions apply. While stocks last.
#1 - Episode 6
Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired 3/27/2014
In this week's episode Craig Reucassel brings free range chickens home to roost, the Loving Pet Owner's guide to pet stress relief, and Kirsten Drysdale discovers insurance companies charging a lazy tax. EGGS When it comes to free range eggs, are we getting what we pay for? Craig Reucassel goes undercover to investigate the cagey world of egg accreditation and labelling. ACTIVE INGREDIENT: NAPISAN Napisan Vanish has changed. The lid is bigger... so you use it up more quickly. No wonder they call it Vanish. PARALLEL CONSUMERVERSE: IF RETAILERS WERE LIKE GOOGLE And you thought you just wanted a simple white shirt? LAZY TAX Watching their advertising we assume insurance companies will reward our loyalty when it comes time to renew our policies. Instead they sting us with a lazy tax. PRODUCT VS PACKSHOT: WEIGHT WATCHERS COTTAGE PIE Seeing this we might all be inspired eat less. Thanks Weight Watchers. IF I COULD SAY ONE THING: JO UCUKALO Complaining in the right way can help get you what you want, says Jo Ucukalo from handlemycomplaint.com.au. THE LOVING PET OWNER: RELAX Zoe Norton Lodge gives us a guide to keeping your pet stress free. F.U. TUBE EPISODE 6 Julian Morrow presents consumer complaints about obtaining a refund from a reluctant insurance company, Coles' "Australian made" sweet and sour chicken with 47.6% Australian water, and the real cost of in-app purchases.
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#2 - Episode 5
Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired 3/20/2014
In this week’s episode Craig phones home and turns the table on reverse charges, a cautionary tale about frequent flyer points, and how 4G affects our mobile data cap. TRICKS OF THE TRADE MAGS Kirsten Drysdale looks at how brands advertise to consumers and their decidedly more honest advertising to retailers. OM4G Australia has the fastest 4G network in the world, but Scott Abbot discovers that with 4G you hit your data cap ‘fasterest’ too. ADVENTURES IN FINE PRINT: SAMSONITE Luggage for carrying things on planes, but without a warranty that covers carrying things on planes. GRIM TALES: JACK AND THE FREQUENT FLYER POINTS Julian Morrow’s fairy tale about mystical items that trick people into taking magical adventures – frequent flyer programs. PRODUCT VS PACKSHOT: MCCAIN HEALTHY CHOICE CREAMY CHICKEN PASTA Mmm, creamy. IF I COULD SAY ONE THING: DR JEANNIE PATERSON Dr Jeannie Paterson, Associate Professor, Melbourne Law School, says not to rely on retail staff knowing what you can and can’t return. PHONE HOME Craig Reucassel (and ET) explore the potential costs of reverse charge calls (and how to avoid them). F.U. TUBE EPISODE 5 Kirsten presents viewer complaints about ‘drip pricing’ and hidden extra costs when booking a rental car online, disappearing frequent flyer points, Apple’s extended warranty ‘AppleCare’ and ‘sugar’ re-branded in McDougall’s Vegan Miso Ramen Noodle Soup list of ingredients.
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#3 - Episode 2
Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 2/27/2014
This week’s episode looks at the health claims that are 98% fact free, shows why the owner of Dove and Lynx is a market leader in corporate hypocrisy, and the guilty mum takes on toilet training. HEALTHY LABELLING Craig Reucassel scans the health claims on food packaging to find out what’s 98% fact free. PRODUCT VS PACKSHOT : JOHN WEST ATLANTIC SALMON Looks great on the outside, but what’s on the inside? AS A GUILTY MUM : TOILET TRAINING Kate Browne presents the Guilty Mum’s guide to toilet training. GLUTEN FOR PUNISHMENT Ben Jenkins reports on the price of gluten-free. SIGNS OF THE TIME Amusing signs! Thanks viewers! If you’ve got one send it to us at tipoff@thecheckout.net.au ADDED INFO : NRMA INSURANCE Experience the disclaimer. IF I COULD SAY ONE THING : JAMES ROBERTSON James Robertson from grocerycop.com.au gives some advice on saving money on your groceries. UNILEVER GIRLS Kirsten Drysdale and Zoe Norton Lodge show why the company peddling female empowerment is a real beauty. F.U. TUBE Australia’s favourite way of saying ‘F U’ with Julian Morrow taking up consumer gripes on banks, wedding suppliers and beer.
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#4 - Episode 8
Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired 4/10/2014
In this week’s episode all roads lead to roam... ing fees for mobile phone companies, online dating and scammers make a perfect match, and the loving pet owner's guide to pet fashions. TO ROAM WITH LOVE Ben Jenkins travels the world* and finds all roads lead to roam... ing fees for mobile phone companies.*Via the wonders of television. ACTIVE INGREDIENT: HY CLOR POOL & SPA PRODUCTS Apart from the price, what’s the difference between Hy Clor’s Pool and Spa care products? The word ‘spa’. THE LOVING PET OWNER: LOOKING GOOD Zoe Norton Lodge is the loving pet owner, and this week presents a guide to keeping your pet fashionable. PRODUCT VERSUS PACKSHOT: KIDS WATER TOY Mini kids? Giants? ONLINE DATING Online dating and scammers make a perfect match. COMPLAINT LETTER: L’OREAL INFINITE MASCARA According to Molly, the only thing ‘unlimited’ about L’Oreal’s mascaras are the ridiculous lengths of their marketing. PARALLEL CONSUMERVERSE: IF GARBOS WERE TECH SUPPORT What colour is your lid? IF I COULD SAY ONE THING: UWE DULLECK Professor Uwe Dulleck, Behavioural Economist, talks about credence goods (goods and services where you rely on the opinion of an expert, eg a mechanic or a doctor) and gives some tips about what to do when an expert knows more about the quality a consumer needs than the consumer does. F.U. TUBE EPISODE 8 eHarmony complaints and more from our viewers with Julian Morrow.
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#5 - Episode 3
Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 3/6/2014
On The Checkout this week: Julian Morrow looks superannuation and the quest for financial enlightenment, Kirsten Drysdale throws stones in the chlorophyll glasshouse, and Scott Abbot looks for clarity in headphones with a visit to Dr Dre. CHLOROPHYLL Looks great on the outside, but what’s on the inside? ADDED INFO : LG 4K ULTRA HD TV The Ultra HD TV for a country where TV is not broadcast in Ultra HD. LG - Largely Gimmicks. ACTIVE INGREDIENT : ALLERGAN EYE DROPS What’s the difference between Allergan Refresh Tears Plus Eye Drops and Allergan Refresh Contacts Drops for Contact Lens Wearers? Apart from bogus product differentation? When broadcast on ABC1, a graphic in this segment mistakenly said that Allergan Refresh Contacts Eye Drops cost 216% more than Allergan Refresh Tears Plus Eye Drops. They actually "only" cost 116% more and the segment has been updated to reflect that. Enjoy the clip. SUPERANNUATION FUNDS Julian Morrow looks at superannuation and the quest for financial englightenment, with the assistance of financial guru Alan Kohler. Really, it’s not as boring as you think. PRODUCT VS PACKSHOT : WEIGHT WATCHERS SWEET & SOUR CHICKEN This week, the reality of Weight Watchers chicken that really will reduce your calorie intake. If you’ve got a good product vs packshot suggestion send us photos to tipoff@thecheckout.net.au on post it on our Facebook wall. PARALLEL CONSUMERVERSE : IF NIGHTCLUBS WERE CHILDCARE CENTRES How many nights a week does your child want to party? BEATS BY DRE Scott Abbot looks for clarity in headphones with a visit to Dr Dre. Let’s get ridiculous! IF I COULD SAY ONE THING : PETER KELL, ASIC Peter Kell from ASIC explains how to find money ‘lost’ in forgotten bank accounts. SIGNS OF THE TIME Freshtastic! Thanks viewers! If you’ve got a great Sign send it to us at tipoff@thecheckout.net.au DISCLAIMER RECLAIMER : SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS The devil is in the details. This segment gi
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#6 - Episode 4
Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 3/13/2014
In this week’s episode Kirsten Drysdale asks if we’re being taken for a ride by the taxi industry, Zoe Norton Lodge untangles the mess of HDMI Cables, and is there something fishy about tuna? THE CATCH : CAMPBELL’S PEA & HAM SOUP * May contain traces of ham. ALL HAIL TAXIS Tired of waiting for a taxi? How about taxi industry reform? Join the queue. Kirsten Drysdale asks if we’re being taken for a ride by the taxi industry. SIGNS OF THE TIME This segment is not a toy! Thanks viewers! If you’ve got a great Sign send it to us at tipoff@thecheckout.net.au HDMI CABLES Is there really any difference between a cheap and an expensive HDMI cable? Zoe Norton Lodge untangles the mess of HDMI cables. FIRST WORLD PRODUCT PROBLEMS : LINT 100% free from lint. COMPLAINT LETTER : EVENT CINEMAS I thought I was spoiling mum for Mother’s Day .. but your Gold Class Cinema Package doesn’t include any cinema tickets! PRODUCT VS PACKSHOT : KFC NACHOS This week, KFC Nachos, as recommended by dozens of viewers. If you’ve got a good product vs packshot suggestion send us photos to tipoff@thecheckout.net.au on post it on our Facebook wall. VALUES FOR MONEY : TUNA Is there something fishy about Tuna? Guest reporter Kate Wild looks at some of the issues involved when deciding which brand of tuna to buy. F.U. TUBE EPISODE 4 Julian Morrow is back with more consumer gripes and solves a viewer’s mystery involving Costco Frozen Pineapple Chunks. Send us your consumer gripes, see futube.net.au for details.
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#7 - Episode 11
Season 2 - Episode 11 - Aired 6/5/2014
In this week’s episode of The Checkout: Kirsten looks at the nature of organic products, Scott takes on food labelling one star system at a time, and animal self improvement from the loving pet owner. STAR WARS Scott Abbot examines the war between food manufacturers and consumer groups over the proposed health star rating system for front of packs. PRODUCT VERSUS PACKSHOT: LEAN CUISINE SLOW COOKED BEEF CANNELLONI Honestly, these are all prepared as per packet instructions. PARALLEL CONSUMERVERSE: IF TRAINS WERE PLANES Buying a ticket can involve all sorts of hidden costs. THE LOVING PET OWNER Zoe Norton Lodge as the loving pet owner reveals how to improve your pet. ORGANICWe pay a hefty premium for “organic” foods – Kirsten Drysdale asks if extra costs are justified. IF I COULD SAY ONE THING: TOM MCDONALD Redfern Legal Centre Tenants’ Advocate Tom McDonald says to take photos of what your rental property looked like when you moved in, and when you move out. F.U. TUBE EPISODE 11 Julian Morrow looks into viewer complaints about Telstra’s StayConnected service, alcohol’s exemption from the nutrition and ingredient information rules, Red Rock Deli charging the same price for fewer chips and The Checkout ripping its own viewers off.
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#8 - Episode 9
Season 2 - Episode 9 - Aired 4/17/2014
Satirical consumer affairs show The Checkout is 13% “Easterier” than all other shows on the night before Good Friday.* In this week’s episode, gendered marketing and the equal opportunity to pay more, pet insurance gets put down and dishing the dirt on anti-bacterial cleaning products. *Also more “Christmasier” if repeated in December. GENDERED MARKETING Kirsten Drysdale and Zoe Norton Lodge examine the issue of market segmentation by gender and find we’ve all got an equal opportunity to pay more. ADDED INFO: BET 365 Why have I not joined the world’s biggest online sports betting company? Scott Abbot explains. SIGNS OF THE TIME It’s savings time this week! A CLEAN SWEEP Dishing the dirt on anti-bacterial cleaning products. THE CATCH: KIDS SAND Great for kids... and micro-organisms. PRODUCT VERSUS PACKSHOT: JOHN WEST SMOKED OYSTERS Despite what they look like, some people actually like them. IF I COULD SAY ONE THING: ADAM STANKEVICIUS Adam Stankevicius from the Consumers Health Forum says patients still have consumer rights when going to the doctor. PET INSURANCE Scott Abbot tells us what we should look out for when considering pet insurance. F.U. TUBE EPISODE 9 Frozen vegetables, BankWest and Bob Carr’s complaints in this week’s viewer complaints segment with Craig Reucassel.
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#9 - Episode 1
Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 2/20/2014
Satirical consumer affairs show The Checkout returns new and improved* and has a look at The Struth About Australian Made labelling, your consumer rights when services go bad, and how to not get ripped off when reading credit card statements. * Conditions apply. RIGHT ON : SERVICES Julian Morrow guides consumers through the Australian Consumer Law and how it can help you when a service provider doesn’t do the job properly. ACTIVE INGREDIENT : JOHNSON’S SORBOLENE What’s the difference between Johnson’s Sorbolene and Johnson’s Baby Sorbolene? Apart from the price? THE CATCH : ANACONDA ‘MOUNTAIN’ BIKES’ Anaconda Mountain Bikes. Made for Roads. THE STRUTH ABOUT AUSTRALIAN MADE Kirsten Drysdale explores country of origin labelling and finds the only thing truly Australian is our joke of a system. IF I COULD SAY ONE THING : SEAN RINTEL Sean Rintel from Electronic Frontiers Australia gives some advice on being secure online. COMPLAINT LETTER : LYNX ANTI-HANGOVER SHOWER GEL Blow away the hangover cobwebs? With a fragrance pyramid? Pete is seriously underwhelmed with you Lynx. CREDIT CARD STATEMENTS Craig Reucassel plays a game of ‘hide-and-seek’ with credit card statements and shows you how not to get ripped off. F.U. TUBE Australia’s favourite way of saying ‘F U’ returns with Julian taking up consumer gripes on Printers and Secure Parking.
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#10 - Episode 7
Season 2 - Episode 7 - Aired 4/3/2014
In this week’s episode Craig Reucassel pays the price of convenience, Kirsten Drysdale asks why serving sizes are so self serving, and water resistant watches face the judgement of the gods. THE PRICE OF CONVENIENCE Craig Reucassel investigates why we're prepared to pay more money for the same product just to save a couple of minutes. THE CATCH: WOOLWORTHS ESPRESSO GLASSES Not suitable for use with hot beverages. PRODUCT VERSUS PACKSHOT: WEIGHT WATCHERS PIZZA Not eating it will definitely help you keep the weight off. SIGNS OF THE TIME Plus receive a free gift! AS A GUILTY MUM: TEETHING The Guilty Mum's guide to popular teething remedies. SERVING SIZE ME Kirsten Drysdale gives serving size advice on food packages a massive serve. WATCH & LEARN How deep can you dive wearing a watch that's rated 30 metres water resistant? Poseidon*, Greek God of the Sea, joins the cast to investigate. * Ben Jenkins is not a Greek God, although he does play a great Poseidon. IF I COULD SAY ONE THING: DR KEN HARVEY Don’t trust the claims made by many companies who sell complementary medicines, says Medicinal Drug Policy expert Dr Ken Harvey. DISCLAIMER RECLAIMER: GIO Not all statistics are factual. F.U. TUBE EPISODE 7 An F.U. Tube airline special, presented by Kirsten Drysdale. You may experience some turbulence.
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#11 - Episode 13
Season 2 - Episode 13 - Aired 6/19/2014
FUEL FOR THOUGHT Scott Abbot looks into the premiums on premium petrol prices. THE CATCH: HALLMARK THOMAS & FRIENDS CARD A birthday card for two year olds that’s not suitable for children under three years of age. PRODUCT VERSUS PACKSHOT A special viewers’ edition of this delicious segment. AS A GUILTY MUM: FOOD CHOICE’s Kate Browne presents a guilty mum’s guide to food especially for kids. PRODUCT RECALL Julian Morrow suggests a product recall on flushable cleansing cloths... aka bottom wipes for grownups. SKIN CARE MADE SIMPLE Kirsten Drysdale and Zoe Norton Lodge decode the beauty myth – with some help from Mark Holden. IF I COULD SAY ONE THING: TIMOTHY PILGRIM Australian Privacy Commissioner Timothy Pilgrim says to take control of your privacy by asking why an organisation wants your personal information before you give it to them. F.U. TUBE Ben Jenkins presents this week’s viewer gripes on Samsung tablet’s extensive terms and conditions, super contributions being eaten up by insurance payments and losing unused credit on pre-pay phones.
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#12 - Episode 15
Season 2 - Episode 15 - Aired 7/3/2014
This week on The Checkout: why people are going ape over palm oil, Julian Morrow scans the Code for barcodes and palm reading for pooches with The Loving Pet Owner. THE GOOD OIL? Ben Jenkins on the use of palm oil in so many of our favourite products, and the threat it poses to making “apesploitation” films like Clint Eastwood’s Every Which Way But Loose in the future. THE LOVING PET OWNER Zoe Norton Lodge presents a loving pet owner’s guide to healing your pets with alternative therapies. PRODUCT VERSUS PACKSHOT VIEWERS EDITION: TÅRTÅ BLÅBÅR From Ikea. Assemble by supplying your own blueberries. SCANNING CODE Julian Morrow finds out if the Scanning Code of Practice developed in the 80s is still relevant in an age when waving phones and cards is the way to pay. SIGNS OF THE TIME Viewers send in their hilarious and nonsensical signs from shops and packaging. VALUES FOR MONEY: TOILET PAPER Kate Wild unravels the meaning of eco logos on toilet paper, with the help of an adorable puppy. IF I COULD SAY ONE THING: DAVID BERGMAN David Bergman, Australian Financial Security Authority, says that if you’ve got financial troubles you should speak to a free, government-funded and independent financial counsellor to see what choices you have. F.U. TUBE Kirsten Drysdale presents this week’s viewer complaints segment on bloatware (or pre-loaded apps) taking up precious space on new devices, the difference between a confirmed ticket and a confirmed seat for airlines, ‘lazy taxes’ from banks and Optus’ reluctance to follow through on delivering giant kittens.
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#13 - Episode 10
Season 2 - Episode 10 - Aired 5/29/2014
In this week’s episode of The Checkout: the pitfalls of the gift that doesn’t keep on giving, a fresh look at claims to “freshness” and a price check on lowest price guarantees. GIFT CARDS UNWRAPPED – Gift cards can be a very convenient option... For the giver. But Julian Morrow looks at the potential strings attached. THE CATCH: KOGAN HEART RATE MONITOR WATCH – For runners who don’t like water or sunlight. THE CONSUMER DICTIONARY: FRESH – Ben Jenkins provides a refreshing look at difference between the dictionary definition of “fresh” and how it is used in a “retail environment”. PRODUCT VERSUS PACKSHOT: INTERNATIONAL CUISINE BEEF IN RED WINE SAUCE – Is that for me or the dog? EXPRESS CHECKOUT 1 IDEA OR LESS: SWIMSUITS – The cossies you can’t wear in a pool. Or with sunscreen. LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEES – Craig Reucassel AKA Walker the Price Check Ranger cuts through the bargain jargon. IF I COULD SAY ONE THING: ROD STOWE – Rod Stowe, NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, says beware of tradies who come cold-calling at your door. COMPLAINT LETTER: BRILLIANT LIGHTING – When the warranty promoted on the outside of the box isn’t quite as brilliant as the warranty conditions included inside the box. F.U. TUBE EPISODE 10 – This week, viewer complaints on The Commonwealth Bank’s International Money Transfer fees, Dodo sales advice, Purina Scamper Mouse’s limited scampering ... and a useful tip on how The Checkout could save money by not using Craig.
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#14 - Episode 14
Season 2 - Episode 14 - Aired 6/26/2014
ELECTRICKERY CONTRACTS Craig Reucassel presents some shocking information on energy bills. ACTIVE INGREDIENT What’s up with bananas? AS A GUILTY MUM: MAKING MEMORIES CHOICE’s Kate Browne presents a guilty mum’s guide to baby memorabilia. THE CATCH: NU BALANCE OIL-FREE FOAMING ACNE WASH With... tea tree oil? FACEBOOK FRIENDS Kirsten Drysdale and Zoe Norton Lodge on the paid advertisements in your Facebook feed that your friends appear to have ‘liked’. IF I COULD SAY ONE THING: DEE MADIGAN Dee Madigan, advertising and communications consultant, says to talk to your children about how advertising works. PRODUCT VERSUS PACKSHOT: MCVITTIE’S GO AHEAD! CRISPY SLICES Where's the fruit?
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#15 - Episode 16
Season 2 - Episode 16 - Aired 7/10/2014
This week, in The Checkout Series 2’s final episode: Craig Reucassel and Julian Morrow on why financial advisors are a nightmare and Ben Jenkins’ focussed look at the cost of glasses. BUYING GLASSES ONLINE Everything you need to know about buying glasses online, explained in one take. AN END OF FINANCIAL YEAR CAROL The Abbott Government’s changes to financial advice laws get the Dickens treatment, as Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Financial Advice Past, Present and Future for an End of Financial Year Carol. EXPRESS CHECKOUT: SHAMPOO Zoë Norton Lodge takes a closer look at the science and marketing behind shampoo – for hair, that’s, well, dead. THE TOURIST TRAP Scott Abbot on the sometimes hidden costs of using cards instead of cash when travelling overseas. F.U. TUBE Kirsten Drysdale and Zoë Norton Lodge present F.U. Tube’s closing down sale, featuring viewer complaints about Budget rental cars’ loyalty program, Whiskas cat food’s downsized pouch sizes (without a similar downsize in price at the checkout) and about 20 other things said too quickly to be understood.
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#16 - Episode 12
Season 2 - Episode 12 - Aired 6/12/2014
SUPERMARKET SUPERHIGHWAY Julian Morrow on the pros and cons of buying your groceries online. PRODUCT VERSUS PACKSHOT: MUD ‘N MOUSSE This segment is a piece of cake. RENT CARDS Zoe Norton Lodge on the rent cards used by agencies to outsource the processing of rent – saving them money but often resulting in extra fees for renters. SIGNS OF THE TIME Ingredients water, rice etc THE CATCH: WOOLWORTHS HAND BLENDER & MINI CHOPPER Blend stuff... by hand. IF I COULD SAY ONE THING: DR LEE-FAY LOW Dr Lee-Fay Low, Associate Professor in Ageing and Health at the University of Sydney, says when choosing an aged care home don't confuse quality of decor with quality of care. THE LOVING PET OWNER Zoe Norton Lodge gives pet fitness products a work out. F.U. TUBE EPISODE 16 Craig Reucassel presents this week’s viewer gripes on the legality of ‘you break it, you buy it’ signs, Microsoft Xbox warranties, private label brands bumping other brands off the shelves, printer company claims that use of another provider’s ink will void the warranty, and the ABC’s squashing of program credits.
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