^{Have they got the BM Factor?}

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Baker McKenzie has raised the curtain on 2022 with a talent search for an "iconic duo" who can match up to its founders, Russell Baker and John McKenzie.

Guaranteed to banish the January blues, the droll video produced by the firm's Paris office begins with glimpses of employees preparing for their audition, as the competition judge narrates his mission statement.

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^{Fact check: True. Russell Baker began his career as a circus boxer, which is pretty mythic.}

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^(sp)

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^{...Worzel Gummidge?}

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^{Le Comte de Binface?}

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With the cast costumed and the stage set, France's Simon Cowell gives his verdict on the first pair of performers.

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That didn't go well, and the next act has him begging for an end.

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A Gallic tribute act prompts a flash of recognition, at least.

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But a cowboy fails to impress.

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Daft Punk can't go the distance.

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And the twins get a diplomatic response.

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It's not looking good, until Starsky and Hutch make an appearance and bring the house down.

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Russell and John would be honoured, and they'd surely be even more delighted with the marketing slogan shoehorned into the end of the video which claims that "the best duo is the duo we form with you". Steady now.

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^{Very French, although this sort of thing can lead to trouble.}

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Hats off to Bakers' Paris office for its knowing homage to bad talent shows. If your firm has filmed its own Phoenix Nights, let ROF know.