"House Gang" (1996) TV series 1996-1998

User Rating:

(awaiting 5 votes)

Directors:

Phillip Gordon
Mandy Smith

Writers:

Viki Dunn (writer)
Gaby Mason (writer)

Seasons:

1 | 2

Release Date:

1996 (Australia)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Plot:

When Mike, a bankrupt landlord, and his adolescent daughter Chloe suddenly find themselves homeless...

Plot Keywords:

Community | Love | Human Relationship | Friendship | Roommate

Cast

Ruth Cromer	...	Belinda (10 episodes, 1996-1998)
Jocelyn Rosen	...	Chloe (10 episodes, 1996-1998)
Saxon Graham	...	Trev (10 episodes, 1996-1998)
Chris Greenwood	...	Robert (10 episodes, 1996-1998)
Chris Haywood	...	Mike (10 episodes, 1996-1998)
Jeanette Cronin	...	Jack (5 episodes, 1996)
Lynda Gibson	...	Julie (5 episodes, 1998)
Tracie Sammut	...	Donna (5 episodes, 1998)

Runtime:

25 min (12 episodes)

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Australia

Company:

Accessible Arts Inc.

Landmark of Australian Television

Although the storylines are quite unfunny and cheesy, House Gang is memorable for it's casting of actors with disabilities (Downs Syndrome to be precise). It was very pleasing to see young Tracie Sammut return to television after consecutive success on the critically acclaimed series, "G.P.". Newcomers, Ruth Cromer and Saxon Graham round out the great cast.

The show originally evolved around a small independent halfway house/safe haven for folks with disabilities (Trev, Belinda and Robert) for a lesbian biker. The place is turned upside down when broke landlord (with a bad rep with the interns) Mike and bratty daughter Chloe show up, demanding refuge. The first season dealt with issues such as friendship, relationship problems and alcohol abuse. The second season marked the departure of Jack, and arrival of neighbour Julie and Donna (friend of Belinda). Relationships between Donna & Trev, Mike & Julie evolved and the series ended on quite a highpoint.

The performances were fantastic, especially from Downs Syndrome affected stars Tracie Sammut, Ruth Cromer and Saxon Graham. It was nice to see that the writers treated them like normal, everyday people of society (as is expected) and didn't use their disabilities for cheap laughs or use them against the characters.

SBS never aired any more episodes however. This is most likely due to the low ratings (being on the same time as South Park), and the BADDDD writing. But, it will be remembered.

Season 1 episodes are still available for order on VHS, I believe.