"Outrageous Fortune" (2005)TV series

Creators:

James Griffin
Rachel Lang

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Release Date:

June 2005 (New Zealand)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Plot Keywords:

Gang | Alcohol Abuse | Police | Dysfunctional Family | Crime

Awards:

6 nominations

Cast

Robyn Malcolm	...	Cheryl West (55 episodes, 2005-2008)
Antony Starr	...	Van West / ... (55 episodes, 2005-2008)
Antonia Prebble	...	Loretta West (55 episodes, 2005-2008)
Frank Whitten	...	'Grandpa' Ted West (55 episodes, 2005-2008)
Siobhan Marshall	...	Pascalle West (54 episodes, 2005-2008)
Tammy Davis	...	Munter (49 episodes, 2005-2008)
Kirk Torrance	...	Detective Sergeant Wayne Judd / ... (48 episodes, 2005-2008)
Nicole Whippy	...	Kasey (39 episodes, 2005-2008)
Grant Bowler	...	Wolfgang West / ... (36 episodes, 2005-2008)
David Fane	...	Falani (24 episodes, 2005-2008)
Brian Sergent	...	Eric (23 episodes, 2005-2007)
Roz Turnbull	...	Rochelle / ... (23 episodes, 2005-2008)

Runtime:

New Zealand:60 min

Country:

New Zealand

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Australia:M (some episodes) | Australia:MA (some episodes)

Filming Locations:

Auckland Central Business District, Auckland, New Zealand

Company:

South Pacific Pictures

Goofs:

Continuity: In series 1, 2 and 3 - there are many vehicles used by the actors for many story lines. In all of the first 3 seasons, several vehicles have been used with the same plate number BKW906. Series one - the blue Mazda that Loretta steals from the teachers car park at her speech evening. Series two - Again the plates were used on a blue Mazda, although this car belonged the Wests family friend Filane in series 2. In this series the plates were also used on Jethros lime green Holden - and in one episode the plates on this vehicle change from BKW906 in one scene to different plates several scenes later. Series three - In the episode where Van is befriended by Aaron Spiller and is out on the prowl to steal and 'chop' cars, the grey Mitsubishi Galant that them and Filane battle with to steal when it is hooked up to the tow truck, later having its rear axle ripped off with the tug of war also displays the plates BKW906. Again to series one - Cheryls Marroon Holden displays the plates ACTXXX....and in the subsequent series always displays the plates BSE177. Note - from series one and two the number plates on Vans Nissan Skyline change also. The only vehicles that remain with the same plates through out all series are Munters Mazda Bongo Van, Pascalles Nissan TRX and Wayne Judds four wheel drive.

Quotes:

Munter: Yeah, it was float like a butterfly, sting like a wasp.
Eric: Bee.
Munter: What?
Eric: Nah, the saying goes 'float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.'
Munter: How do you know how it goes? I only just made it up.

Movie Connections:

Remade as "Honest" (2008)

New and Refreshing Kiwi Programme

The Actors are recycled, but don't let that put you off! Robyn Malcom plays a great Cheryl West, she has certainly moved on and upwards from her days as nurse Ellen Crozier on Shortland Street. Malcom certainly does justice to the character the creator wanted to portray. Rachel Lang first came up with the idea after discovering the daunting income statistics in New Zealand. Malcom's character Cheryl is a fine example of many women in New Zealand - she is the glue that holds the family together, however her family often under-estimate her abilities and importance in the everyday family unit. Grant Bowler who appeared in 'Always Greener' adds to the shows hilarity providing a Male typecast-the New Zealand Bloke. Wolfgang 'Wolf' West only wants the best for his family, even if following the West way of life may not be the best way of life. The biggest surprise in the show has to be Antonia Prebble who plays Loretta West, a rebellious 15 year old. Although 21, Prebble manages to pull off the baby West. Clever, witty and motivated - so long as there is something in it for her.

The story lines may not be completely original (ahem *clears throat* think Desperate Housewives), but rest assured, it all has a nice little Kiwi twist, not to mention the endless one liners that will leave you thinking "Is this really a New Zealand show?"

Outrages fortune has a 'trailer trash' feel to it which guarantees some non-PC humour, however don't be blanketed by this cover, there is a moral in there somewhere, after all it is a comedy/drama.