aussiekiwitvlover Reviews

Offspring (2010–2017)

A quirky, loveable dramedy

[8/10 · 16 November 2023]

'Offspring' is a loveable Australian series with a great blend of drama and comedy and a strong ensemble cast. Offspring was hugely popular in Australia upon airing, especially due to the nation's love of main character Nina Proudman, played by the award winning Asher Keddie.

The show centres on Nina, an unlucky in love obstectrician, living in Melbourne, and her life balancing her career, romances and fabulously messy family relationships. Offspring has a strong identity and feel, including quirky flashback and fantasy scenes, music, wacky opening titles, trendy fashion (Nina has been called the Carrie Bradshaw of Australia for her ability to inspire the public to buy her looks) and utilised the street art look and historic buildings of Fitzroy in Melbourne.

The first season was a little slow, but by Season 2 it felt like the show knew what it was and carried on strongly until Season 5. The stars, especially Asher and Kat Stewart, who played Nina's sister Billie, were brilliant at balancing the lighter humour of the show with the sad, emotional scenes, especially in Season 4-5. Offspring went on a two year hiatus after Season 5 and then returned for a 6th and 7th season. Personally I think Season 6-7 were unnecessary and the Season 5 finale tied up the show beautifully.

Enjoy, grab some comfort food and maybe a few tissues and bingewatch one of Australia's most loved shows!

Janet King (2014–2017)

A gripping legal drama/thriller

[8/10 · 14 October 2023]

I was drawn to 'Janet King' after watching Marta Dusseldorp's performance in 'Jack Irish' and also 'A Place To Call Home'. I saw Janet King before its predecessor, 'Crownies' and have reviewed that title as well.

Janet King is a well written, tightly controlled, gripping legal drama thriller with 3 seasons focusing on different cases. Marta is excellent as Janet, portraying the confident, gutsy crown prosecutor and high profile figure, while also nailing the vulnerable side of the character. The supporting cast all do a fantastic job and it is great to see the development of the characters from Crownies, now all more experienced, confident and with greater work ethics in their roles. These characters appear at different points during the three seasons.

Season 1 was particularly excellent, with twists and turns, a fast pace and brilliant performances from all involved. Season 2 was also well written and acted. Unfortunately Season 3 was a bit of a let down compared to the high intensity of the other seasons. If it wasn't for this, I would've probably rated this show 9/10.

There are many familiar Australian actors and actresses in this show, particularly who have popped up from time to time in 'McLeod's Daughters'. The pace and intensity of Janet King makes you want to come back for more. A very bingeworthy watch!

Crownies (2011)

The start of a superb saga

[7/10 · 14 October 2023]

'Crownies' is an Australian legal drama mainly centering on five young solicitors who juggle difficult cases alongside their love lives and friendships.

Crownies is the first introduction to the characters that later appear in 3 seasons of 'Janet King', a spin off more along the genre of legal thriller. However I did see the shows out of order, watching Janet King first, and found that watching it this way didn't effect the story too much, but it did offer a chance to reflect on how far the characters develop from the start of their careers in Crownies, compared to as they gain experience and confidence in Janet King.

Crownies flips in tone from light hearted banter, emphasis on the character's love lives and then difficult cases that tug at the heartstrings. Despite this unevenness in tone, the characters are all intriguing and viewers will likely connect with one, if not all of them. For me, I found the scenes between a hapless Richard and Judge Walker particularly entertaining, along with the bromance between Ben and Richard and the tight friendships between Lina and Erin and Tatum and Richard.

While definitely in a different realm to its successor, Crownies does start off weak, but builds in drama and sustenance over the course of the season. Don't write this show off, it sets up things nicely for Janet King.

Wanted (2016–2018)

Female fugitives shine in scenic surroundings

[7/10 · 23 September 2023]

'Wanted' is an Australian crime drama that centers around two different woman who witness a terrifying ordeal and must go on the run in order to survive.

Rebecca Gibney is fierce as the troubled Lola, a checkout chick with a violent past. This is no Julie Rafter! Geraldine Hakewill does a solid job at portraying the vulnerable Chelsea, a seemingly naive accountant. Both actresses complement each other well and a friendship and mother-daughter relationship develops between them throughout the series.

Season 1 showcases the beauty of Queensland, Australia, Season 2 is set in Thailand and the South Island of New Zealand and Season 3 displays South Australia's beauty. These diverse landscapes and the portrayal of the 'journey' of the characters is part of the main appeal of the show. The crime side of the show is solid, but sometimes things are a little too neat; a getaway van will just be sitting right where the girls need it. For viewers who get frustrated by little details, this may annoy you.

Regardless, Wanted is a binge worthy series, with an empowering soundtrack, strong performances from the lead stars and shows strong women in a role we don't usually see them, fighting the baddies.

Educators (2019– )

A hilarious school of misfits

[7/10 · 25 July 2023]

'Educators' is a hilarious comedy that centers around Saint Macleod's College in New Zealand.

Before watching this show I was wary that it may be unfunny and a complete mess, as it is an unscripted series. However I was proven wrong and strongly believe that the unscripted nature of the show truly lets the actors shine. They are all brilliantly cast in their roles, with their mannerisms, choice of phrasing and fashion all typical to the stereotypes of the teachers that they play. In other words, the characters are all believable.

Jackie van Beek and Rick Donald particularly shine as big presence characters, Robyn Duffy, a career advice and guidance counsellor with unorthodox teaching methods and mad and mean PE teacher Vinnie Thompson. They are joined by a principal that lacks authority over the school, a whimsical drama teacher, a woodwork teacher trying to get into the dating game, an entertaining receptionist, quiet biology teacher and unusual relief teacher with multiple identities. Many recognizable comedians guest star in the show adding their bewilderment at the chaos around them. At this school the teachers have their lives less 'together' than the students.

I enjoyed each episode, with a few in particular standing out and binge watched this series in a short time. The episodes of earlier seasons are about 15 minutes and around 22 minutes in length for season 3. Educators is a brilliantly funny New Zealand comedy series and I'm so hoping there will be a 4th season.

Rescue Special Ops (2009–2011)

An action packed drama

[7/10 · 20 July 2023]

'Rescue Special Ops' is an Australian drama series, that centers around a Sydney based Special Operations rescue unit who are trained paramedics, abseil off buildings and consistently find themselves in high risk situations to help save their patients.

The team features a core unit of characters throughout the duration of the series. Dean Gallagher is the unit team leader and his team consists of his brother Chase, love interest Lara and friends Heidi and Jordan. Peter Phelps' character Vince and Libby Tanner's Michelle are in management positions and often assist from the office, however they sometimes also visit the site of the emergencies. Over the course of the series a few other characters also join the group.

Rescue is relatively fast paced with each episode centering on a different location and story often involving secrets that have lead to the accidents. The stunt work is well done and the special effects are relatively believable. However some viewers will find frustration at some situations that seem a little too neat, or resolved 'just in time'. I also found that the characters were a bit undeveloped and inconsistent and throughout the course of the three seasons I felt like I didn't learn that much about who they really were.

Overall, Rescue is an enjoyable and at times edge of your seat watch. It has encouraged me to watch more shows of a similar genre. Throughout the action there are moments of friendship, romance and multiple locations showcasing the beauty of New South Wales. An interesting watch.

House Husbands (2012–2017)

A solid family drama with a great group of characters

[7/10 · 18 June 2023]

'House Husbands' is an Australian drama set in Melbourne, revolving around four families where the men are the main caregivers of their children.

Justin, Mark, Lewis and Kane all have children attending Nepean South Primary school. These dads connect over their love of their children and the school. Over the course of the five seasons, the dads get involved in everything from a school quiz night, talent quests, spelling bees, building a school petting zoo and running the school canteen. The child actors all do a great job in their roles and the endless activities at the school allow occasions for the dads and their extended family to hang out and discuss everything from issues with their children, relationships and careers. This series also has several laugh out loud moments.

While the four 'house husbands' are the heart of the show, the supporting characters like the partners, wives and extended family of the male leads all do an excellent job in complementing each other. There is an easy chemistry between the cast making the dynamics of friends and family believable. 'House Husbands' is a solid Australian drama with a great sense of camaraderie, and is a great addition to your viewing list!

Personally I took a little while to connect with this series and enjoy it to a bingeworthy level. By the third season I felt connected to the characters and the drama increased to a level that continued throughout the remainder of the series. A heartwarming watch.

Wonderland (2013–2015)

A sunny Sydney series with some fresh ideas

[7/10 · 8 June 2023]

'Wonderland' is a romantic comedy drama set in the seaside suburb of Coogee Beach in Sydney. Specifically, the series centers on the residents of an apartment block, Wonderland, which is a stone's throw from the beach.

'Wonderland' commences with the wedding of two of the main characters, Steve and Dani. Married couple and fellow apartment dwellers Rob and Collette, Dani's friend Grace, Steve's mates Tom and Carlos and returning sister Miranda all attend the wedding. However as Tom's girlfriend causes a scene, Tom's mates decide enough is enough. They have to put a stop to Tom's embarrassing track record with his female flat mates. Tom agrees that he will not sleep with a female flat mate for the next year. If he does he loses his beloved heritage car. The series follows the apartment dwellers in their personal and professional lives, particularly that of Tom as he starts to fall for Miranda, his new flat mate and the sister of his best mate.

The opening titles for the show are innovative and follow alongside a catchy tune song, the chemistry between the group is believable and the addition of regular FAT (Food Appreciation Time) nights where the friends hold a cooking competition and critique each others dishes at a dinner party (where no phones are allowed) all set the series apart from other dramas it is often compared with. However while the first season holds promise for the show to develop and offer a strong alternative to both 'Offspring' and 'The Secret Life of Us', 'Wonderland' never quite takes off or tackles storylines with as much depth as these predecessors.

However 'Wonderland' is still an easy watching, light hearted series with a distinct summery feel and plenty to please the eye. The location of Coogee Beach certainly felt utilized and central to the show.

Winners & Losers (2011–2016)

A Melbourne based drama full of fun and friendship

[8/10 · 8 June 2023]

'Winners and Losers' is an enjoyable, heartwarming series based around four friends who were dubbed the 'losers' at high school.

The series picks up 10 years after four women finished school in the suburbs of Melbourne. Although their lives have lead them in different directions, the women are all stopped in their tracks with the prospect of returning to the school for their 10 year high school reunion. However when the friends reunite they feel empowered, walk out of their school reunion, party, talk all night and then buy a lotto ticket the next morning. The first episode finishes with the girls winning the lottery, ensuring their lives are tied to each other for the foreseeable future.

The four lead female characters Jenny, Bec, Francis and Sophie are very different women, but the friendship between them is so believable thanks to the real life friendships of the actresses. The supporting male characters add romantic and comedic aspects to the storyline. The friendship group develops as family secrets are revealed and each season progresses as the girls mature.

Another hit by Bevan Lee (Packed to the Rafters, A Place To Call Home), 'Winners and Losers' illustrates the energy of the city of Melbourne, with numerous scenes being filmed at cafes, restaurants, bars and botanical gardens. This show certainly feels like a lot of fun because of the social nature of the friends and their extended families and the eye-catching fashion!

Step Dave (2014–2015)

A perfect blend of Kiwi drama and comedy

[8/10 · 23 May 2023]

Don't let its two season run put you off, 'Step Dave' is definitely one of the best drama series to have come out of New Zealand!

'Step Dave' centres on Dave, a 24 year old barman who sleeps around and loves to party. He is a down to earth kiwi bloke. Cara is a 39 year old single mother of three, who owns her own business and tries to resist her sister's attempts to set her up on dates.

A chance meeting leads to the collision of two very different worlds and a night of bonding during a three hour wait at an A&E clinic. Dave and Cara find that they can't stop thinking about each other and meet up again, only to discover that they have a 15 year age gap. Their relationship surely couldn't work, could it?

Step Dave is a lighthearted romantic comedy with a perfect range of supporting characters. The series is well written and an enjoyable watch and it is interesting to see the development of not only Dave and Cara as their relationship progresses but also of their friends and family. A highly recommended watch.

Halifax: Retribution (2020)

A gripping crime drama

[7/10 · 23 May 2023]

Having not seen the original telemovies, 'Halifax Retribution' was my first taste of the character of Jane Halifax and her involvement in comprehending crimes.

'Halifax Retribution' focusses on a sniper who is terrorizing the city of Melbourne. He targets his victims from tall buildings and then flees the scene. It is up to Jane Halifax, to piece together who is using this sniper, why they are doing it and understand the pattern in the victims that are targeted.

This series is wonderfully shot, with frequent use of aerial cinematography to amplify the scale of the situation that sends Melbourne quaking in its boots and highlight the beauty of the city. Rebecca Gibney delivers a strong performance as Jane Halifax, with flashbacks useful for new viewers to understand some of the trauma she experienced on the job in the past. Claudia Karvan was particularly excellent playing a narcistic character, different to some of her usual roles.

Personally I preferred the earlier episodes and like the use of music in some scenes to add emotional impact. There were some parts of the story that could have gone a different way and had more twists and turns. A gripping, binge worthy watch for a rainy day.

800 Words (2015–2018)

A delightful New Zealand drama

[7/10 · 22 May 2023]

800 Words is an Australian New Zealand co-production showcasing the beauty and ruggedness of the New Zealand coastline and a quirky small town.

800 Words centres on the Turner family comprising of father George Turner and his two teenage children Shay and Arlo. The family is struggling after the death of Laura Turner, George's wife and the mother to his children. On a whim and to escape the now painful memories of his life in Sydney, George buys a house in the small, coastal New Zealand town of Weld. His children reluctantly join him but their arrival in Weld results in the discovery that George has bought the wrong house, not the mansion on the hill that he stayed in as a child, but rather an unfinished bach. More disasters ensue and the eccentric members of the community make George realise that maybe he has made the biggest mistake of his life.

The performances from the main cast are very strong, but it is perhaps the wide range of supporting characters that make this show such a delight. The town of Weld has its own quirks and feels like a believable community, with a local boat club where drinks and stories are shared, a book club, a cricket match attended by almost the whole town and frequent gatherings on the beach with family, friends and fun times.

I particularly enjoyed Season 2, which was set largely during the New Zealand summer. In this season I felt the characters come more alive and the storylines strengthened. I did feel that Season 3 Part 2 had a slight difference in tone and some repetitive storylines which may be a reason behind some declining ratings. Nevertheless this is an enjoyable, bingeworthy drama that will make you want to move to a small New Zealand beachy town if you haven't already!

Back to the Rafters (2021)

A mixed return to the Rafter world

[6/10 · 22 May 2023]

I have recently re-watched both 'Packed to the Rafters' and 'Back to the Rafters'. While not a disaster of a return to the world of the Rafter characters, this sequel lacks the charm of the original series.

It has been 6 years since Dave, Julie and Ruby Rafter were seen driving off in their family kombi and after a few years of travelling, they have settled in the peaceful country town of Buradeena. Dave is enjoying country life, becoming close mates with his apprentice electrician and finding himself more at peace with himself than ever before. Julie has made friends and has a job at the local cafe, but yearns for her old bustling life in the city. On a visit to Sydney to visit her ailing father Ted, connect with her children Ben and Nathan who are each facing their own personal issues and visits to see Donna at the Boat Club and to her favourite restaurant Shanghai Express, Julie decides she wants to move back. Dave resists her decision. He is determined to stay put. The conflict of should-I-stay-or-should-I-go for Julie and the impacts on her marriage to Dave is the biggest continuing storyline of this sequel, with the challenges in Rachel, Ben and Nathan's lives also explored.

Some viewers will be disappointed in the lack of connection of the story to the last episode of Packed to the Rafters. While we see a flashback of the last scene of Packed to the Rafters when Dave, Julie and Ruby leave their beloved family home, no mention of characters that were part of the final goodbye in Season 6 of Packed to the Rafters were mentioned (Coby and Frankie, Emma, Buzz and Jackson, Eleanor, Matt, Sammy). The nicely tied up ends of Packed to the Rafters and ideas that were hinted at (like the reconciliation of Sammy and Nathan) were undone through this sequel. It was also unusual to witness the Rafter family in a large, quiet family home when the concept of a lively, small, packed to the rafters home was central to what the original show was about. However it was a nice detail to include Dave and Julie showing Ruby where they used to live. As a whol, Back to the Rafters is not a bad show and there were glimpses of the style of the original series, without the same impact of the character narrations. It is hard to return to the same format that proved such a success several years ago, with a change of setting, society and a change in some cast members and it showed in this sequel series.

Packed to the Rafters (2008–2013)

One of Australia's finest dramas ever!

[8/10 · 22 May 2023]

'Packed to the Rafters' is a relatively light, well written family drama that won a slew of awards during its time on air, and rated highly in Australia across its six season run.

The show begins the day before the 25th wedding anniversary of its two main characters, Dave and Julie Rafter, who married and had children very young and have been living in their small suburban home throughout their married life. Their last remaining child at home has decided he is going to move out and Dave and Julie are looking forward to being empty nesters. However a series of events lead to different family members one by one returning to the Rafter home. With all bedrooms full and only one bathroom, the house becomes packed to the rafters!

One of Australia's finest drama series, each episode of Packed to the Rafters is carefully crafted, narrated by a different character and often has an extended metaphor or motif throughout. Packed to the Rafters deals with difficult and very real issues facing members of society, all while balancing comedy and being heartwarming at the same time. The natural chemistry between the cast enhances the believability that in difficult times, this family comes together and is there for each other no matter what.

While all seasons were a joy to watch, I particularly enjoyed Season 1 as the pasts of each character was revealed through their narration and flashbacks, so we get some back story as to why they are the way they are.