58 reviews
I wanted to add a review from someone who doesn't live in New Zealand or the southern hemisphere. I thought this show was very good, lots of twists in the plot which kept me guessing throughout. It came together for me just before the guilty person confessed and I think that is due to the writing not because I was slow! There was definitely a lot of connections to to various characters that made them a good suspect for the murder. I know nothing about Maori beliefs but from a
spectator's viewpoint it came together and seemed plausible. I thought all of the actors were believable in their roles and I liked the unanswered questions at the end because that leaves it wide open for season 2. So I look forward to another season of trying to solving "who done it?"
Thoroughly enjoy this show. It was a departure from what I've seen recently. Kept me guessing until the end. Not sure why there are so many haters. I did not find it slow, boring or confusing.
- rayberny-30677
- May 14, 2021
- Permalink
It's disappointing there's no second season announced (pandemic pause or insufficient interest?) as I'm not quite sure what just happened at the end of the 6th and final episode of season 1. I enjoyed the ride so much, however, I'm not going to nit pick over not having all the questions answered.
I actually enjoyed how little time the series spent on explanation. We are inserted into events and situations pretty much just as the lead character is and we're left with the same confusion he is. I like the important hint from one of the characters near the end about the final surprising scene: "It isn't always what you think."
I actually enjoyed how little time the series spent on explanation. We are inserted into events and situations pretty much just as the lead character is and we're left with the same confusion he is. I like the important hint from one of the characters near the end about the final surprising scene: "It isn't always what you think."
I really tried hard to get very enthusiastic about this show because it has some great redeeming features but ultimately it is let down by some torturous plot lines.
So the good: as an expat Kiwi who has been to Queenstown a lot, One Lane Bridge is a very faithful re-creation of life for the small established elite of this world famous alpine tourist resort town almost to the point that only NZ audiences would understand. The breathtaking scenery is a given and makes for an incredible backdrop. Life on legacy South Island high country sheep stations has become difficult as these operations are asset rich and cash poor and the ever present Chinese or foreign cash buyer is a common occurrence.
Also faithfully detailed is the hard drinking, rugby-centric, rugged outdoors lifestyle of the locals and the hard to watch homophobic incident is a demonstration of how mores from a bygone era live on in small town NZ. It is always nice to hear the full suite of kiwi slang, the accent and traditions on display (e.g. Deer and rabbit shooting). The acting across the board was solid and believable.
Having a young Maori (Cook Islander in this instance) cop come down from Auckland fitting in with very white Central Otago locals gives a good window into racial integration issues in modern NZ. What was less appealing was weaving into regular policing some Maori spiritual practices that neither did justice to how they are actually done nor to modern NZ policing. It led to a series of hard to comprehend flashbacks and the manner in which Detective Ariki Davis (Dominic Ona-Ariki) actually used his spiritual powers overlayed the whole purpose of the series (trying to determine the killer of local farmer Andrew 'Grub' Ryder - Dean O'Gorman) with surreal and awkward plot lines.
That said, it's always great to New Zealand scenery and culture on display.
So the good: as an expat Kiwi who has been to Queenstown a lot, One Lane Bridge is a very faithful re-creation of life for the small established elite of this world famous alpine tourist resort town almost to the point that only NZ audiences would understand. The breathtaking scenery is a given and makes for an incredible backdrop. Life on legacy South Island high country sheep stations has become difficult as these operations are asset rich and cash poor and the ever present Chinese or foreign cash buyer is a common occurrence.
Also faithfully detailed is the hard drinking, rugby-centric, rugged outdoors lifestyle of the locals and the hard to watch homophobic incident is a demonstration of how mores from a bygone era live on in small town NZ. It is always nice to hear the full suite of kiwi slang, the accent and traditions on display (e.g. Deer and rabbit shooting). The acting across the board was solid and believable.
Having a young Maori (Cook Islander in this instance) cop come down from Auckland fitting in with very white Central Otago locals gives a good window into racial integration issues in modern NZ. What was less appealing was weaving into regular policing some Maori spiritual practices that neither did justice to how they are actually done nor to modern NZ policing. It led to a series of hard to comprehend flashbacks and the manner in which Detective Ariki Davis (Dominic Ona-Ariki) actually used his spiritual powers overlayed the whole purpose of the series (trying to determine the killer of local farmer Andrew 'Grub' Ryder - Dean O'Gorman) with surreal and awkward plot lines.
That said, it's always great to New Zealand scenery and culture on display.
The show was a bit confusing I am all for cliffhangers at the end of a series, but this just left questions with only a few answers and doesn't really seem to tie up anything. The characters aren't that likely either. Hope the next season clears things up. The filming location was beautiful and the acting well done.
- levinehn-83483
- May 8, 2021
- Permalink
This is a great series, just 2 episodes in and I'm hooked. This series unwinds at a good immersive pace and has a supernatural element to it.
Scenery is amazing, I want to live there :) You may recognize a few actors, all of them very good.
Scenery is amazing, I want to live there :) You may recognize a few actors, all of them very good.
This is series is rather slow paced, and I think that it could have been just as interesting. If it had been one or two episodes shorter. The acting is good, as is the plot. There's not a lot of violence and I would say that it is for the most part, family friendly. Obviously it is not for really young children because it is a murder mystery after all. I would watch a second season if they decided to produce one.
I really enjoyed this,loved the Queenstown setting,the portrayal of the old guard and their lives in this almost idylic part of NZ.
I liked the storyline, some original moments, strong twisty who done it plot.
It you enjoy NZ movies, this is worth a snuggle up ,on a cold night time slot.
The acting was fine, a truthful portrayal of some issues,showing NZ people also need to involve themselves in upping their game.
Such as the homophobic and the prickling answer to the question, 'but where are you from'...actually that is a very valid and intelligent question.Especially in New Zealand.not all brown people are Maori, To just assume that ,to me is a racist thought process.
who would have picked the Cook Island Maori heritage. ....
Our Pacifica peoples all have their own rich culture, different to native Maori.
- tictactotiki
- Jun 27, 2020
- Permalink
Why give an officer a gift that at every opportunity can speak about it, encouraged to speak about his gift but no not until the 6th episode does he say anything. No speaking up to clear his blanks, missing times, etc. Ya cause I want my co-workers to think I'm crazy, lazy, rude and a poor officer.
The seer who sees random sequences to help misdirect us. I think I know who the killer is but will wait until the end to find out. Same person I thought it was in the first couple minutes of the show?
The seer who sees random sequences to help misdirect us. I think I know who the killer is but will wait until the end to find out. Same person I thought it was in the first couple minutes of the show?
I am a kiwi and I find in general what we produce is a mixed bag but this show is undoubtedly top shelf. I love a good psychological thriller and this is show keeps you on the edge of your seat. The fantasy element adds a twist to your usual crime drama and the combo of quality writing, great actors and camerawork, as well as suspenseful soundtrack has me hanging on every moment.
This is just one audience members view. I understand there has been mixed reviews but I honestly think that's largely down to personal preference. If you love a good thriller or crime drama, this is the show for you.
This is just one audience members view. I understand there has been mixed reviews but I honestly think that's largely down to personal preference. If you love a good thriller or crime drama, this is the show for you.
- katyk-34074
- Aug 23, 2021
- Permalink
... going in you know ghosts are going to be a very big part of the story line-production... they are, and first two seasons more of an annoyance than the third... characters-acting-locations keep interest up in making it through all three seasons, sixteen episodes to date... one critic writing... "an engrossing, evocative, supernatural-tinged detective drama, a Kiwi answer to Sandi-Noir complete with terrific performances from a well-assembled-ensemble"
... 'Next-Episode' still showing it as a 'returning-series'... we'll need wait-see if that's going to remain true... since it did become slightly more of interest in S3, will probably stick with it should a season 4 come about... and-as Acorn TV really does not have a lot of 'new' content.
... 'Next-Episode' still showing it as a 'returning-series'... we'll need wait-see if that's going to remain true... since it did become slightly more of interest in S3, will probably stick with it should a season 4 come about... and-as Acorn TV really does not have a lot of 'new' content.
- yahaira-729-694701
- Dec 29, 2022
- Permalink
An interesting story with a flair of the paranormal - just enough. I hope there is a second season. There are a LOT more story lines to play with!! Plus the scenery is amazing!!
- blaireharms
- Apr 22, 2021
- Permalink
I went in to this series with absurdly low expectations but ended up pleasantly surprised by season 1.
The cast felt reasonably organic in their respective roles and interactions. If it's possible for a crime drama to simultaneously have a mellow & laid back vibe, this managed it. That's an odd thing to say, I know, but it's weirdly chill yet it kept me engaged.
There were some plot holes, but perhaps the benefit of low expectations and not being fully engrossed was that it felt easy for me to overlook a lot of it.
For all the complaints that series 1 was too slow, I was far happier with series 1 than I am with series 2. Series 2 has managed to bring out everything I've despised about tv after 2019.
Series 2 introduces us to an obnoxious gang of Planet Panic protesters. Because god knows we don't see enough of these people on the news or have our days interrupted by them in real life, we now have to see their terrible hair, ugly clothes, and sociopathic eyes shrieking through our entertainment as well. Sigh.
In all seriousness, the bridge and Ariki's visions are the most compelling thing about series 2 thus far. He's an interesting character and I have invested in him.
The girl, Rosa, is unfortunately ruining this show for me. She's one of those characters that I find myself wishing ends up dead sooner rather than later solely so I don't have to watch her nonsense anymore.
This may just be me but I've felt as though so many new shows are floundering as they attempt to feature people's pet issues. It seems like it's almost impossible to find a show that is largely for true entertainment. Sure, have 1 episode that has an 'issue' theme, but I feel burned out by politics, complaining, and the weirdly meta way in which tv has started to feel like an extension of social media.
I will update this review once I finish the series. Overall, there's promise and Ariki is a character I enjoy watching develop. He seems to have layers beyond what we see on screen and that is quite refreshing. I just hope the rest of it won't overshadow him because he's truly why I keep coming back.
The cast felt reasonably organic in their respective roles and interactions. If it's possible for a crime drama to simultaneously have a mellow & laid back vibe, this managed it. That's an odd thing to say, I know, but it's weirdly chill yet it kept me engaged.
There were some plot holes, but perhaps the benefit of low expectations and not being fully engrossed was that it felt easy for me to overlook a lot of it.
For all the complaints that series 1 was too slow, I was far happier with series 1 than I am with series 2. Series 2 has managed to bring out everything I've despised about tv after 2019.
Series 2 introduces us to an obnoxious gang of Planet Panic protesters. Because god knows we don't see enough of these people on the news or have our days interrupted by them in real life, we now have to see their terrible hair, ugly clothes, and sociopathic eyes shrieking through our entertainment as well. Sigh.
In all seriousness, the bridge and Ariki's visions are the most compelling thing about series 2 thus far. He's an interesting character and I have invested in him.
The girl, Rosa, is unfortunately ruining this show for me. She's one of those characters that I find myself wishing ends up dead sooner rather than later solely so I don't have to watch her nonsense anymore.
This may just be me but I've felt as though so many new shows are floundering as they attempt to feature people's pet issues. It seems like it's almost impossible to find a show that is largely for true entertainment. Sure, have 1 episode that has an 'issue' theme, but I feel burned out by politics, complaining, and the weirdly meta way in which tv has started to feel like an extension of social media.
I will update this review once I finish the series. Overall, there's promise and Ariki is a character I enjoy watching develop. He seems to have layers beyond what we see on screen and that is quite refreshing. I just hope the rest of it won't overshadow him because he's truly why I keep coming back.
I agree with previous reviews that it starts slowly but this can be forgiven for the beautiful scenery plus the quality of the production. Well worth watching.
Opened with promise. Then the story started wandering and asking more and more unanswerable questions. Not even that spectacular scenery can make up for a limp, garbled story. Throw in all the psychic and mysterious and empty pieces, but it just doesn't work. You get where you don't care about any of the people, the story makes no sense but you've invested enough time to slog it out to the end. To see "who done it". Thankfully there are no more than the 6 episodes. This dog is definitely a time waster. Started out so well...
- sterhill-1
- May 12, 2021
- Permalink
Super gripping and had me guessing until the last episode. Some reviews have said that the homophobia and racism discussed in the show are unrealistic, but I disagree. The show confronts a lot of taboo subjects while not making them the main focus. Definitely worth watching and my fingers are crossed that a second season is made soon!!
- jacintahopkins
- Jun 7, 2020
- Permalink
The premise underlying season 2 is not realistic. The concept that a group is planning to 'drain the river' a major river near Queenstown and is likely to get consent is pretty stupid. There is absolutely no way this would be allowed or even considered under NZ law. To give you an idea of how far off the mark this idea is one of the most recent decisions around water use for a major river took 10 years of hearings and the decision was that water could only be taken off the river in times of high flow and the consent was granted with about 200 conditions to protect the environment. It is extremely difficult to get consent, there are lots of conditions and the river flow and habitat has to be protected. If you overlook the fact that the writers haven't done their research on this idea then its quite an interesting drama.
- martine0315
- May 2, 2021
- Permalink
A classic character development story line (think List season 1) for the first three episodes then the supernatural kicks in, slowly at first but progressivly until get totally hooked on a really well written TV drama. (love the fact that half the cast came from the The Almighty Johnsons cast)
- stevenjstewart-66139
- May 26, 2020
- Permalink
Set against the majestic beauty of Queenstown I had high hopes for this... a veritable who's who of NZ actors most who have done time on Shortland St and been in various other Australasian productions... but here they are lifeless cardboard cut-outs within a ridiculous story line dressed up with psychic shtick... witness Joel Tobeck in the brilliant Tangle to see what he can do.. here he is limited to angry reactions and a range of pained quizzical faces... there is a lot of shouting, swearing, repressed and not so repressed anger ... everyone makes irrational decisions constantly... not worth investing your time in I'm afraid viewer :-(
- CreatureFromTheBlackLagoon
- Aug 21, 2021
- Permalink