the_venetian
Joined Jul 2020
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Reviews33
the_venetian's rating
I will check out the next episode, not least because I tend to like seeing things shot in Australia.
But I have to wonder why some creators seem to feel the need for "weird" in every series. The lead character, Mack, has a nasty back story and a problematic current situation, an absent mother -- whom I fear will not be absent long, and who will add to the "weird" already contributed by the "volunteer police person."
The single best thing about this for me was the reference to Inspector Mooney, to whom Mack referred as "Jack." That's OUR Inspector Mooney, from the original Death in Paradise, and it holds out a little hope that Ardal O'Hanlon may make a cameo or even guest appearance at some point. The postcard on his desk that said "Visit Saint Marie" was another nice touch.
But this was a rather clunky debut, with too much time spent on telling us Mackenzie Clark, including that she is "brilliant." As a result the other cop regulars-to-be got very short shrift, especially Catherine McClements, whom I suspect is going to be criminally underused.
Let's hope it sharpens up -- a cop show in Australia always has potential, as does a Thorogood spin-off, but there have been too many first-rate Australian cop shows for one to coast on his reputation. This one will have to raise its game.
But I have to wonder why some creators seem to feel the need for "weird" in every series. The lead character, Mack, has a nasty back story and a problematic current situation, an absent mother -- whom I fear will not be absent long, and who will add to the "weird" already contributed by the "volunteer police person."
The single best thing about this for me was the reference to Inspector Mooney, to whom Mack referred as "Jack." That's OUR Inspector Mooney, from the original Death in Paradise, and it holds out a little hope that Ardal O'Hanlon may make a cameo or even guest appearance at some point. The postcard on his desk that said "Visit Saint Marie" was another nice touch.
But this was a rather clunky debut, with too much time spent on telling us Mackenzie Clark, including that she is "brilliant." As a result the other cop regulars-to-be got very short shrift, especially Catherine McClements, whom I suspect is going to be criminally underused.
Let's hope it sharpens up -- a cop show in Australia always has potential, as does a Thorogood spin-off, but there have been too many first-rate Australian cop shows for one to coast on his reputation. This one will have to raise its game.
I also found this on YouTube -- I had not heard of it before.
It is quite compelling watching -- sinister and chilling without any melodramatics to it. It is done, as many British dramas of the time were, without incidental music, which adds verisimilitude to the drama -- I particularly remember this from The Sandbaggers, one of the best spy series I ever watched.
The leading actors are all very good, from a young Anthony Valentine to the mature Michael Aldridge.
I began to see where it was leading before it got there, but that did not diminish the eeriness of the society that was being painted. Made in 1973, this series forecasts much of what has happened since as people have accepted the reduction of their freedoms in the name of security.
A salutary tale, well worth watching for its dramatic story and for its prescience. Recommended.
It is quite compelling watching -- sinister and chilling without any melodramatics to it. It is done, as many British dramas of the time were, without incidental music, which adds verisimilitude to the drama -- I particularly remember this from The Sandbaggers, one of the best spy series I ever watched.
The leading actors are all very good, from a young Anthony Valentine to the mature Michael Aldridge.
I began to see where it was leading before it got there, but that did not diminish the eeriness of the society that was being painted. Made in 1973, this series forecasts much of what has happened since as people have accepted the reduction of their freedoms in the name of security.
A salutary tale, well worth watching for its dramatic story and for its prescience. Recommended.