|
Who would have thought that a quirky story about a near-breakdown
lawyer, her two teenage kids and a beachside town full of
oddballs and eccentrics could have proved so successful across
13 almost-hour-long episodes.
The ABC must have been laughing its public-broadcaster face
off, while the commercial TV oiks must have been jealously
wondering how to do a lower-class spin-off to appeal to the
masses.
Problem for the commercialites was that the masses cottoned
on to SeaChange and, when finally served up quality
Australian writing, acting and stories, absolutely loved it
and made it a ratings winner to kill all ratings winners.
Anyway, I'm off the point.
SeaChange is now available on DVD so fans can sit
down and watch series one from "go" to "whoa"
in one sitting.
Four DVDs filled with characters such as Kevin the trailer
park manager (Kevin Harrington), the arch bounder Bob Jelly
(John Howard), the mystically aware Meredith (Jill Forster),
the astute surfie/court clerk Angus (Tom Long), the gorgeous
alternative thinker Carmen (Alice Garner), the heroine/anti-heroine
Laura (Sigrid Thornton) and, of course, Diver Dan (David Wenham).
And I reckon it's Diver who really adds that extra magic
to SeaChange. His laconic style, intellect and bitingly
funny attitude to everything gave series one an edge that
its follow-up didn't quite match.
Sigrid Thornton is fantastic as Laura and episode one shows
just what a wonderful actress she is. Who else could have
copped a hubby charged with fraud, losing out on a partnership,
squishing a cat, dealing with one awful teenage daughter,
having her son expelled from school, losing her house and
finding out her sister was sleeping with aforementioned hubby
all in one day and still somehow managing to cope with it
all.
And, actors aside, everyone who touched the series - particularly
the writers - deserves credit for their efforts. It is wickedly
funny, but every now and then throws in a serious matter to
bowl you over with.
If you need a change from the ordinary (and sometimes extremely
ordinary) fare offered up by TV - have a SeaChange
on DVD and settle in for a stunning piece of Australian comedy-drama
that will never be matched.
The Episodes
Something Rich and Strange, Full Fathom Five, A Matter of
Taste, The Official Story, The Fellowship of the Suit, One
of the Gang, Stormy Weather, My Own Sweetheart, Balls and
Friggin Good Luck, The Accidental Activist, Love Me or Leave
Me, Perchance to Dream, Sex, Death and Bridges.
Conclusion: 95%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
|
