Firstly, this show stands on its own. It's a light family drama. It centers on midwife Grace and her returned adopted daughter, Sophia, whom Grace had given up at birth. That's the central relationship, IMHO. Graces mom, played by vet Sigrid Thornton, is more a supporting character but all the dynamics are key at some point, and important.
But this is Grace's show; she's the anchor & it's about her growth & relationship with her daughter, mom, colleagues, and HOPEFULLY, (hint, hint, creators) Kirk. At first I thought this was going to be Nina Proudman 2.0. But it's not. Grace is more serious, grounded, together, and grown-up. Offspring was WAY more comedy than drama, and not just Nina. This is not that. They have a similar vibe only in that they involve a lovely charismatic blonde woman, who happens to be an ob-gyn medical professional. They both attract the dishiest men too. I'll leave that there. That's it.
Grace Creswell is a character you root for IMMEDIATELY and want to get to know. The writing and acting are stellar and all the characters have great chemistry; not just the romantic dynamics. Sophia and Grace really seem like mother and daughter, as do Grace and HER mom. The mark of a great story and great writing is that you immediately care about the characters and what happens to them and want more.
This show is that and more. I hate to go comparing again but I was madly in love with Ooffspring until this show came along that was my favorite show EVER. Grace has surpassed it already and we're only on episode six season one.
Please SEASON 2!!
Random thought: Kate Jenkinson played the messed up girlfriend on The last season of Doctor Doctor. It's a testament to her great acting skills that she's almost unrecognizable from that role. Not physically but her persona.
Lastly and apropos of nothing: as an American I've always wondered why on earth do Australians use the word "to" when it's grammatically incorrect? E.g. "fell pregnant to her boyfriend". It's pregnant BY her boyfriend. Or: "Amazing Grace is a different show to Offspring". It's a different show THAN Offspring. Lol my Australian friend was just watching me type & we were discussing that and now it's a full-blown argument :-)
Edit: agree totally with the reviewer who said: The downside is the absolute disgraceful rudeness of Sophia. In the last episode (7) she was downright abusive to Grace, and this was seen BY ALL ADULTS IN THE ROOM as understandable & forgivable. Not a single person opened the mouth to say stop that or "apologize". Graces mom would've been the person to do that at the very least. I fear the 4/18 reviewer is correct when he says this is the new reality; where somehow adults are now slaves to repulsive teens. I'm still keeping the A+ but the extreme unlikability of the daughter is rapidly worsening. I hope the writers address this if there's a second season. Still:
Amazing Grace: A+ HIGHLY recommend.
