Halifax: Retribution

Like others, I had high hopes. Unfortunately, the first two episodes (before I bailed) are short on dialogue and long on very bad music. Rebecca Gibney deserves a better vehicle.

Okay, looks like I'm the odd one out on this, but other than the ridiculous music tracks I thought it was really, really good. I wonder if it has anything to do with not being an Aussie (I'm in US) or a matter of personal preference? I found it compelling, other than an annoying mother/daughter relationship- I wanted the daughter to get her act together and stop being a pouting, slouching child. Hint: She's not a child, old enough to hang out at bars and such.

And the music. Way, way overdone, like a music video instead of background or theme music. Either it got better or I got used to after the first couple of episodes.

I liked trying to figure out who was being targeted and why. How it compares to a real investigation didn't matter so much as the mystery our psychiatrist is trying to solve.

I was expecting something better. Some of the acting performances were shockers, in particular Anthony LaPaglia. I have admired his past work but he was way off in this one, he will have to pull one out of the hat to gain any praise from me again. The plot was too far fetched, scriptwriters struggling to keep viewer entertained. Also very little research went into keeping things looking real. Overall I still give it a 7 as it's my favourite genre, I must watch anything RG is in and I recorded it and will watch it again in a year or so.

Really! The same actors wheeled out to allegedly produce 'drama' Australia can produce far better than this contrived rubbish. Its almost embarrassing to watch so do yourselves a favour and watch anything else.

I'll start by saying I like Rebecca Gibney. She's a capable actress I've seen in more than a few Australian drama's.

"Halifax: Retribution" offers her the opportunity to hand in yet another strong performance. Its a by the numbers crime drama that works well enough. It offer's up decent doses of excitement, intrigue and a somewhat predictable twist, that should keep the viewer coming back for more.

What I was not so impressed by, was the pro establishment boot polishing. Painting those who opposed the Five Eyes and surveillance state, as unstable and murderous. Most activists are peaceful and the Five Eyes alliance is, not unreasonably, the subject of very legitimate criticism. As is any surveillance state, in general.

For me, this rather obvious pitch for "keep you safe, sticky beaking" detracted from this series and I'm voting it down because of it.

In summary, competently done with a strong cast. That said as I seem to find myself saying a lot these days I come to entertainment to be entertained. I don't need or want possible political messages or social engineering in the mix.

5/10.