North Shore

I'm sorry for those who gave this low scores and gave up on it before the last episode!

Because the final episode has the most surprising twist of any crime/ murder mystery series since the first season of Broadchurch! Not as emotionally dramatic but still shocking!

There is no way - and you're right it doesn't seem to point to the fact that there even will be a twist at the end - which makes it even more amazing. It seemed like just a normal procedural, that was however to me a great story and a great bunch of characters and their relationships evolving; with the backdrop of politics! And you assume that they and us the viewers know who the killer and accessories are around halfway through the series. And probably thinking what else is there - and boy is there something else! Then even after that denouncement, the very last scenes offer up surprises!

The surprise probably meaning there could be a sequel. Let's see. As long as there is another intriguing murder!

North Shore feels like a airport novel, or perhaps the first draft for one where the plot intent of dialogue is written, but has never been fleshed out into anything sounding like real human speech. Moments that could have been lightened with humour are rushed through to get finish underlining whatever cliche the scene was putting up in neon lights.

Every plot point, every response is wooden or telegraphed; antagonisms between UK and Aussie police are set up so flatly and unreasonably that they seem unprofessional and childish.

The English leads deserve better but at least they got a paid working holiday down under.

The star of the show could have been the harbour / ocean location, but it was relegated to a side show. Joanne Froggatt is always a solid watch, but I wonder if her shot at the big time has come and gone. With the exception of the cops, the characters are largely detestable, and if I had a plot control button I would probably design their ends in a ball of flames or bottom of the shark infested harbour, even the victim (again). Anyway, the plot is easy to follow, the outcome reasonably satisfactory. It's instantly forgettable, but in the gap between Christmas and new year, it did a job - sort of.

As long as you don't expect something amazing then you have a good shot at enjoying this show. There are enough characters to keep it from getting dull. The episodes don't feel too padded with filler. The subplots are fairly interesting, and the overarching main plot is pretty good.

The best aspect of the show, though, is the cast. While they weren't always given great dialogue to work with, I did like the range of characters they displayed. They somehow made most of the plot feel realistic. I didn't fully buy into the ending reveal, but it was good enough to avoid letting down the rest of the show.

All in all, I would rank this show ahead of most new miniseries I've seen lately. This isn't Mad Men, The Wire, or Breaking Bad, but it's worth a view.

The Australian actors make the actors on Home & Away and Neighbours seem like the best actors on the planet - that's how bad it is. The British actors are good, but you can feel the cringe they are going through by working with these E grade actors. The script writing is terrible - soap level at best. I felt terrible for John Bradley and Joanne Froggatt having to try and make the best of the awful script and the cheesy acting by the Australians. Could have been great and ended up being mediocre at best. Loads of cliches. I think British actors need to seriously consider whether it's worth tarnishing their careers by acting in Australian dramas unless it's Underbelly or Wentworth quality writing and acting. I've given it 5 starts out of respect for the British actors who are undoubtedly embarrassed.