The Commons

I've given 5/10 mainly because of the locations, photography and acting prowess. However, this series is slower than a pregnant asthmatic ant with heavy shopping. Shame really, good cast.

If you like a slow burn (no insensitive pun intended) and want to look at what Australia might look like in the future after our scorching 2020 apocalyptic summer, then this is for you. Though this isn't about bushfires specifically, this is a post climate change driven saga that is pretty realistic - in a pretty scary way. Excellent character driven narrative around families, relationships, parenting, financial and racial divides, corruption, climate change, climate refugees, PTSD and traumas from just being alive as its all going down. One might think the writers had a crystal ball - it's pretty spot on and so well timed given that our entire continent is burning and that climate change is no longer some abstract futuristic theory, but something we are now living through, even in our cities. An enjoyable watch, some might find boring, possibly all the people that have reviewed this show thinking it's Lisa Macwhatsherface in the lead role (spoiler: it's not, and yes that British accent is real) - but this show really delivers in the last few episodes in season one. It's in your face about many subjects we like to shun - if you are after a non thought provoking, non challenging easy view, go watch something else, this is not for you. Touching a lot on the effects the changing climate has on young people and their narratives and responses around that, I found this helpful as a parent. Great all round production, futuristic but realistic visual, A1 cast portraying depth-full honest and challenging characters. If you liked Aussie drama Love my way, you will like this. A lot.

Apparently those who thought this was boring only like films and series with little substance. There are no car chases, nudity, graphic sex, severe violence or any other insipid story lines. There is a lot of emotion with world that faces the effects of climate change, authoritarianism, capitalistic greed and it's own version of a pandemic. Couple that with the stress of a professional woman who has been unable to conceive and who witnesses first hand the result of those facing a future without hope. For those who find this boring I suggest you return to watching the mindless drivel you prefer.

Obviously very timely subject matter and more so if you're an Aussie. Performances are pretty solid and script, thank god, isn't trite like The Gloaming. It could be set anywhere in the world and doesn't try to whip in cliched Australian themes and language. I found a few moments gripping and at least one "challenge you not to cry if you're feeling hormonal" scene. Overall - very good.

Glad to see a Sci-Fi show that is not afraid of science or exploring moral dilemmas. I like all the little subtle references to the various consequences of climate change. This is intelligent viewing although not for those who like constant action.