Bay of Fires

It's so great to see the magnificence of western Tassie in this dark and quirky new series. And that's before the story even gets started!

Setting the audience up with all sorts of curious plot and sub plots, I'm looking forward to seeing how this series unfurls. I think if I was to watch the show a few times, I might discover new things every time. Jam packed with content and some great one liners.

A terrific collection of Australian actors too with a clear investment in local talent. This above anything else is to be commended. And thanks for making it feel very Tasmanian too...

Roll on Episode 2!

Loved the first episode. Unexpected twists and turns left me wanting more, much more. An eclectic group of small town characters promise to develop in ways we can only speculate about for the moment. Hints of corporate corruption and serious criminal activity dangle tantalisingly for future episodes. Small town Australia (specifically Tasmania), has never looked so dark, compelling, feral, terrifying and intriguing as the tightly written script unfolds. The central character played by Marta Dusseldorp shows believable emotion as her seemingly cosy corporate world is upended in an instant...the feeling of being on a runaway train to an uncertain and dangerous future prevails. Can't wait for episode two.

Bay of Fires is a fresh take on the dramedy genre with moments of high tension as well as witty dialogue that leaves your stomach sore. Marta gives an incredible performance as the hapless Anika as she attempts to navigate family, moving house and murderous Russians. The rest of the cast look promising in their various roles as the quirky townsfolk of this curious town. Most notably Stephen Curry as the hilariously anxious real estate agent. The Tasmanian landscape is showcased in all its raw glory which, alongside the cinematography, makes for a beautiful watch. The first episode does well as an establisher, leaving many questions for the audience to keep them hanging on for episode two. I for one am excited to see what happens next.

Wow! These reviews are extremely harsh for what this is supposed to be?

1 reviewer went as far as to tell you how bad the show is in its entirety, and how he hopes they fix it in S02. I suppose this means he wont be watching the other 7 episodes of S01? LOL!

S01E01 of Bay of Fires is just a pilot episode created to evaluate the series' potential for success, and serves as the guiding force for elements such as tone, primary characters, and overarching narrative. Read the other reviews for plot/byline.

For a "pilot," its not as bad as its being made out to be. I was entertained. Granted, this episode was far from the level of Fargo, Ozark, or Shitt's Creek. However, it does have a looming darkness to it that is reminiscent of Ozark, quirky odd characters we know little to nothing about that we'll get to know as we go just like Fargo, and then of course there's the over the top totally cheesy humor like that of Shitt's Creek. Personally, I think that was a perfect description for the show. Yes. There is a lot of different things going on all at once, with little to no explanation, raising questions and leaving you, the viewer, wondering what exactly is going on. But, its all the different things going on mixed with the mysterious characters and the not exactly knowing what is going on or why that keeps you watching. Yes. I too, questioned some of the main characters choices, but I think it was intentional to set the tone of the character; Naïve, spoiled, dependent, and stubborn. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to E02.

I was really looking forward to this series but when I found out it was filmed in Queenstown, the other side of Tasmania from the actual Bay of Fires (look it up, nothing to do with fires), it dulled my appetite a bit. The first episode was watchable despite the obvious plot flaws, and I made it half-way through the second episode before I started fading fast. Painting the locals as scheming, inhospitable but colourful characters seems lazy and hackneyed, and a tad too Americana for my taste. Adding the obvious potential love interest - the only rational person in town - is one-dimensional and clunky, and the dodgy real estate agent is too cliched for words. With all that talent, couldn't the series have been more original and tighter? It's a no from me. I'm gratified that the Apple Isle is attracting more filming activity, and the Tasmanian scenery is often touted as the real star of anything filmed in my home state but it needs support.