North Shore

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.

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.

Likeable main actors and a few complex characters make this an easy to watch drama that otherwise is pretty mediocre.

Although the murder mystery is central to everything, it feels like just a backdrop for exploring three complicated marriages that are falling apart in slightly different ways. The three strongest actors play three of the four main characters in these marriages, and it's exactly them that make the show so watchable.

Other acting is either mediocre or pretty bad, but luckily most have relatives minor roles. Meanwhile, the setting, the mild Aussie accents, and a satisfying (if a bit obvious) ending add just enough more to make it worth a watch.

Ok so this isn't Line of Duty or the Wire but it it was much better than I was expecting due mainly to the two leads who carry it.

John Bradley seems to have mastered the smart cookie hidden behind the soft English 'buffoon' character.

Joanne Froggatt continues to show has the ability to lead. However, if I were being critical it does feel like she's being held back and not allowed to show her full range.

The one irritating aspect was her inability to maintain her 'posh' English accent. It slips every now and then revealing her northern roots.

Don't go into this expecting a breathtaking drama. Take it for what it is. A simple who done it with a great twist at the end!