I rarely really enjoy pilot episodes of shows. The writers are always so concerned with trying to chuck as much information at you - and "set the scene" - as possible, rather than just creating a good episode of television. On that note, I thought Tricky Business held up quite well. I grew up watching Farscape so I'm a Gigi Edgley fan - though she certainly is not Chiana here. I'm also quite fond of Antony Starr due to his wonderful work in Outrageous Fortune. What I'm trying to say is, I was predisposed to like the show, but I still felt in spite of my bias that it met my expectations very soundly.
I like the way Edgley's character is being crafted, with a clear contrast between the way she is perceived by those around her, and her reality. I think the "family business" is an interesting one. I have never really seen this kind of work portrayed in television before - though they do seem to stumble quite luckily on many of their marks.
Starr's character, obviously designed to construct the 'love triangle' is the most interesting though and again, there is a contrast between perception and reality - though this one is external, not internal. Rick, the current boyfriend seems much more mature and together and safer, but perhaps below the surface, a 12-year-old's messy bedroom waits.
I have enjoyed the show so far and look forward to seeing where they take it. It is certainly more enjoyable than that Channel 7 Packed to the Rafters nonsense that makes me what stab my eyes out with a blunt knife. Undoubtedly there are going to be many viewers (particularly Australian ones) that will immediately dismiss this show, partly because of that tall-poppy-syndrome that so many Aussies seem to suffer from, and also because most Australians have become so used to American television that nothing else quite hits the heart. Well, if you're one of those people, leave your predispositions at the door and give it a crack!
