Aftertaste

Entertaining, even if with the predictable plot, and I wait for the next episodes....A smile is all we need in those times...

Inevitably Aftertaste begs a comparison with 800 Words, the latter being a much more convincing work. Where Aftertaste really fails is its 30 min format. There are the interesting characters and situations here but it is impossible to become immersed in either because they are presented in such a rushed way. Why this was done is a mystery. There is light and dark, comedy and pathos, potential for character development not to mention an excellent cast but all is wasted on a format appropriate for frothy slapstick. Great potential but disappointing execution.

The acting is so good and that might be the problem. This show is really too toxic for me.

I ran a restaurant for a few years in NSW. Obviously, things are slack in South Australia. It appears that one can run a Michelin Star restaurant out of a domestic kitchen. No need for stainless steel benches and coving on a tiled floor. It is also acceptable to wander around the kitchen with cow dung on your boots. Apart from that, a promising story-line was spoiled by ham acting from people who should (and probably do) know better. I remember seeing Peter Carroll on stage in the one-hander "The Christian Brothers" decades ago. He is one of Australia's finest stage actors but he should not bring over-the-top staginess into a TV role. Similarly, "Easton West" is a cardboard replica of a real chef. Natalie Abbott shows her lack of experience and rushes her lines (we need subtitles). My initial enthusiasm for this series dropped each week. It suffers from poor direction and a script that must have been written by a 15 year-old.

Aftertaste is a good fun, well acted and well written comedy. Did not know what to expect, but was hooked from the start. Hopefully there will be another series. Enjoy the ride!