After the Verdict

Not too many crime shows manage to successfully combine a gripping plot with humour - but 'After the Verdict' definitely delivers both. I'm totally addicted and can't wait to crack this one!

The story about some jury members doubting their not guilty verdict and coming to suspect the now-freed accused is interesting and almost reminds me of the film noir genre. The problem is two of the lead actors seem more like comics that can't break out of that character. Michelle Lim Davidson (Clara) acts almost like a teenager instead of a 30-something mother, regularly asking the other characters "is this ok to do?" Or, "shouldn't I feel this way?" At one point, she does a little jig in front of her Ex's shop, giving it the finger multiple times and the 'Bronx cheer," while saying she wish it would burn down (it does later that night). Really childish stuff. The young guy of the group, Lincoln Younes (Ollie) acts like a 19 year old college kid who thinks he understands everything, while bring vitally incapable at about everything. Even running a blender with no top on and spilling a shake everywhere. And the director thinks this is funny? Honestly, those two are just painful to watch. I think both need a year at RADA or the Actors Studio to learn how to act more seriously, and leave the adolescent behavior behind.

I'm giving this a 5, because it has potential. I normally I give series up to the 4th episode, before I bail on it, or continue. I had to struggle through 2 episodes. One of the main things that keep me interested, or like a show or movie, is the characters. Especially the protagonist. Unfortunately, the protagonist, Clara, has got to be one of the most annoying characters I've seen on screen. Now I don't know if it's the way the character was written, or it's Michelle Lim Davidson and her acting. She's like stand up comic (who isn't that good to begin with) who's trying too hard to act serious in a serious show. It just doesn't work for me. I just can't bring myself to watching another episode. Watching her is like listening to nails scratching a chalkboard. Every other character is ok. Even the real estate dude. His character is meant to be annoying, and the actor plays him off well. I get the correct response towards "Ollie". I don't think the Clara character is supposed to be annoying. Sometimes I think the character is supposed to be funny, but just comes off like a bad joke. And over acting. All the other characters don't trigger me. With the things going on in her life, you'd feel sorry for her. But the only thing that keeps popping into my head is, she brings it upon herself. Then plays like the victim.

It's too bad, the show has potential. Just can't get pass the Clara character. Maybe if she was played by a different actor, or the writers didn't make her so much of an insecure, lonely person, that pulls everyone into her world, without thinking how it would affect them. And then acts like she's the victim when schit happens to her. Just so that she fills that "void" in her. Could've made a character like this, but a lot less annoying.

Hopefully, others don't find her annoying like I do. If it weren't for Clara, I'd probably give this 6.5-7 (in the direction it was going).

After The Verdict is a quirky and fun Australian mystery. The investigation begins after the verdict is read. Like the British, the actor's portray their roles with amazing debt and to perfection. They are very believable. I love the protagonist played by Michelle Lim Davidson and all of the actors playing the jurors. Lincoln Younes has great one liner's. Each juror is unique. The characters are all so much fun and knee deep in the mystery of the death of a woman. From the victim's husband to the jurors, the police and the woman who was acquitted of the murder, the personalities are so much fun. I have totally enjoyed it. This is a light mystery that you watch when you want cozy and fun. I would love for it to continue with the same character's. They would be great detectives after a verdict is announced. Don't listen to anyone who gives it a bad rating. Watch past the first episode and judge for yourself. Lots to see each episode.

I really, really liked this. It was fun to watch, I cannot wait for next season.

I don't understand people who say that the characters aren't real. You either live in your private little bubble or you re too young.

Anyway it' s not a life changing show, but if you re looking for something to watch and have a good time, I really recommend this.

It is not scary, there are no violent scenes, no cursing, sometimes the lines are a bit awkward, but so is life and so are real people.

I think it's the first Australian show that I actually enjoyed Why do the reviews have to be so long? I am not a tv critic.