The Commons

My first ever review. As with any 8 plus episode storyline it gives you time to get to know the charachters but also find yourself screaming out why do that or that wouldn't happen so as with many shows you have to sometimes suspend belief etc.to try and enjoy the show. It's plot is somewhat akin to the religious setting of the dystopian world in A Handmaids Tale, but in this tale it's more of an environmentally sensitive, pharmatech, political storyline but with similar outcomes , lives ruined, rich getting richer or not caring about those less fortunate than themselves, the main protagonist getting all and sundry to do their bidding without a care for the impact it may have on their lives and the odd twist you may not have seen coming. When all is said and done it won't be everyone's cup of tea but in our house we hope that they bring out a second series to bring the story line to a conclusion, no doubt if they do they will turn everything on it's head. Solid cast, not much more I can say. Nice to see Rupert Penry Jones again, haven't seen him since Spooks. I suppose I should also give a nod to all our Antipodean cousins as this story is probably too close for comfort at this particular point in time. Wishing you all of our thoughts and prayers at thsi particularly challenging time.

If you like a slow burn (no insensitive pun intended) and want to look at what Australia might look like in the future after our scorching 2020 apocalyptic summer, then this is for you. Though this isn't about bushfires specifically, this is a post climate change driven saga that is pretty realistic - in a pretty scary way. Excellent character driven narrative around families, relationships, parenting, financial and racial divides, corruption, climate change, climate refugees, PTSD and traumas from just being alive as its all going down. One might think the writers had a crystal ball - it's pretty spot on and so well timed given that our entire continent is burning and that climate change is no longer some abstract futuristic theory, but something we are now living through, even in our cities. An enjoyable watch, some might find boring, possibly all the people that have reviewed this show thinking it's Lisa Macwhatsherface in the lead role (spoiler: it's not, and yes that British accent is real) - but this show really delivers in the last few episodes in season one. It's in your face about many subjects we like to shun - if you are after a non thought provoking, non challenging easy view, go watch something else, this is not for you. Touching a lot on the effects the changing climate has on young people and their narratives and responses around that, I found this helpful as a parent. Great all round production, futuristic but realistic visual, A1 cast portraying depth-full honest and challenging characters. If you liked Aussie drama Love my way, you will like this. A lot.

Obviously very timely subject matter and more so if you're an Aussie. Performances are pretty solid and script, thank god, isn't trite like The Gloaming. It could be set anywhere in the world and doesn't try to whip in cliched Australian themes and language. I found a few moments gripping and at least one "challenge you not to cry if you're feeling hormonal" scene. Overall - very good.

Yes the storyline was full of gaps and contradictions, and the acting tended toward the overly dramatic at most times. But it was overall enjoyable to watch. This series is not so much about the 'future' as it is about our current times and it was satisfying to see the climate debate played out on the screen. The idea of following a character for 8 episodes while she is trying to have a baby didn't sound like something I'd enjoy but put into context it's about the debate on whether we should even be bringing children into the world, given the impact they will have on the environment and how our current planetary degradation is affecting them mentally. I wouldn't say the writers were entirely fearless in their views but they did well. I'd watch a second season.

Glad to see a Sci-Fi show that is not afraid of science or exploring moral dilemmas. I like all the little subtle references to the various consequences of climate change. This is intelligent viewing although not for those who like constant action.