North Shore

I'm sorry for those who gave this low scores and gave up on it before the last episode!

Because the final episode has the most surprising twist of any crime/ murder mystery series since the first season of Broadchurch! Not as emotionally dramatic but still shocking!

There is no way - and you're right it doesn't seem to point to the fact that there even will be a twist at the end - which makes it even more amazing. It seemed like just a normal procedural, that was however to me a great story and a great bunch of characters and their relationships evolving; with the backdrop of politics! And you assume that they and us the viewers know who the killer and accessories are around halfway through the series. And probably thinking what else is there - and boy is there something else! Then even after that denouncement, the very last scenes offer up surprises!

The surprise probably meaning there could be a sequel. Let's see. As long as there is another intriguing murder!

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.

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.

Do people write bad reviews just to be pretentious or do they just have really peculiar, particular taste? The ratings on this site have become almost useless. Shows and movies are always either 10s or 2s. So many times i will read terrible reviews, watch it and like it. And the films critics love, I despise. I know I don't have totally horrible taste or don't have any standards.... I thought this was a completely enjoyable mini series and I hope for a second season. And I loved the cast. It had a satisfying ending, and a good twist. The series kept me engaged and I would recommend people give it a watch.

Ok I'm five episodes in so probably shouldn't be calling it.

There's a bit to like.

The actual whodunnit is mildly intriguing.

The pommy detective is head and shoulders above the rest of the cast.

The Aussie lead detective is just dreadful. Probably not completely the actors fault though. She starts out as every cliche ridden caricature you could imagine and pretty much stays there.

What really annoys me though is the lack of reality in the day to day situations. We are supposed to believe that the leader of the opposition in the middle of an election campaign has 3 hours to spend at the beck and call of some strumpet every night in one city. Then there's meant to be a big trade agreement. FFS have the writers not heard of caretaker mode?