The Time of Our Lives

If you look at the premise of this series - one more examination of the daily lives of a bunch of suburban characters, most of them somehow related, chronicling their triumphs and disappointments - one could be forgiven for thinking that it's just another soap. After all, the line between upmarket soap opera and quality drama can be confusingly thin at times.

For mine, this definitely falls into the latter category. It's true that the story lines fall into the usual run of spousal tensions, generational issues, affairs, blended families and how the kids are affected, with associated logistical problems. But then, that's life, innit? You don't need to be in a train-wreck to have at least one phase of your life that resembles one.

The trick in making such well-worn stories worth watching anew is in providing moments of genuine drama, with authentic emotional reactions and dialogue that rings true for each character, with sufficient nuance to let us feel that we are they, and we know exactly what they're going through. Yes, perhaps some of the situations here are a bit familiar and obvious, but at least they don't all say the bleedin' obvious.

In the end, the main differentiator between the two genres is a well-wrought script coupled with an ensemble cast that's capable of doing justice to it. Not to mention having the restraint to avoid a closing shot of a character staring into the middle distance with the expression of a stunned mullet. And resisting the temptation to include an explosion or inferno to ramp up the stakes a bit.

On that basis, this is a fine effort. Good, thoughtful scripts, and excellent performances all round.

I have been loving so many shows from Australia the last few years. I first saw Claudia Claven in her show Spirited and really like her. Since then I have seen she basically plays extremely unlikable characters that are real snobs and bitches and seems to win many awards playing the same role over and over. She plays the bitter character of Caroline in this show. And that has been annoying. I like all the actors in this show and I enjoy the story lines, but there is one kid they need to replace, the actor who plays "Carmody". That kid is so bad and so obnoxious, I cringe every time he is on the screen. Every time his mother says "Carmody" in her horrible snobby voice I want to throw something at the screen. What kind of name is Carmody? Now if they do not want us to like him they have done an excellent job of it. He talks in a sing songy way, and feels like he is reading his lines and is so unlikable. Then Claudia Klaven plays his mom who thinks he is a little prince and she is so obnoxious. If those two characters left the show would be more enjoyable for me. She makes her douchey husband Matt in the show a sympathetic character! I do enjoy the show very much other than that little family unit. Claudia Klaven- now when I see she is in something, I cannot handle watching her play so many dislike able characters. She has that nailed for sure. Also I was impressed with how realistic they made the Grandpa and his fake leg, so I looked it up and that actor really did lose his leg and they incorporated it into the show. Great job.

Lots of emotion and such amazing characters! I wish it would continue for another season!

I wanted to watch this show when it debuted, but it conflicted with "A Place To Call Home" (another fine, real, addictive Australian Drama) which was already half way through its season.

Thanks to whoever thought of catch up TV via the net.

I've just watched the entire series this week on ABC Iview in between work projects. Today I let the phone ring out three times so I could watch the last episode.

Some posters / reviewers have said that the acting was wooden, sugary. That the writing / dialogue was shallow and predictable.

I don't agree with those statements / terms, but, this show is meant to portray real life. How many of us have friends and family that are wooden, sugary, shallow, predictable ? Maybe it's my age (50) but I found the characters, just, simply real ! I've experienced some of their dramas, I have friends who have experienced some of their dramas. I was finishing lines from personal experience before the characters spoke them. Some characters annoyed me. Some characters made me cry.

For the Characters to draw me in like that means that the Actors and the Writers have done their job well.

And They Have ! I Hope We Get Season Two !

It is fair to say that the quality of the cast gives the show a big lift. The cast are well chosen for their roles and, mostly, familiar faces. It is also fair to say that the script does let the show down, however, not very often fortunately. The overall story is believable while being meaty enough to stir up the emotions from time to time. I have found no difficulty in following the many interwoven stories of the characters lives. The realism of relationships between friends and families can be sometimes annoying and sometimes warm and fuzzy, and there are bits for most people to relate to. I have heard many friends and colleagues talk of the show and discuss the characters or plot lines that seem to get them going, so I always have someone to share my favorite bits with, or bag the characters that are annoying me. The show has that multi faceted look at life feel, similar to 'Love My Way'(which Claudia Karvan was also in). It is different in that it's not as edgy or "sexy", perhaps a little more appealing to a wider audience. Go Aussie drama !!