Last Man Standing

Last Man Standing was promoted as one of the big drama premieres on Australian TV in 2005 but the program has failed to live up to the hype with a dwindling audience and the host network shuffling the show to more and more obscure timeslots.

The shows major failure is its writing, led by Marieke Hardy. The program follows the lives of three inner city blokes, Adam, Bruno and Cameron, as they drink and sleep their way through life. Its inspiration is obviously The Secret Life Of Us. It mirrors that program right down to its groovy inner city locations and irritating narration by one of the characters, Adam.

The actors try hard but this show has no heart. It tries to paper over its failings with breasts, bums and bedroom scenes and fails badly.

Channel Seven spent $7 million. Theyd have been better off using their cash for toilet paper.

The fact the producers would now offer a series DVD for $100 is laughable.

It is also interesting to note that the top commenter on Last Man Standing, mjbevis, is a friend of the writer Marieke Hardy.

Other reviewers have remarked on the various quality aspects of Aussie TV show Last Man Standing and I'll not regurgitate what others have already written much better than I can. I agree with most, although there are a couple of reviewers who got little out of the show. I got plenty out of it and I was glad to catch up with it. I don't why I missed it 2005 but its relevance seems to continue into 2019.

Leading men Rodger Corser and Matt Passmore have continued to act in TV shows with success, while character actor Travis McMahon enhances anything he's associated with. Kiwi actress Miriama Smith appeared in series 3 of successful New Zealand production 800 Words, and she to is an asset to any show she appears in.

When you read the synopsis of Last Man Standing, you could be forgiven for dismissing it as purely low-level male self-delusion, but it is not that. The reason I believe it succeeds is because it is mainly written by talented Aussie Marieke Hardy (grand daughter of Frank Hardy) and she ensures that the female side of the various plot machinations is represented and balanced. Yes there is much drinking and man cave activities, plus trying to seduce various women into bed. But the female contingent pursues its own agenda and is not merely a herd of vacuous sex objects available on demand. The journey through life is not gender one-sided and the triumphs and pitfalls are equally distributed.

Yes it is a soapie about those in their late twenties living in inner Melbourne; but it is all quality and the pace never slackens. Only one series was made, and this disappointed many. But there are times where one series of quality is better than three series where two are not up to the mark and the production as a whole suffers because of it. It is worth a look.

While the similarities of this TV series to "The Secret Life of Us" are not lost, this series brings together a strong cast and witty script. The story lines are plausible, for those of us who have travelled down the road of searching for the ideal woman/man. Each character is likable and realistic; each faces a struggle to complete their lives with a long term relationship. And the settings seem real too.

The time slot given to it in Australia is not great, but my wife and I still ensure we watch it. I am encouraging others to do so too. If you come across it in your country, watch it. You may not laugh, but you'll certainly grin a lot.

This show is fantastic. Well made and heaps more entertaining and believable than 'Secret Life of Us'. Can someone please bring it back?? I just watched season 1 finale. I think the reason why it didn't do that well when it first aired was because the advertising didn't properly explain what it is about - 30s Melbourne drama thru the eyes of 3 males. Women and men will love the insight.

I enjoy seeing the local settings and trying to work out which suburb and shop they are in. I like the whole wounded tension thing between Zoe and Adam and the no holds banter between the 3 lead male actors. The acting is really worthy of Australian TV. Lets hope it comes back.

I love this TV series..specially Rodger character..he is the heart of the story..and what a charming character he is. The other actors and actress are great also..I think Australian actor always show a very strong and skillful acting. I am very disappointed when 7 cancel this series..but when they do the rerun on 72..every Monday night becoming my must watch ritual which always made me felt good after. I really hope they will consider to renew it or at least one reunion episode...It really a good assembly and good storyline, showing a variety of Ausie men handling their up and down of romance department with a hint of fresh humor that great to watch by men and women. Its such a little gem..i think HW will be stupid not knowing this beautiful gem. I am an instant Rodger fans from this movie..I wish he pursue more HW movie..he will be great as a Jennifer Aniston partner in her romcom or drama style movie..I am dreaming about it!!! my two favorite actor..

My conclusion of this TV series.....you know it...ITS a treat for romantic at heart without being too girlie..still manly with a hint of sweetness and dirty humor..