Austin

I usually avoid Australian comedies (even British co-productions such as this) as they are either total rubbish or in about 2% of cases astonishingly brilliant. Austin falls into the latter category. I would have awarded it 10 stars but was forced to deduct one due to an early scene in which Ben Miller appears in his underpants. Nobody wants that.

The characters are beautifully written and wonderfully acted, the casting was flawless with the possible exception of Kate Elliott (Heidi) whose mugging becomes tiresome. Charlotte Nicdao (Yolanda) is a standout, I found myself watching each of her scenes twice to make sure that I didn't miss a moment of her performance.

Michael Theo as Austin is the skilful glue that holds this together. What a star.

Let's scotch some myths about autism. If you've met one neurodiverse person, you've met one neurodiverse person.

1. People with autism are often highly empathetic. Emotional empathy in particular. One of my neurodivergent (ND) staff can be brought to tears instantly at the mention of a child being hurt. Another will be annoyed by news of integrity breaches or negligence. By contrast, cognitive empathy can be difficult. Not so much between ND people but an ND person trying to read a neurotypical mind.

Consider Greta Thunberg: emotional empathy with the effects of the climate crisis, cognitive empathy in how she can't understand why intelligent people have known about climate change and how to fix it for decades, but they are not doing anything!

Some of my ND staff limit eye contact but can engage in conversation with a "normal amount" of eye contact.

Consider also that ND people "mask" to fit in. E.g. "I must maintain eye contact, because that's what normals do." Michael Theo may be Australia's most well-known person with autism. He deserves a script credit for advising how an ND person would express and respond.

It's fair to say that Austin is a show about Julian and the (often self-inflicted) chaos that surrounds him. The character of Austin is genuine and believable, largely because he is played by Michael Theo. Austin's mum and grandfather are also authentic. Protective and supportive, proud and concerned.

Austin is a great series.

Watch it and then watch Patience. (Neuro noir)

Normally not a fan of Australian tv, but this is well made and quirky enough to enjoy. Ben Miller and Sally Phillips are great as they usually are and Michael Theo is an absolute gem! Storyline is a bit predictable, but has enough funny moments to sail through, with some genuine lols (eg. The Nazi bookshop password). Great supporting cast and characters, particularly if you are familiar with the publishing industry! The themes of long forgotten affairs, awkward family dynamics, and nostalgia for youth make a nice undercurrent. And, of course, the beautiful Canberra scenery is enough to make anyone smile. More please!

Watched the first episode on TV and had to binge the rest on iView. What a beautiful and heart warming series. Michael Theo...what a star! I hope we see more of this great talent on our screens.

The storyline was great, and everyone in this series played terrific roles, including the cameos. And what a pleasant surprise to see something filmed in Canberra, apart from politics.

In a time where there is a lot of doom and gloom on TV, watching Austin will make you forget all the bad news, I promise you!

I really hope there will be a second series for this wonderful show.

It's a 10 out 10 for Austin!

I really enjoyed this series. Funny, quietly sad, real, heartwarming, with absolutely perfect casting and terrific acting. Every single character, from the smallest role to the leads, were wonderful. I loved all of them, and especially Roy Billing as Austin's grandfather. He just about stole the show for me. I also loved the Canberra and London settings and seeing one of my favourite hotels - the Park Hyatt Canberra - featured, albeit under a non de plume!

Binged all 8 eps and was so sorry when it came to an end. There just has to be a second series.

Do yourself a quality television favour and don't miss this very special ABC Original series.