The Code

Australian thriller 'The Code' brings to mind the classic BBC thriller 'Edge of Darkness', with its story of nuclear secrets, dodgy corporations and untrustworthy government. But we make dramas differently now, and the pace is much faster - which is not altogether a bad thing, although the slick graphics and camera-work are sometimes distracting. There are also some disappointing clichés: the genius hackers who can do just about everything, and the expository graphics that the computers conveniently display for the sole purpose of telling us that they're currently being hacked. Another point of critique is that, apart from the good guys, just about everyone else seems utterly ruthless and violent, in a way that slightly beggars belief: our heroes are asked to make constrained choices, but the motivations of the villains are seemingly explained by villainy alone. That said, the plot is both superficially clever and substantially intelligent, and there's some genuine emotion in the relationship of the central protagonist and his socially limited brother. And for Europeans like me, a chance to get a glimpse of the bleak beauty of the Australia itself.

It took me several episodes to get intrigued enough to continue watching this Australian TV series based on political control within the Australian government which is reminiscent of the Dick Chaney "Whitehouse" cover up years regarding WMDs.

The first few episodes were extremely slow due to plot development, but forgivable as it is probably indicative of what life is really like Down Under in Canberra and the outbacks of Australia. It was not until I saw episode 3 when I decided to invest more time in this better than average production.

The plot is strong enough to gain interest early in the episodes, but started to wain in the latter parts of the series.

The show was well cast and many of the actors gave strong performances including the leads Spielman and Zukerman . However, having said this, I felt that Zukerman's character, Jessie, was over the top irritating. Zukerman did an admirable job in developing his character early on in the series, but one has to wonder if he had to chronically snort chili peppers during each scene in order to personify this character who was mildly autistic (constant tearing, with chronic red eyes and runny nose). His performance became progressively grating and contrived, which made it difficult to watch the scenes he was in without wanting to slap him over the head. I understand Zukerman won the Australian best actor TV award for this role, so perhaps I was the only one that felt this way.

I gave this show a 7 because it has merit early on and is well worth seeing until you get bored or just tired.

I'm not going to write a review discussing the profound elements of the show, but just a viewer's opinion. In Canada we just got this on the SuperChannel in January so I do not know how this ends. I watched it because there was nothing on telly.....and then the first episode had me riveted and I wanted, no needed the next episode. I really like this show, and not all specialized series are worth much, in fact there are sooo many police shows, gangsters, spies....when does it end, but this show, completely original, actually has me looking forward to the next episode. I have no idea what will happen in any episode, but the fact is that a lot happens in each episode, it feels so much longer than an hour because the show is constantly throwing in a twist and moving....no drawn out drama. I'm so glad I watched it and I highly recommend "the code" to anyone who wants to watch something different but high in action, the actors are great, they are so believable and I'm invested in them. Ashley Zukerman deserves recognition for his role as he is so believable. Dan Spielman is fantastic as his brothers keeper and I have not seen Lucy Lawless since her Zena days but she really can act and does so superbly. I hope there's another season (even tho I don't know how it ends) and thank you so much for creating a TV series that is original, well acted and addictive.

Both seasons are worthy of your time if you like quality drama that unfolds over several episodes.

The writing, acting, and production are top quality, with no 'as if' moments. As someone else has mentioned, the first season does borrow from 'Edge of Darkness' but it is used for inspiration and not a copy - the story develops in a different direction.

The brother with Asperger's/autism is a great part that any actor would have loved to play. His part is written into the story and is NOT the story - inclusiveness for the sake of it really pi**ses me off, so I was impressed with how his character developed as part of the story.

The BBC are crap at developing stories that include diversity and always seem to thrust it down your throat, so I liked how this production (not BBC) portrayed the autistic character. I write that to encourage you to watch this show as I am usually put off by any 'inclusiveness' being central to the story. 'The Bridge' (Nordic version) did it better, but this is comparable and I write that as a compliment.

Watch and enjoy.

This is definitely one of the best TV series that Australia has put out in so long, it gets you sitting on the edge of your seat, There no other series like it that I have ever watched and best of all it suits just about anyone. I think there is something for everyone, but I wouldn't let young kids watch it. There is action, mystery, thriller comedy and drama all wrapped up in one big bundle of awesome watching....You never know what is going to happen next. I do however just wish that the seasons went longer., its not as if our country is poor or lacking in exceptionally good actors. All the acting and actors in this series are top class, The story line is believable, and unpredictable and it encompasses the way the world really is, touching on subjects that are perhaps politically "sensitive", making it really good entertainment. I give it a 10 with no hesitation.