Underbelly

[The Real Number 3]

Thought it was a good premiere episode. Just couldnt believe Carl Williams character. Also still see Vince Colosimo as "Neville Bartos."

[TroyGFC]

I really enjoyed it last night, only watched it after channel hoping as name of show didn't really excite me much when read guide.
Its really good to see another Aussie drama being produced that is so far good enuff to rival Prison Break (hope they don't programme same time though).

[hearts on fire]

i really enjoyed it too. it wasn't over the top or anything. if i could change something about the programme it would probably be the name because it is unusual and i don't think the name really excites anyone. does anyone know how many episodes are left?

[smac]

From memory there were 13 episodes, not sure if that was counting last night as 2 or 1 though.

[Punk Rooster]

i really enjoyed it too. it wasn't over the top or anything. if i could change something about the programme it would probably be the name because it is unusual and i don't think the name really excites anyone. does anyone know how many episodes are left?

Underbelly is the corect description, as in the underbelly of society

Just heard a Melbourne Pub is in heaps of 5hit, as they had a satellite hook up, & beamed the show into their pub!

[stampy]

like blue murder, police crop and police state i thought it compelling viewing, punk try and get a copy of the book about "the dodger" - a great read, i lent it out and i cant remember its bloody name

[Dirko]

From memory there were 13 episodes, not sure if that was counting last night as 2 or 1 though.

That'd be right as just about everyone in last nights episode is now dead !

[TroyGFC]

Getting back to name when I first read it I thought it was just another Biggest Loser type of show!

[Hazbeen]

Loved it, can't wait for next week!

[Magpiespower]

PR - I'm judging Underbelly purely on its merits as a drama, putting aside the facts of what went down.

Apart from bigger budgets & the assumption the yanks do it better, why is the Sopranos worth watching?

Tight scripts, taut direction, ballsy performances - as a piece of drama, it's near flawless.

The US networks simply has better talent at its disposal, which it poaches from all around the world, including Australia.

MP, we'll have to agree to disagree- the fact it's an Australian production based on Australian events is enough to get me hooked, as I don't do yank 5hit...

Mate, I watch everything Australian. Most of the time its quite painful.

A lot of producers/directors/writers owe me Johnny Cash for forking out the dough for their crap.

Occasionally one gets through to the keeper like Em4Jay.

like blue murder, police crop and police state i thought it compelling viewing, punk try and get a copy of the book about "the dodger" - a great read, i lent it out and i cant remember its bloody name

The Dodger by Duncan McNabb, ex-copper.

Unfortunately it's coloured by the author's pathological hatred of Rogerson.

Christ, out resident critic...
It was NOT that bad. Not great, but reasonably good.
I guess you won't be watching next week.

LMAO!

Wait for next week's review...

[Leaping Lindner]

The US networks simply has better talent at its disposal, which it poaches from all around the world, including Australia.

Well they do again now!
Seriously though I went to a seminar recently where a very well known Australian writer was speaking, and he touched on this situation. He spent time writing in America and would go to writers meetings with what he thought was a finished product. It would then be torn apart and restructed by a panel of fellow writers. And then re-written again!
He also basically said for too long Australian writers have had a "near enough is good enough attitude" to TV scripts, and don't put nearly the time and effort in scripts.
I couldn't agree more. The fact that the yanks write much better sit coms than us isn't the fact that they are that much funnier they simply put the effort in.

[Magpiespower]

Well they do again now!
Seriously though I went to a seminar recently where a very well known Australian writer was speaking, and he touched on this situation. He spent time writing in America and would go to writers meetings with what he thought was a finished product. It would then be torn apart and restructed by a panel of fellow writers. And then re-written again!
He also basically said for too long Australian writers have had a "near enough is good enough attitude" to TV scripts, and don't put nearly the time and effort in scripts.
I couldn't agree more. The fact that the yanks write much better sit coms than us isn't the fact that they are that much funnier they simply put the effort in.

100% spot on, LL.

Most Australian writers think a rewrite is correcting spelling mistakes and changing a line of dialogue here and there.

The Americans know script structure better than anyone else and enforce it like the law. Even the worst Hollywood movie has a structure sadly lacking in most Australian productions.

A great example of this is Summer Heights High - which had the potential to be a classic but fell short because of script problems.

Then again, most Australian writers aren't actually writers. They're writer/directors, or 'auters' as they prefer to be called...

[LaughingKookaburra]

Thought it was pretty good personaly. I'll definalty be watching next week and i have not heard a bad comment from any one i have spoken to.

[Mr66]

Late this afternoon,Channel 9 has won the right to expidite the appeal against the banning.
The appeal will be heard early next week in the Victorian Supreme Court

[BenchedEagle]

Thought it was a decent start, lil slow in some areas.
Colosimo was perfectly suited to that role, pity it was only for 1 episode, luvved the bit where he walks over the police car.
I hope the guy who plays Carl Williams picks up a bit, it was painful to watch him sukkin up 2 Mokbel! Terrible casting, think they just picked the guy who looked most like him off the street
The Munster also was involved in some dreadful acting, very unconvincing.
Not to mention the ol hag that alphonse and Moran were knockin off, i wish i had 4 hands so i could give those titties 4 thumbs down!
Lookin forward to next episode

[LaughingKookaburra]

Thought it was a decent start, lil slow in some areas.
Colosimo was perfectly suited to that role, pity it was only for 1 episode, luvved the bit where he walks over the police car.
I hope the guy who plays Carl Williams picks up a bit, it was painful to watch him sukkin up 2 Mokbel! Terrible casting, think they just picked the guy who looked most like him off the street
The Munster also was involved in some dreadful acting, very unconvincing.
Not to mention the ol hag that alphonse and Moran were knockin off, i wish i had 4 hands so i could give those titties 4 thumbs down!
Lookin forward to next episode

I reckon,those nipples had more dents and lumps than Portrush Rd. Think Simon was taking some of his Wogboy form with him. Bet she doesn't make the wall of fame..........

[carey18]

Just finshed watching tonights show. try tell me it wasnt sad at the end when Tracey Seymour was shot with her son sleeping right next to her.

[Dirko]

Just finshed watching tonights show. try tell me it wasnt sad at the end when Tracey Seymour was shot with her son sleeping right next to her.

So sad... . I wonder what comes of her son ?

[Punk Rooster]

Just finshed watching tonights show. try tell me it wasnt sad at the end when Tracey Seymour was shot with her son sleeping right next to her.

that scenario was based on the double murder at Lonsdale, in 1996 (allegedly).
Two blokes shot (albeit 1 that wasn't a target at all, but as a result of sloppy work by the gunman), the ex-wife turns Crown witness, goes into Witness Protection Program, checks out of WPP & changes her last name, then gunned-down as payback (allegedly by people who travel on 2 wheels).
The hit on the lady concerned also (co-incidentally) occurred during the appeal by the gunman against his trial, which didn't do him any favours...

[carey18]

Just finshed watching tonights show. try tell me it wasnt sad at the end when Tracey Seymour was shot with her son sleeping right next to her.

So sad... . I wonder what comes of her son ?

Yes i was wondering that myself. After watching the show last night it even made me sleep in my sons bed.