This is a well written, researched, filmed and acted comedy series. It is a cross between Frontline and Yes Prime Minister with an interesting twist. As seen from a Political Advisers point of view in trying to appease and negotiate around shallow minded, short term, popularity seeking politicians. In short, the Prime Minister.
Directed and staring Rob Stich who is as great as he was in Frontline. Also Santo Calaudo as the Market researcher is as naturally funny as his Geoff Saunters character in Frontline. Brilliant production, it could have gone so far if it weren't for the mistake of Casting's, Jane Kennedy (who is usually so good in this department) of fronting the show with the two political advisers as Merrick Watts and Lachy Hulme. Lachy Hulme is a fantastic actor, but too intense and serious to be casted in this role. It should have been given to someone more in the genera of Martin Stastisto's character from Frontline. If they just tweak and readjust his character and make him just more of a regular guy (which by the end of the first series we have seen they have) then he suits the show well. On the other hand, Merrick Watts is a classless entity, who is popular in Australia for his toilet humor. Being fair he might have crossed the medium to Working Dog's sharp, high quality, politically satirical productions as some have in the past, but sadly no. He portrays the same docile, humorless persona that he does in his Merrick & Rosso act. In simple, he's not likable. A smart choice instead of this fellow would have been an actor like Daniel Wyllie. Australian, smart and quick but without the puerile precociousness.
Apart from this, it is a very intelligent and witty watch. The rest of the cast are well picked and are of A1 quality. Phillip & Warren (David James & Stephen Hall) are brilliantly fantastic as the two senior public servants. They in their own quirky but interesting way are very reminiscence of the Frasier/Niles style of comic paring. Excellent.
Directed and staring Rob Stich who is as great as he was in Frontline. Also Santo Calaudo as the Market researcher is as naturally funny as his Geoff Saunters character in Frontline. Brilliant production, it could have gone so far if it weren't for the mistake of Casting's, Jane Kennedy (who is usually so good in this department) of fronting the show with the two political advisers as Merrick Watts and Lachy Hulme. Lachy Hulme is a fantastic actor, but too intense and serious to be casted in this role. It should have been given to someone more in the genera of Martin Stastisto's character from Frontline. If they just tweak and readjust his character and make him just more of a regular guy (which by the end of the first series we have seen they have) then he suits the show well. On the other hand, Merrick Watts is a classless entity, who is popular in Australia for his toilet humor. Being fair he might have crossed the medium to Working Dog's sharp, high quality, politically satirical productions as some have in the past, but sadly no. He portrays the same docile, humorless persona that he does in his Merrick & Rosso act. In simple, he's not likable. A smart choice instead of this fellow would have been an actor like Daniel Wyllie. Australian, smart and quick but without the puerile precociousness.
Apart from this, it is a very intelligent and witty watch. The rest of the cast are well picked and are of A1 quality. Phillip & Warren (David James & Stephen Hall) are brilliantly fantastic as the two senior public servants. They in their own quirky but interesting way are very reminiscence of the Frasier/Niles style of comic paring. Excellent.