This show hits very close to home. The writing is outstanding, with very realistic themes and dialogue. The story line is unpredictable and guaranteed to entertain. But the problem with the show is that it targets a very small niche of TV watchers, and that might be the reason why it failed. I simply couldn't watch this with my girlfriend, who didn't like it all that much, and had to resort to taping it and watching it by myself. Also, the show has a very slow start before it reaches its full potential, and I can imagine some watchers may have given up before they could see the best of this. Yet, I believe that this is one of the best shows to come out of Australia for a long time. Its appeal may not be as broad as the secret life of us, but it definitely hits a target. Also, it's much better than many me-too TV shows coming out of the States these days. In conclusion, I love this show, and would strongly recommend it.
11 Reviews
Just discovered this 13 yr old superb Aussie/Melb true-to-that-decade romance drama seen through three 30yr old male leads' eyes.
blissfulle22 June 2018
Thankyou to 7Plus for their super collection of last decades' drama classics based around 20-40yr olds.
Id rewatched a few stand out dramas earlier this year,
and whilst bored and looking for something new to keep me entertained, I clicked on this title, and liked the synopsis so jumped in!
A week later and Ive binged on 11 out of 22 eps.
Honestly, immediately seeing Rodger Corser (who I ADORE in Doctor Doctor) and some cast from 800 words as leads/support kept me committed to seeing it through after the pilot (which I thoroughly enjoyed btw).
Excited to see the last 11 eps this week!
(&Thankful someone mentioned the final ep leaves the series unresolved as they expected to be invited to make a second season, which unfortunately, due to not clicking with ideal audience in time, wont occur).
( Some bonus highlights included cameos from well known tv personalities these days like Asher Keddie, and Cal Wilson amongst other faces I certainly knew even if I couldnt name the actor :) )
THANKYOU to all involved.
Id rewatched a few stand out dramas earlier this year,
and whilst bored and looking for something new to keep me entertained, I clicked on this title, and liked the synopsis so jumped in!
A week later and Ive binged on 11 out of 22 eps.
Honestly, immediately seeing Rodger Corser (who I ADORE in Doctor Doctor) and some cast from 800 words as leads/support kept me committed to seeing it through after the pilot (which I thoroughly enjoyed btw).
Excited to see the last 11 eps this week!
(&Thankful someone mentioned the final ep leaves the series unresolved as they expected to be invited to make a second season, which unfortunately, due to not clicking with ideal audience in time, wont occur).
( Some bonus highlights included cameos from well known tv personalities these days like Asher Keddie, and Cal Wilson amongst other faces I certainly knew even if I couldnt name the actor :) )
THANKYOU to all involved.
Great Melbourne Drama
apricotstone115 December 2006
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 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.
A refreshing change for Aussie TV - a good quality local product!
mjbevis21 June 2005
Last Man Standing gives a modern twist to the Sex and the City model. Instead of the players being American women in their late thirties / early forties, this show turns the premise back on itself and takes an in-depth look at three twenty-something Australian males and how they cope with life, love and the great unknown: women. Three great main characters (Adam, Bruno & Cameron) stumble and fumble their way through life.
On one hand, they've got things sorted out. They've all got steady jobs, great friendships, and an active social life. But on the other hand, there's Cameron's ex-wife Zoe, who Adam may or may not be interested in, and the boys certainly seem to struggle to find that elusive 'perfect woman' ...
Last Man Standing takes us into the minds of the typical Aussie male, taking a light-hearted look at the trials and tribulations of getting your love-life in order in a new, uncharted world where, more often than not, women are the sexual predators.
With sharp writing and great acting, Last Man Standing will hopefully find the audience it deserves before it's rudely shafted to a poor timeslot.
On one hand, they've got things sorted out. They've all got steady jobs, great friendships, and an active social life. But on the other hand, there's Cameron's ex-wife Zoe, who Adam may or may not be interested in, and the boys certainly seem to struggle to find that elusive 'perfect woman' ...
Last Man Standing takes us into the minds of the typical Aussie male, taking a light-hearted look at the trials and tribulations of getting your love-life in order in a new, uncharted world where, more often than not, women are the sexual predators.
With sharp writing and great acting, Last Man Standing will hopefully find the audience it deserves before it's rudely shafted to a poor timeslot.
its a sex in city for men
onyak2329 January 2011
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..
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..
Last Man Standing Worth Watching
Rupert1717 June 2019
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.
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.
Last Man Standing has already been done better
renerivkin24 August 2005
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.
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.
I love "Last Man Standing"
jacksprat-420 October 2005
I love "last man standing". It is great Australian humour and drama. The characters are brilliant. Each are original and have different personalities and a different idea of life. Cameron thinks he can get any woman that is breathing. Adam is hunky yet sensitive and cares what women are thinking about him. Bruno is the most sensitive, loving, caring and worries. Then you have Zoe, she was married to Cameron, he cheated on her several times, until she left him. Zoe is now one of the group and Adam is in love with her, and even though Cameron cheated on her several times, he realizes he has cheated on the best. Cameron is trying to get Zoe back, Adam is wanting her, but can't say anything because his bestfriend wants her. I love this show it is unpredictable and great Australian Actors and humour.
Best man standing
aberry-431 August 2005
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.
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.
Something new and different...(minor spoilers)
youngspirit6 June 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I'm surprised to be the first person commenting here, knowing that the show premiered in New Zealand before it was first shown here in Australia (last night, Monday June 6, 2005). But here we go.
"Last Man Standing" is a show that follows three Aussie guys (Cam, Bruno and Adam) making their way around the dating scene. The pilot episode takes place over the course of one day, during which all three guys are attending a wedding, only to realise that they've all slept with the bride-to-be since high school. This episode also introduces us to Zoe, Cam's ex-wife, who is returning to Melbourne after two years in New Zealand; and we see the beginnings of the awkward ex-husband/ex-wife relationship that will no doubt become pivotal during the series.
This show has been touted as the 'Sex and the City' for guys and is supposedly about men trying to figure out women. Being female, I saw it as the reverse - sure, the show is about relationships from the male perspective, but just as you need two to tango, the women in this series will need to place just as much emphasis on working out how the blokes work if this series is to escape falling into the repetitive sex-scene pit and grow into a mature, interesting series about adult relationships.
I'm glad I caught the premiere of this show, which I've been hearing about for months now. I think it got off to a good start and is worth a look, especially if you get into it early.
"Last Man Standing" is a show that follows three Aussie guys (Cam, Bruno and Adam) making their way around the dating scene. The pilot episode takes place over the course of one day, during which all three guys are attending a wedding, only to realise that they've all slept with the bride-to-be since high school. This episode also introduces us to Zoe, Cam's ex-wife, who is returning to Melbourne after two years in New Zealand; and we see the beginnings of the awkward ex-husband/ex-wife relationship that will no doubt become pivotal during the series.
This show has been touted as the 'Sex and the City' for guys and is supposedly about men trying to figure out women. Being female, I saw it as the reverse - sure, the show is about relationships from the male perspective, but just as you need two to tango, the women in this series will need to place just as much emphasis on working out how the blokes work if this series is to escape falling into the repetitive sex-scene pit and grow into a mature, interesting series about adult relationships.
I'm glad I caught the premiere of this show, which I've been hearing about for months now. I think it got off to a good start and is worth a look, especially if you get into it early.
Jury still out... but might pick up.
tweecardigan14 June 2005
This one has been hyped to buggery so I was certainly keen to catch an episode. So far it strikes me as a bit of a soapie about uber-cool shallow Melbourne types hanging out in bars and sleeping around. So far... so Secret Life of Us. It's very well cast, but the writing doesn't always hit the mark. Scenarios sometimes feel a bit contrived, and (maybe its just me but..) its not really as funny as you may think from the promos - more soap than comedy really. Here's hoping the internal monologue voice-over fad dies pretty damn soon - is it just me or does listening to a protagonist agonize over his/her issues sound like Bjork in an eggbeater? (I'm not just talking about this series.) At the moment, it feels a bit like it's been done before and done better. But maybe given time the show might have something new to say. Not so much my thing, but preferable to the asinine intellectual vacuum of Big Brother. Whatever happens it certainly should get a chance to hit its stride, doesn't deserve the "Cooks" treatment - ie. given two weeks to succeed and then relegated to the graveyard shift.
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