Australia has produced some of my favourite TV over the years and Love Child is no exception. Set in the late 60's it centres around the (to us now) heinous forced adoption practices that went on back then.
It is interesting to see a modern show tackling such a "dark ages" issue and it does it well.
Although the underlying adoption practices are at the heart of the show, I found the characters to be the real draw for me. They are distinct and varied and no one is entirely black or white as far as morals and ethics go. Just when you think you have a character pegged into a hole, something is revealed to make you reevaluate the reasons behind their actions.
The acting is very good and Jessica Marais (playing Sister Joan Miller, the main character of the story) has an absolutely wonderful ability to get across feelings and emotions with almost no facial movement at all. I'm not sure how she does it, but it is distinctive and very effective. She can, and does, show plenty of obvious emotion too, but it was these subtle expressions that really stand out. I can't think of any other actor that can do that.
I would never have thought I would get into a show like this, but I am glad I did. It just sucks that now I have to wait a year for season 2! I'm hoping that, by then, the Nine Network will have dispensed with its "must be in Australia to view this program" nonsense which, let's be honest, is absolutely no bar to anyone with any online experience.
SEASON 2 EDIT: Just as good as the first season. Even when I'm not sure I want to watch something too dramatic, within a few minutes of starting the episode I'm hooked. Yep, it is just awesome!
SUMMARY: Tackles a difficult issue. Good acting and characters with depth. Not all doom and gloom but it will grip you and not let go. Definitely worth a watch.
It is interesting to see a modern show tackling such a "dark ages" issue and it does it well.
Although the underlying adoption practices are at the heart of the show, I found the characters to be the real draw for me. They are distinct and varied and no one is entirely black or white as far as morals and ethics go. Just when you think you have a character pegged into a hole, something is revealed to make you reevaluate the reasons behind their actions.
The acting is very good and Jessica Marais (playing Sister Joan Miller, the main character of the story) has an absolutely wonderful ability to get across feelings and emotions with almost no facial movement at all. I'm not sure how she does it, but it is distinctive and very effective. She can, and does, show plenty of obvious emotion too, but it was these subtle expressions that really stand out. I can't think of any other actor that can do that.
I would never have thought I would get into a show like this, but I am glad I did. It just sucks that now I have to wait a year for season 2! I'm hoping that, by then, the Nine Network will have dispensed with its "must be in Australia to view this program" nonsense which, let's be honest, is absolutely no bar to anyone with any online experience.
SEASON 2 EDIT: Just as good as the first season. Even when I'm not sure I want to watch something too dramatic, within a few minutes of starting the episode I'm hooked. Yep, it is just awesome!
SUMMARY: Tackles a difficult issue. Good acting and characters with depth. Not all doom and gloom but it will grip you and not let go. Definitely worth a watch.