The Heart Guy

I had the luxury of watching all 5 seasons in a period of a month or two (thanks to Acorn) and although I really enjoyed the series at the start, I was disappointed to see it deteriorate over time.

The last two seasons were particularly sad - sad to see such intelligent and ethical characters like Penny go over to the dark side. Of course one character that didn't change was Hugh, but that was fine since he started out as a self-centered, albeit charming, jerk (with some redeeming qualities.) Charlie also devolved into a shrew when they brought the actress back after her pregnancy hiatus (how ironic was that?) Hailey and Ajax never did go downhill since they started out there in the first place (at least the Christian Hailey didn't lecture about God as often as I feared. But really -- low morals for a supposedly devout Christian). And I was hoping Meryl would get her comeuppance - what a terrible person she was portrayed as. The final episode sort of regained the feeling of the early seasons, but perhaps they kept the series going a little longer than was necessary, although it looks like it was a windfall for cast and crew.

My thoughts about some of the cast and their characters (Cast likeability 1-5); (Character arc over time in show: 1-5) 5 is best rating.

Rodger Corser (5) Hugh Knight (5 - 4) Nicole da Silva (5) Charlie (5 - 3) Ryan Johnson (5) Matt Knight (5 - 4) Tina Bursill (4) Meryl Knight (3 - 1) Hayley McElhinney (5) Penny (5 - 3) Chloe Bayliss (3) Hayley (3 - 2) Matt Castley (2) Ajax (2 - 1) Belinda Bromilow (5) Betty (5 - 4) Charles Wu (5) Ken (5 - 4) Patrick Wilson (4) Rod Eagle (3 - 3) Winta McGrath (4) Floyd (4 - 3) Steve Bisley (5) Jim Knight (5 - 3) Brittany Clark (5) Mia (5 - 4) Miranda Tapsell (4) April (4 - 3) Uli Latukefu (5) Darren (4 - 3) Shalom Brune-Franklin (5) Aoife (5 - 5) Kate Jenkinson (4) Tara - (3 - 3) Dustin Clare (5) Jarrod (5 - 5) Chantelle Jamieson (5) Sharna (4 - 4) Annabel Wolfe (3) Ivy (2 - 1) Vince Colosimo (3) Carlito (2 - 2) Angus McLaren (5) Toke (5 -5) John Waters (3) Michael (3 - 2) Lincoln Younes (4) Tom (4 - 3)

I see that this show is called something different in Europe than it is here in the USA but I don't know why. It's a fantastic alternative to those tired of reality tv and zombie shows. This little gem is wonderful and full of heart, romance, excitement and dramedy too. The cast is top-notch and the only weak character in my opinion is Ajax but he gets better. I found him incredibly tedious and obnoxious series one but he greatly stepped up his game series two. I would recommend this show to anyone who has a heart or who has ever breathed in air.

I have been watching this as the Heart Guy in the US. I was delighted at first but am finding the characters becoming a bit tiresome. How many times does Hugh have to self- destruct or can't Charlie ever think before she whines? These characters started out great but are becoming stereotypes as in a soap opera. Hugh appears to have grown a bit, Meryl is superb and the others Knights are forever immature. I hope the writers can evolve. The "cut to bonking" is sophomoric, physically uncomfortable and unnecessary for what could be a family show.

The show started strong with the expected tensions between Hugh and Penny but into season 3 I am giving up. As with other reviewers Ajax's childish and dangerous behavior is totally annoying. The writers somehow think a character who is blind to the situation his adapted father left him in and constantly shooting something up is a relatable person. From reading the episode descriptions it just keeps going down hill from here which is a pity as the scenery and even some of the hospital action are a real treat.

I have found this new TV series very entertaining. It is so nice to have a real TV drama to watch instead of all the hopeless reality TV nonsense. Over the years I have always tried to watch any new Australian TV series in preference to American shows. Some have missed the mark completely. The cast of Doctor Doctor are very convincing in their rolls and I am looking forward to next weeks episode. It has been awhile since a series has got me looking forward to next week, so well done to the script writers, directors and actors on a job well done. The fact that the show is set in a small country town gives it some extra charm. Lets hope that the story continues to entertain.