Operation Buffalo

I found the series a little inconsistent at times, but overall an enjoyable satire. James Cromwell definitely stole the show.

As only one episode has been aired I wonder at the low scores. I may revisit this but at the moment my opinion is that it is good. The complaints are about the fact that they did not get what they expected or decided it would be ahead of watching it. The acting is fine and the mystery is intriguing and I am curious about where it is heading. It shocked and surprised me and kept me interested. The desert is an unforgiving landscape unless you are Aboriginal and understand it. I am happy with what I have seen so far and look forward to episode two.

Entertaining dark comedy and original period drama about the A.Bomb testing at Maralinga. An authentic depiction of life in the 1950s, the hair styles, clothing, cars, advertising signs.... everything except for women using the 'F bomb'. Even men rarely used the F word in the 1950s and women NEVER used it. Why do writers and producers insist on spoiling good period dramas by using present day swearing? Some may say its to appeal to a younger audience, but why go to the meticulous effort of making everything else a true reflection of an era, then spoil it with modern day language.

While the setting of this show in post WWII Au. reminds me at times from A Place To Call Home. Mostly in the way a character of being good or bad can very from one episode to the next.

Sadly it looks as though this series is going to be unseen by many due to a combination of bad timing and some truly terrible reviews here. Personally I think it's excellent, using humour in the vein of Catch-22 to highlight the horrific, callous and ignorant ineptitude around the Maralinga atom tests. Ewen Leslie is excellent as the overwhelmed, undermined base commander, trying to keep everything under control. All the cast are good, the setting and period feel are beautiful, and it highlights a period in Australian and British history many know little about.

Finally, it's always refreshing to see an Australian drama which doesn't take itself so deadly seriously, while still managing to deliver its message.