Reef Docs - Die Inselklinik

I'd nearly given up on Australian drama's until this came out. I rarely watch TV, but this show has got me glued whenever it is on. The storyline is unique and the show is also very educational. Not to mention the beautiful location in tropical north Queensland and the spectacular filmography of the rainforests and Great Barrier Reef. Reef Doctors certainly showcases one of the greatest parts of our country. The actors/actresses are fantastic, in particular Lisa McCune. The storyline is always adventurous and never boring. There is a great mix of action, love and educational content present in this drama. 10 stars from me, I'm really hoping for a second season.

Rubber snakes being milked by the star says it all. Avoid. This show has had it's release date pushed back several times, now we know why. It's because this show is woeful. McCune's "star power" can't save this turkey. Nice locations can't either. Perhaps the producers hope that overseas sales will keep the show going, with lots of shots of white sand, clear water, native animals pad out proceedings - but the poor storyline, poor acting and below par special effects (rubber snakes for example) can only see this show crash and burn with no chance of a second season. The show finally premiered (after being pushed back several times) on Network Ten to the lowest viewer figures for a new show ever recorded! Obviously the show will be relegated to the wee small hours and won't be seen again on Australian prime time. You Have Been Warned!

Really, really,, really LOVE this show! The locations are beautiful, the characters are very likable (well, most of them!) and the plots are good. Sam Stewart (Lisa McCune) is awesome (as usual!!!) and love the actor playing her son, Jack, not to mention her 'would be' love interest, Toby, is HOT!!! The tension between Sam and her ex-husband is great, as well as the rivalry/dislike between Sam and her arch-enemy, Malcolm. Sonny, the hostel-keeper is terrific and I really like Nell as the office manager/best friend for Jack. Gus, Sam's assistant, is awesome and always with her on her wild adventures, plus he's pretty cute, too. Sam isn't afraid to get out and get dirty, pursuing her venomous critters and every show is always an adventure!!Really hoping for a second season - I'm hooked!!! I'm ready to move to Hope Island any time!!!

As you get older you enjoy things in different ways and at different times. You either accept a show on its own terms or you don't.

I was definitely in the right frame of mind when I watched Reef Doctors - an Australian series revolving around a medical practice located on an island in the Great Barrier Reef. The plotting and characterisations are unexceptional – and the central role of Dr Sam Stewart played by Lisa McCune is an annoying little busy-body. But that aside, the location in North Queensland and the enthusiasm of the cast and the wonderful setting make Reef Doctors a pleasant but less than challenging experience.

It could be argued that the tropical location is merely a device to attract tourism to Queensland. Maybe so, but I think the emphasis on poisonous creatures would defeat that assertion. In fact, that aspect of the show is interesting and central to the lives of those connected to Dr Sam Stewart's anti-venene research and an important part of life in that area of Australia.

There's not much else to say, except that the standard dramatic situations and romantic entanglements in soaps like this are on display. That said, I enjoyed Reef Doctors but I doubt it will remain in my mind for long.