The Box

I am watching on DVD and am up to episode 230.

The show is well written with a mature modern sensibility that still plays well in 2023. The acting is very good and the characters are well crafted and seem believable. The storylines are well thought out and progress at a steady pace that allows the drama, intrigue and suspense to build.

Beside the workplace and interpersonal clashes and the romantic affairs are some comedy elements and these fit in well. It is always fun watching actors playing scenes about television production and actors.

The show looks much better once it switches to colour in episode 221. Later colour episodes add more comedy and more location-shot footage.

This appalling show was a response to the Sydney based "No 96", which was a series that in its early days broke some of the old taboos by introducing plot lines with homosexuals, racial discrimination etc but also lots of bare breasts from buxom young 'starlets', none of whom could act. However, that series descended into farce with evermore strained plots and unlikely characters. Hmm! I digress. The Box was typical 70s Australia, bad scripts, bad sets and bad acting. The constant props of pausing to light a cigarette, or pour drink or interruptions by the telephone (always prominently placed so you knew it was going to ring!)only exaggerated its amateurish production values.

Most episodes could guarantee a flash of the boobs from Judy Nunn or some other bit of fluff and thereby guarantee an audience of dirty old men and pubescent boys with onanistic tendencies.

It is interesting to read the bios of those involved and see how many disappeared without trace after this show. Watch it if you must but please remember that it should be regarded for its social history aspects only. If you want something with a dynamic plot and great list of characters, read the phone book.