La ley de la bahía

Whenever I watch an "action-series", I always end up thinking;-Is this the way it really is? Is this how it happens? Well, probably not, but it`s entertaining, so I keep watching. "Water Rats", however is different. The events are "real", the characters are "real". I think it`s quite easy to identify yourself with the everyday problems the detectives have to deal with. I`d watch "Water Rats" rather than "NYPD Blue" anyday. I love it! It`s just GREAT!!

I missed the first 2 seasons, but I got to see the re-runs of the first 2 and the rest of the TV series until it was finished. I found it quite a good show with strong storyline formats. It gave me an idea of what the Sydney Water Police does on a daily basis. (Of course, some a bit over dramatic with personal issues and the sorts, still overall great!) It was saddening when a main character was murdered 2 years before it was taken off the air. Upon the death of Goldie, I watched the ratings plummet a bit as Water Rats fumbled without Goldie/Catherine McClements. Dee Smart did her best to fill in the huge shoes McClements left behind, but it wasn't enough to keep it buoyed any longer.

Watching season 3 right now but the episodes don't match up with the episode blist. So I'm not sure if I am watching them in order. For example episode 4 is listed as "behind closed doors" but the episode comes up as "old dog old tricks"

I must say, I loved this show - it was very much an Australian show of its time. Everything from its stories that would always build up to end-of-season climaxes to the dodgy eighties-alike guitar music, let's not forget any 'love' scenes with Colin Friels where the turned blue... But if you have to admire some great stories and some excellent performances from Colin Friels, Catherine McClements and later on Steve Bisley in the leads roles of Frank Holloway, Rachel Goldstein and Jack Christie respectively. In Ireland it is currently being repeated and is bringing back a lot of good memories and I just hope it gets released on DVD other here soon.

• Leigh O'Gorman

Re watching nearly 25 years later. They just don't make shows like this anymore. Beautifully filmed. Superbly acted and directed.