The Circuit

I've only just viewed a few episodes of this show on DVD that I borrowed from my local library. I was aware of it but as I don't get broadcast television in my regional area, I haven't had the opportunity to see it. First, I can't believe that it hasn't been reviewed on IMDb. A serious oversight, as so many Australian films, actors & television shows now have so much international appeal. This series is a gem ~ filmed in Broome, Western Australia, our multicultural capital if you will. It reminded me a lot of 'Seachange', only more drama than comedy and with the added bonus of real Australians ~ Blackfellas strutting their stuff! The show stars the lovely and talented and very handsome Aaron Pedersen as a city solicitor chucked in the deep end of family, love and the law in the gorgeous Kimberley region of North West Australia. The writers have gone for the real deal with the problems of the community there. All the mixed bag of lollies found in shows like 'The Wire', the stories and language are true, funny, tragic and fascinating. I will mos def be getting into more of it ~ highly recommended.

It's difficult for me to properly rate this season as I could only bare to finish one episode (episode 4).

I must agree with another reviewer in his or her comment that the style of the camera work is highly distracting. In all truth, within the first few minutes of watching the first episode, I began to get a headache due to the crash zooms, sudden pans, deliberately shaky hand-held shots, and the quick cuts. I realize that this was a popular technique for a few years and many directors had a go with it, but director Catriona McKenzie seems to have embraced it thoroughly. Thankfully, that fad was short-lived and will hopefully never rear its ugly head again.

Episode four is the only episode in season one that wasn't directed by Catriona McKenzie or Richard Frankland (who it seems also followed this methodology). The story is fine, along with the acting, etc. However, when skipping so many episodes one is left, unfortunately, to decide which is worse: missing character stories or risking a possible stroke.

So glad we decided to give this a try. Really enjoyed it.

I went into this with low expectations, mainly due to the underwhelming performance of Aaron Pedersen in a previous series (Homicide). Even though he is not a particularly distinguished actor, Pedersen is smart enough to let other actors shine in this series. And wonderful actors they are, natural and heartfelt. The stories all resonate, especially during the first season. Highly recommended.

Brilliant series. Nothing matches it these days unfortunately.