Halifax: Retribution

I have been waiting for this series to air with great expectations. The first thing that sticks out is that the music has vocal songs throughout which if anything was the most annoying of all. The acting and scenes are uninspiring to say the least. After watching episodes 1 and 2, I will give it one more chance.

Like others, I had high hopes. Unfortunately, the first two episodes (before I bailed) are short on dialogue and long on very bad music. Rebecca Gibney deserves a better vehicle.

This is par for the course for Australia's largest commercial TV network. It's reasonably well made and acted, but the tone and approach of the script are tugging clumsily at stereotypical tropes that have been seen many times. The characterization is cliche'd, the emotions are forced, the script comes straight from a 'true crime' tabloid formula that tries to sensationalise the story, but without any real substance. Then again, in the current absence of good quality new TV drama, I guess it will have to do, if you can suspend your disbelief. 6/10

I'll start by saying I like Rebecca Gibney. She's a capable actress I've seen in more than a few Australian drama's.

"Halifax: Retribution" offers her the opportunity to hand in yet another strong performance. Its a by the numbers crime drama that works well enough. It offer's up decent doses of excitement, intrigue and a somewhat predictable twist, that should keep the viewer coming back for more.

What I was not so impressed by, was the pro establishment boot polishing. Painting those who opposed the Five Eyes and surveillance state, as unstable and murderous. Most activists are peaceful and the Five Eyes alliance is, not unreasonably, the subject of very legitimate criticism. As is any surveillance state, in general.

For me, this rather obvious pitch for "keep you safe, sticky beaking" detracted from this series and I'm voting it down because of it.

In summary, competently done with a strong cast. That said as I seem to find myself saying a lot these days I come to entertainment to be entertained. I don't need or want possible political messages or social engineering in the mix.

5/10.

Really! The same actors wheeled out to allegedly produce 'drama' Australia can produce far better than this contrived rubbish. Its almost embarrassing to watch so do yourselves a favour and watch anything else.