Summer Love

Sadly a series that could have been so good. But it's race baiting at its worst. The rap version of the national anthem in episode 3 was a new low. As an earlier reviewer said it is very uncomfortable to watch. Essentially the series is a waste of the talent of so many good actors. The remaining twelve apostles are shown in the opening credits and I truly think this could also be an indication of the declining viewer numbers. It's a shame that such a beautiful location should play host to this series. Nice try with the family conflict in episode one to launch the viewer population into a guilt trip.

This series had all the hallmarks of something to really look forward to but it has been such a mixed bag.

The idea of various guests at a fabulous holiday home had huge scope for comedic human interest stories and given that it is on the ABC and the track record of Grist Mill, we were expecting something like Upper Middle Bogan - such a fabulous series.

However: Episode 1 was so promising - good acting, funny and relatable to most people.

Episode 2 was so bad - like a Year 7 play, we turned off mid-way through.

Episode 3 about the cultural clash was funny and entertaining, as was episode 4 with Robyn and Wayne.

Episode 5 was soft porn in disguise, catering to a very niche audience. Again we turned off mid-way and as a result, I await the rest of the series with nervous trepidation.

Funny, thought provoking and real. This is a a witty yet deep and well-written combination. Amazing writers have given this a deep feel to honest life-lessons many of us can relate to and learn from. It's a perfect mini series to binge or watch over time as each episode can stand alone or you can enjoy the little linkages (damn you Bluetooth)... and the backdrop of the lovely property on the great ocean road is really well put together.

Who should watch: if you appreciate Australian written drama/comedies, if you're after substance over CGI, and if you'd like something that might just open up conversations and reflection (along with entertainment of course) then this is for you.

...but I don't. I'm trying to tell myself that it has all the elements that should make it a success, but somehow, it just feels off. I loved Wayne Hope and Robyn Butler's Upper Middle Bogan, so I thought I'd probably love this. But despite the big name actors, the amazing location, and some other decent elements, it just feels overdone, too tense, and like it's trying to be a comedy but isn't. It's such a pity, because I'm a huge fan of the actors' other work, but placing them in this series doesn't make it any good, despite their skill as individuals. It's actually really uncomfortable to watch (which I'm not sure I've ever experienced before to this extent), and I need a glass of wine to chill out afterwards! Disappointed not to be giving a better review. I know 1 out of 10 is extreme, but in my opinion the series just really doesn't work.

Firstly it is interesting armchair travelling to locations on Victoria's Great Ocean Road. I really enjoyed episode one. It was funny and engaging. It highlighted and interesting modern dilemma and was acted well. Episode two was also an interesting topic that could have been so well done but the acting and dialogue were excruciatingly bad. It was so over the top it was embarrassing. There was zero chemistry between the leading actors. It was like watching an amateur theatre production. You can be subtle and nuanced, I like to think the audience will still get the point. I will try episode three and see if it redeems itself and alter my review accordingly.