Janet King

Janet King came several years after its predecessor 'Crownies'. Crownies was a show that really deserved a better fate. It was a very good production, and even if it was determined not to have gone past a second season, there were enough open story-lines at the end of the first season that truly should have been allowed to play out in a second concluding season. As for the delayed spin-off (Janet King), it's a good show, but lacks the warmth and charm of the first series. They kept all the five young actors to start off, but quickly dropped one then another, in the hopes of distancing the new series from the concept of the old.

What remains is of good quality, but less viewer friendly. It's unfortunate they decided to go completely away from the predecessor. Had they found a better balance between the two, retaining the best of both, it could have now overall been even better. As although the show now is by design very different, it's not necessarily that much better. It's now more mature and serious (less soap).. but unfortunately not as overall enjoyable to watch.

I am absolutely astonished to see not one, but TWO, reviews cite the same- sex relationship in this program as a reason they didn't like it. That is utterly laughable in this day and age. Furthermore, to class a Lesbian relationship as "feminist" is like calling all gay relationships "misogynist". It smacks strongly of homophobia and sexism.

The gay relationship between the main character and her partner was tastefully and realistically handled, but to be quite honest I completely forgot that King was gay because that tiny fact was not important to the story beyond illustrating how much she loved her family. The fact that she was gay and in a gay relationships was intended to have as much impact as a straight woman's family life would have had, and people's reaction to it highlights a problem in them and society, not the program.

And I'm hugely disappointed that people seem so ready to decry a film representing a relationship that isn't heterosexual and a main character who isn't male. It's a very dated opinion and completely misses the point of the program. If you're hung up on the fact that King is gay, you are completely and utterly missing the point of this program and should probably watch something less challenging.

Great Australian Drama are words I don't often agree with these days. Upon switching the channel over to the ABC and stumbling across the final episode of this for just a few minutes I was hooked! I then went back and watched the first episode, then the second and could not stop - this is Great Australian Drama- it really is! If you like watching a drama where you think you have the guilty parties worked out then realize it cannot be them, and then you become suspicious of a few of them then this is for you - it will keep you guessing until the end and what an explosive ending it is! I don't like giving away too much but do yourself a favor and watch this, watch it for the great Aussie cast of fantastic talent and watch it for the really good script.

Great characters and interesting story line that follows the entirety of the season.

My husband & I were fans of Crownies, which sadly ran for only 1 season despite being an excellent drama.

Janet King is a 'spin off' series, incorporating a number of other characters from Crownies. We both enjoy this series which is well acted & scripted as well as being a superior Australian drama.

It showcases the complexities of prosecuting offenders, the relationship with police & the state government, as well as the weight of public expectation.

We hope this series runs into the future with its talented cast of actors.