Les Survivants

This is a hard series to review. I actually really liked it, however, I kept forgetting about watching it, so clearly it wasn't as entertaining as other shows. From episode 4 (out of 6 episodes) I got really into it though and finished it all in one go. My guess is that most low reviews are from people who didn't bother to finish the show.

I think if you're in the right mindset you'd probably enjoy it from start, I was a bit distracted and I find it hard to get into shows unless they are really intense. This is more of a slow burn, with an amazing atmosphere, I really felt like these people are really living there at the beach in Australia, like I could go and visit them. It's not a feel good show, it's dark and gritty and people in it are messed up, there isn't really any likeable characters except from the lead played by Charlie Vickers. However, the series felt different and interesting and I will look for other series produced by Tony Ayres.

Nothing about the plot, the set of characters, the picturesque setting, the whodunnit element etc is particularly inventive or different from a hundred things you've seen before.

BUT the difference here is that the script is intelligent and fresh, the character development unexpectedly deep and affecting and the whole thing is carried off quite expertly without the usual 'groan moments' we so often get. The performances of main characters Kieran, Verity and Mia are particularly strong.

You need to stay with it through a couple of episodes for these qualities to blosssom. You could do a lot worse for entertainment.

I did get frustrated by the apparent slow pace of the first three episodes. It seemed like the story was dawdling and meandering without obvious purpose.

However, from Ep.4 onwards, I started to become more engaged in the plot. Perhaps I was starting to get my memory of all the names into proper place - confusing at first!

The denouement in the last two episodes was generally quite gripping. In some ways more of a "what actually happened" than a straight out "whodunnit". Perhaps the most captivating part of the series was the location. A quaint seaside location with beaches, cliffs and caves is a great adjunct to the intrigues of plot development.

Ultimately I did feel rewarded for sticking it out to the climactic end - enough to forgive one or two plausibility weaknesses that are probably inevitable with this type of mystery drama.

If you're a fan of Broadchurch and the like, then you should try The Survivors and approach it with patience in the first half of the series.

I enjoyed the show quite a lot, the backdrop of a small tight knit town, managed to watch the episodes as soon as they dropped, currently on episode 4, it may become a sleeper hit, it might also cure your insomnia, in a good way though not a bad way, it's clear to see that the bay and a murder mystery can put people at arms length or make you question what you did wrong all those years ago.

Put aside some time over the weekend or during your week and give the show a chance, there may be too many characters but in a small town everyones a suspect.

Several characters could've and probably should've dropped off after episode three but it'll peek a viewing experience.

Give it a go, you may just like it.

Not sure why this got so many mixed reviews, it's a fantastic series and really kept me guessing until the end!

I kept thinking I knew who had done it, and what was going on but I didn't. Loved the red herrings, and the last episode tied it all up nicely

The scenery was beautiful as well, Tasmania is gorgeous and loved the small town appeal.

Managed to finish the whole series in one day just because I had to keep knowing what was going on.

All the main characters were well thought out and kept me gripped. Only slight negative was the character of Liv who I found quite annoying and not the greatest actress.

Overall I'd highly recommend!