Stingers

Like a few people I know, I came in late on 'Stingers'; not until 2000. Three years later there is no way I'd miss an episode. The show really is that good and has, for a better word, maintained its integrity, unlike 'Blue Heelers', for example. The crime is the thing; personal lives are there but only wheeled out when affecting an investigation! When Gary Sweet was brought in, some fans seemed worried, but he's really fitted in well, which didn't surprise me. Gary could measure up to any British or US actor in a similar series. The cast changes occasionally but each change brings something new and fresh. With arguably Australia's finest crew behind the scenes, 'Stingers' will continue to remain a cutting edge drama series.

"Stingers" has just started being aired in Portugal, on a cable network called AXN. Right now, episodes feature Angie, Peter, Mac, Oscar and Danni. I was very sad to hear Mac and Oscar did not remain on the show, as I think the actors playing them did a wonderful job. The actress playing Mac seems really talented, and it's a pity she, Peter and Ian (in particular) aren't more well known abroad. Anyway, I want to congratulate the cast and crew from across the planet for a wonderful series that goes beyond the common cop flick into the real depth of cops lives and "real life" situations. Still, I wish certain topics could be more extended ( I remember an episode in which Ian's character becomes personally attached to a girl who is arrested as a drug "mail", because she trusted him - I think all those issues could be extended if they chose a two by two episode system). Nevertheless, I truly enjoy the show - Congratulations!!! All the best to you all and lots of success for the show. Ah, and you have made me crave visiting Melbourne! :)

I really loved Stingers! It was one of the great Aussie crime dramas. Sure it had ups and downs in terms of the plot and character development, but it always seemed to get back on track... well until the last season. That final episode was a huge let down to the entire show.

Great to see our local Melbourne locations being used to their fullest though, i think that was a definite highlight. Theme tune also rocked, especially in the early seasons of the show.

I'd like to see one last TV-movie perhaps? Just to tie up all those loose ends at the end of the show. Or a reunion TV special highlighting all the shows "great/worst moments"?

What can I say? I have been a fan of "Stingers" for several years now, going back to Bernie Rocca days, I think and I can't honestly say there has been a single episode I've disliked. The life of an undercover cop, not to mention a whole unit of them is an intruiging idea and great premise and with all credit due to the wonderful writers, the idea hasn't grown stale. The introduction of Danni Mayo surprised me a few years back, but she turned out to be a great asset to the show. I can only hope that Gary Sweet, Rebecca Gibney and Jacinta Stapleton will capture their characters just as well. In the departure of Ian Stenlake and Anita Hegh I feel the show has moved on by replacing characters we've known and loved from the start with new, fresh people to meet - at the same time, I'm glad that Oscar and Mac have not been forgotten or simply 'put on the shelf', but are still very much a meaningful part of the show in the absence of the actors. Whether this replacement is a good idea or not will take time to see... but until I see otherwise, I will be watching, taking in (IMO) one of the greatest Drama series ever made in Australia. I sincerely recommend this series to anyone who can appreciate excellent photography, clever storylines and smart writing. One of my favourite series of all time, I give Stingers 9 out of 10

I watch this show occasionally and I must say, I'm surprised that this show is actually Australian. Not that there's anything wrong with Australian films or actors, but nobody can say Australia is known for it's movies and TV-shows. This show is at least as good as, if not better than, any US or British show. Not only when we are talking about the skill of the actors, the diverse characters, and the professional feeling of it all, but also the plot itself. It's not only good but believable. One thing I miss in the show though is the Australian nature! Where's all the kangaroos and koalas? Perhaps the producers wish to display Australia as not only a zoo, but that it also has large cities like any other country. OK, I guess, but just one outback scene here and there wouldn't hurt. Still a very good show though.