Wakefield

This mini series has everything, quality drama doesn't get any better than this! To Rudi Dharmalingam, what an amazing achievement, not just brilliant acting but to nail the Aussie accent better than any non-Australian. Geraldine Hakewell, Mandy McIllheny and every actor in the series, take a bow, you were all superb, and made your character believable. To the writers, producers, directors and the ABC..... thank you.

Re-watched this show at least four times already. Heart-breaking, brilliant and how a TV series around mental health should be. A wonderful look in. Kudos to the cast and crew for this masterpiece.

Wakefield is a difficult show to watch at time, partly because of the subject matter, and partly because it's so real.

But the pay-off is a beautifully scripted story, superb direction, spectacular scenery and a set of flawless performances from an incredible Australian ensemble cast. Oh, and an Englishman as the star, although his Australian accent is so surprisingly good, I think we will make him an honorary Aussie.

The final episode left me sitting quietly for a while contemplating what I'd just watched.

If you want something that is seriously cerebral but still capable of making you burst out laughing, Wakefield is for you.

I support this very excellent work . . . By EVERYone. All aspects . . . Stunningly creative, intelligent. I would not even write a review if I wasn't unable to find my two misgivings anywhere here addressed, so I'll add: the musicality.

Difficult for me since I don't, in the main, enjoy musicals. One, maybe two exceptions. This is not one of them. HowEVER. I do see, once the 'mystery' is solved, why. Literally.

Additionally I appreciate that the full spectrum of feeling is explored as an intrinsic aspect of the nature of the entire work and music may be the only way to achieve a certain aspect of joy.

Then there's the pace. This was just too long by one or two episodes. Too slow in some spots especially given the complexities and discomforts. Asking your audience to sit and simmer in the soup is, I think, too much.

But a difficult conclusion at which to arrive given the amazing work overall.

My solution: to click on ALL the tens in the reviews and rate an 8/10.

Hypnotically riveting, this groundbreaking Australian drama is flawless from start to finish. The entire cast are magnificent, with strong, award worthy performances throughout the series. Whether or not there is another season, this series has forever changed me and will be included in my favourite Aussie productions of all time!