Optics

I thought that I was going to enjoy this. Actually, I was quite sceptical about enjoying it. Rarely does Australian comedy hit the mark for me. Usually it's a problem with the scripting, not enough money going into development, and this shows. I think there is a lot of telling rather than showing, and some basic problems which could easily be fixed with a good edit. For example, a small point, in the first episode, we know the sports person is called Bundy, but just about every time someone talks to him, his name is used in the line, he knows his name is Bundy, we know his name is Bundy there's no need to keep repeating it. If you were having a conversation with someone, say John, you wouldn't say, 'John how are you, John?' No, you would just say, 'How are you?' This kind of basic stuff brings the quality down. Having said that, some of the observations and lines are very witty and sharp, but the lead actors are unfortunately not experienced enough to pull it off. The comedic timing is off, something that could be adjusted with better editing, and I found it annoying having the two main characters in the same shot side by side all the time, echoing each other's thoughts, it would work better if the two characters were condensed into one. They seem to have the exact same job, do they? It is a double act, but for me, it doesn't work. And why would they promote two women if they are reluctant to even promote one?

I'm sorry to say but Optics does not compare to top of the range comedies, unfortunately the Australian industry is too small for those inside it to be honest about the quality of some of the shows. So, a cycle of average gets churned out and everyone slaps each others' backs, at the expense of honest criticism. I don't think it's a lack of talent, it's a lack of money, and the way the industry is funded, grants awarded by bureaucrats to those who have already received grants. That combined with the fact that many of our talented people leave the shores for America.

There was some enjoyable bits in it, and the writers are clearly extremely observant and intelligent, but this does not necessarily translate into good comedy.

It's a big shame that this wasn't better, the premise is very promising.

I don't understand all the negative reviews. Maybe because the two female leads speak so fast and use a lot of PR jargon, making it somewhat difficult to comprehend. I believe it is part of the theme to have these characters speak as if they're in their own little world. Their thought processes are fast and displayed in front of the bamboozled clients. Otherwise, the series is well scripted and the acting is great. Charles Firth is excellent as the disgruntled former boss. He's ably supported by the office receptionist and his clueless PR assistant. My wife and I enjoy watching this series immensely.

Expect some reviewers to be as blind to the world of Nicole and Greta as Ian is. Ian doesn't realise the world has moved on. But - and this makes this series loveable -it doesn't rely on boring tropes. Nicole and Greta soon learn that they need to call on Ian's experience when they find themselves out of their depth. Over time they form a grudging respect for each other.

Nicole and Greta are perfect, their dialogue, their fashion, their relationship. So good. Their faces when Meredith has forgotten her wallet and phone and they ask how she got coffee on the way to work 🤣

Love the references to the captains lounge, prayer rooms, and other Aussie political hot potatoes.

There's also a gradual realisation of the difference between the two generations. One is so tolerant of corruption that it's just business and usual. The other is constantly blindsided by it, and has to find a way to navigate the moral dilemmas. Can't wait for the second series.

Couldn't wait to watch this one after seeing Jenna and Vic in the Stan Christmas movie, Nugget is Dead". This is the latest instalment in what I hope is going to be a long career for these two girls. For those who haven't seen their "ContactTracies" sketch, you don't know what you have missed.

It's been a long time since I've had such a good laugh and simply couldn't stop moving onto the next episode. We had the whole family come over just to watch this series.

Jenna, Vic and Charles are just perfect for their respective roles. The interplay between Jenna and Vic is just incredible to watch with the way they bounce of each other (if they are like this in real life it must be crazy to be around them).

The writing and acting of Optics is as incompetent as the character Ian in the show.

It is a good concept. And the PR industry provides plenty of opportunities for comedy; clearly the farcical issues, people and business the PR industry deal with is ripe for a satirical comedy show. And the difference between traditional PR approaches compared to PR in the new social media world provides plenty of comedic tension that could be exploited.

But unfortunately it is very badly executed and a missed opportunity. The comedy and jokes are clumsy and mostly the set-ups are stupid and boring. The actors playing the main characters have no comic timing or rapport and are just bad.

It is a pity this wasn't done by working dog team who would have taken the opportunity this provides and created something g actually funny.