The Time of Our Lives

I have been loving so many shows from Australia the last few years. I first saw Claudia Claven in her show Spirited and really like her. Since then I have seen she basically plays extremely unlikable characters that are real snobs and bitches and seems to win many awards playing the same role over and over. She plays the bitter character of Caroline in this show. And that has been annoying. I like all the actors in this show and I enjoy the story lines, but there is one kid they need to replace, the actor who plays "Carmody". That kid is so bad and so obnoxious, I cringe every time he is on the screen. Every time his mother says "Carmody" in her horrible snobby voice I want to throw something at the screen. What kind of name is Carmody? Now if they do not want us to like him they have done an excellent job of it. He talks in a sing songy way, and feels like he is reading his lines and is so unlikable. Then Claudia Klaven plays his mom who thinks he is a little prince and she is so obnoxious. If those two characters left the show would be more enjoyable for me. She makes her douchey husband Matt in the show a sympathetic character! I do enjoy the show very much other than that little family unit. Claudia Klaven- now when I see she is in something, I cannot handle watching her play so many dislike able characters. She has that nailed for sure. Also I was impressed with how realistic they made the Grandpa and his fake leg, so I looked it up and that actor really did lose his leg and they incorporated it into the show. Great job.

Lots of emotion and such amazing characters! I wish it would continue for another season!

pretty good pedigree of writers and producers, very likable characters. The show is not overly predictable and hits all the right notes, nothing controversial or groundbreaking unlike some of its predecessors (secret life of us ,love my way etc) - probably the main downside is the farcical / not even real jokes the pretend stand-up comedians give at the comedy club that is a regular hangout for the characters on the show. The actors are all great fits with some more than others (Karvan for example) are riveting to watch with the real emotional quality they bring to their respective roles but even the short term characters for subplots are excellent . Im waiting patiently for season 2 now that my favourite characters are intertwining and others are on equally interesting trajectories

This was a wonderful series, and I found many of the issues that the characters had to deal with actually reflecting the issues facing a number colleagues and friends. While the situations were not of course fictional the emotions and ways to manage issues are no different to the way we have to manage in real life

I loved the wide range of interactions that so realistically reflected real life in its many layered complexity. The writers had managed to portray how we try to live and survive in our hectic world.

I did feel however that as the series came to the last part it seemed to me as though the actors were starting to get out of character and a different director was at the wheel, or a new writer was involved . This meant for me a great series sort of tapered off in quality at the end of the series run

Come on series 2.

It is fair to say that the quality of the cast gives the show a big lift. The cast are well chosen for their roles and, mostly, familiar faces. It is also fair to say that the script does let the show down, however, not very often fortunately. The overall story is believable while being meaty enough to stir up the emotions from time to time. I have found no difficulty in following the many interwoven stories of the characters lives. The realism of relationships between friends and families can be sometimes annoying and sometimes warm and fuzzy, and there are bits for most people to relate to. I have heard many friends and colleagues talk of the show and discuss the characters or plot lines that seem to get them going, so I always have someone to share my favorite bits with, or bag the characters that are annoying me. The show has that multi faceted look at life feel, similar to 'Love My Way'(which Claudia Karvan was also in). It is different in that it's not as edgy or "sexy", perhaps a little more appealing to a wider audience. Go Aussie drama !!