14 avaliações
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'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.
- scopesclare
- 31 de jan. de 2025
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I seen the trailer for this and seen all the cameos and went "Oh yeah sweet" but got into the episodes when it released, maybe I don't understand the humour but I didn't really enjoy this and got through all the episodes and laughed about twice. But maybe I'll watch it again and give it another go later.
But the cameos made it better, seeing Kate Walsh, like Grey's Anatomy Kate Walsh just pop up in an episode was really cool though and it was good to see her first role in an Australian comedy.
Jenna and Vic have a great career ahead of them for sure to make a whole TV series, I won't knock them for trying because we know how hard it is for a show to come together and work.
It's fine but for me I think it requires more then one viewing.
But the cameos made it better, seeing Kate Walsh, like Grey's Anatomy Kate Walsh just pop up in an episode was really cool though and it was good to see her first role in an Australian comedy.
Jenna and Vic have a great career ahead of them for sure to make a whole TV series, I won't knock them for trying because we know how hard it is for a show to come together and work.
It's fine but for me I think it requires more then one viewing.
- phaserphil80
- 30 de jan. de 2025
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This had so much potential. I had high hopes as Im a big fan of The Chasers. The first three episodes were ok, but the last three were awful. My biggest problem with this is the two female characters Nicole and Greta, they speak way to fast (especially for Australians) and they sound like they are at double speed. They also talk over each other making it difficult to understand them or hear any of the 'humour'. They are so unrealistic as characters that they are unwatchable. I actually liked the male character Ian and found him funny, the show would be much better if it just focused on him and how he ran the PR company. Some of the references to typical Australian PR problems with airlines, telcos, footy players etc were good, but the delivery wasn't great. It's a shame this show wasn't any good.
- tara_kelly1979
- 25 de fev. de 2025
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There are some comedies so bad that you feel sorry for the people involved. No private investment would have come within a 100 miles of this shocker. The industry in Australia is so small that the writers and performers could rely on their friends giving it good reviews in the expected places but - like a children's eisteddfod - the only people watching will be the cast and their families. I think they are aiming for farce but its hard to tell. Charles Firth is just appalling but its not his fault. Did the director actually give any direction? Or just say "go" and "cut". If production standards were lower it could have succeeded as car-crash entertainment - Plan 9 From Outer-space style. But it even fails at that.
This is 'comedy' made by po-faced public servants that have studied comedy as one would the distant history of a foreign culture.
This is 'comedy' made by po-faced public servants that have studied comedy as one would the distant history of a foreign culture.
- simonthomasroberts
- 10 de fev. de 2025
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Couldn't make it through the first episode .... Broad set up was fine 👍 PR firm - different staff, clients, situations, generations 👍 So off we go but immediately we run into big trouble! A script that is desperately over written and way too dense & wordy. So called "Funny" bits that are made, then made again & then let's hammer that point one more time. Just too obvious, lacked any subtlety or nuance and most depressingly for a comedy - not funny. Felt like it was made in the 1990s on a limited budget (they just added in social media to make it contemporary & razor sharp - not!!) Had read good reviews so that I'd try - but absolutely a resounding "no thanks" from this viewer!
- waynewoff
- 2 de fev. de 2025
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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).
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).
- rrrkkgxz
- 29 de jan. de 2025
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"Optics," the latest Australian comedy series, aims to satirise the world of crisis management within a PR firm. While the show tackles timely themes, its execution is marred by several issues that detract from its potential impact, not least of all the hugely over rated leads.
One of the most glaring problems is the actors' rapid-fire delivery and overlapping dialogue. The pace often feels rushed, making it challenging for viewers to catch every line and fully appreciate the humour. Comedy thrives on timing, and the relentless speed here leaves little room for jokes to land effectively. Given the jokes were crap to start with, they have really not helped themselves with the lack of direction and diction.
Additionally, the show's focus on the inner workings of a PR company may not resonate with all audiences. The portrayal of the industry comes across as soulless and unengagging, lacking the depth needed to make viewers care about the characters' professional dilemmas. While the intent might be to critique the superficiality of PR, the result is a setting that feels as hollow as the industry it aims to lampoon.
In summary, "Optics" struggles to balance its satirical ambitions with effective comedic delivery. The combination of poor diction, overly fast-paced dialogue, and an unappealing focus on PR's inner workings results in a series that misses the mark on all fronts.
One of the most glaring problems is the actors' rapid-fire delivery and overlapping dialogue. The pace often feels rushed, making it challenging for viewers to catch every line and fully appreciate the humour. Comedy thrives on timing, and the relentless speed here leaves little room for jokes to land effectively. Given the jokes were crap to start with, they have really not helped themselves with the lack of direction and diction.
Additionally, the show's focus on the inner workings of a PR company may not resonate with all audiences. The portrayal of the industry comes across as soulless and unengagging, lacking the depth needed to make viewers care about the characters' professional dilemmas. While the intent might be to critique the superficiality of PR, the result is a setting that feels as hollow as the industry it aims to lampoon.
In summary, "Optics" struggles to balance its satirical ambitions with effective comedic delivery. The combination of poor diction, overly fast-paced dialogue, and an unappealing focus on PR's inner workings results in a series that misses the mark on all fronts.
- speaktomenow
- 25 de fev. de 2025
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I have long been a fan of the work of the Chaser team, and this has to be up there as some of their best material yet.
The three central characters of Ian, Nicole and Greta are multifaceted and hilarious. The writing is brilliant and each actor brought out the best in every line. 3 days later and my husband and I are still quoting one line to each other (no spoilers) that crack us both up time and time again. It's been a long time since a show has been able to do that.
My husband and I ended up watching the first season all in one night thanks to iView. Now to wait for more episodes to be released...
The three central characters of Ian, Nicole and Greta are multifaceted and hilarious. The writing is brilliant and each actor brought out the best in every line. 3 days later and my husband and I are still quoting one line to each other (no spoilers) that crack us both up time and time again. It's been a long time since a show has been able to do that.
My husband and I ended up watching the first season all in one night thanks to iView. Now to wait for more episodes to be released...
- hbxbkkvvs
- 30 de jan. de 2025
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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.
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.
- akaslammin
- 27 de fev. de 2025
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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.
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.
- kimmgould
- 9 de fev. de 2025
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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.
- RR1107
- 6 de mar. de 2025
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- bcolourt
- 28 de jan. de 2025
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- imdbfan-9267263395
- 25 de mar. de 2025
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While the comedic rhythm of Optics is initially jarring and a little dark, the twisted world of Optics is amoral and mysterious in a way that is incredibly hilarious. I would love 100 more episodes and 100 more incredible, clown-adjacent and yet cool outfits from the leads. The whole premise of two people job sharing a CEO role is hilarious and incredibly funny in how unquestioned it is throughout the series. The colours and framing make it a delightful watch, while the comedic and slightly depressingly realistic branding disasters the leads face are consistently funny. No one is a good person, but everyone is a funny person and despite their flaws you find yourself firmly backing the two leads played by Jenna Owen, Vic Zerbst.
- TaitM-3
- 22 de abr. de 2025
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