Stingers

In 1998, the show concentrated more on "plot". IMHO this was every bit as good as the previous reviewer thought, although as a result there was a certain element of "sameness" after a while.

In 1999-2001 (ie, til "now"), the producers of this series changed direction slightly. Whilst still having quite creative plot lines, they now chose to interweave the lives of the characters in the storylines. Thus, for example, we saw the car bomb explosion which killed a senior policeman, the lover of one of the main characters. In another example, we see a sister of another of the main characters shown as a druggie.

One danger of this (in terms of ratings :-) ) is that there is a risk that the characters may become "unlikeable"; and again IMHO, that did indeed happen to one of them: for reasons totally beyond my understanding, one of the female blondes (Danni) is now portrayed as somewhat of an airhead.

On balance, however, this has resulted in more "three dimensional" characters, since we now see more of their personal lives, their strengths and their weaknesses.

I cannot agree with the previous reviewer that this show "competed" with "Water Rats" in any way. To my mind, these are totally different shows, aimed at different audiences, and as far as I recall, in different timeslots, so there was no "competition". I couldn't say that I preferred one to the other for any reason.

"Stingers" is a high-quality drama that is deadlocked with "Water Rats" as Australia's most popular cop show. "Stingers" deals with the story of a bunch of undercover cops whose real names are not known. It is their job to infiltrate gangs or companies that are suspected of illegal activities and then have them busted, which is a risky and dangerous job as there is always the danger of being recognised as a cop by someone they may have put away before.

The cast is competent and well-chosen and give their likeable characters life. The storylines are of high-standard in excellence, and they usually contain unpredictable plot twists and turns.

"Stingers" is a recommended series.

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"?

I have watched this Series since it was first aired and the quality hasn't waivered.

It is my fervent hope that the producers continue to realize the shows popularity and don't go by the very peculiar ratings system they seem to employ that advises them to cancel a show that is popular and replace it with rubbish.

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.