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.

Like a few people I know, I came in late on 'Stingers'; not until 2000. Three years later there is no way I'd miss an episode. The show really is that good and has, for a better word, maintained its integrity, unlike 'Blue Heelers', for example. The crime is the thing; personal lives are there but only wheeled out when affecting an investigation! When Gary Sweet was brought in, some fans seemed worried, but he's really fitted in well, which didn't surprise me. Gary could measure up to any British or US actor in a similar series. The cast changes occasionally but each change brings something new and fresh. With arguably Australia's finest crew behind the scenes, 'Stingers' will continue to remain a cutting edge drama series.

'Stingers' is a cop show based on some true cases derived from a former undercover cop. The show's always charged with passion, mystery and excitement. So much happens in an episode and is always leaving the viewer hanging and wanting to know what'll happen next, meaning have to wait until next week's episode. I find the writers very creative and managing to keep the storyline going and grabbing viewer's attention right from the beginning to the end of the episode. This show gives out a feeling of reality and does relate to the Melbourne based police shops and how they function, etc, undercover, that is.

What can I say? I have been a fan of "Stingers" for several years now, going back to Bernie Rocca days, I think and I can't honestly say there has been a single episode I've disliked. The life of an undercover cop, not to mention a whole unit of them is an intruiging idea and great premise and with all credit due to the wonderful writers, the idea hasn't grown stale. The introduction of Danni Mayo surprised me a few years back, but she turned out to be a great asset to the show. I can only hope that Gary Sweet, Rebecca Gibney and Jacinta Stapleton will capture their characters just as well. In the departure of Ian Stenlake and Anita Hegh I feel the show has moved on by replacing characters we've known and loved from the start with new, fresh people to meet - at the same time, I'm glad that Oscar and Mac have not been forgotten or simply 'put on the shelf', but are still very much a meaningful part of the show in the absence of the actors. Whether this replacement is a good idea or not will take time to see... but until I see otherwise, I will be watching, taking in (IMO) one of the greatest Drama series ever made in Australia. I sincerely recommend this series to anyone who can appreciate excellent photography, clever storylines and smart writing. One of my favourite series of all time, I give Stingers 9 out of 10

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.