The Twelve

Well it was a long and painful wait, with some cringeworthy bits but overall the outcome was worth it. Quite satisfying on a few accounts. Would not like to be on a murder trial after watching this!

I don't know if this show has taken on too much. I like the snapshot of modern Australia but the episodes are too long and drawn out and achieve nothing to build on the character arcs or carry the plot. At the moment they're exploring about six story lines featuring trouble women who battle BPD, complex trauma, PTSD, DV & alcoholism. On the other side they're tackling misogynists, addiction, racism and abusive / over protective fathers. This is all centred around a murder trial contrast against a historic murder by a guy that was maybe wrongly accused? Despite being so plot heavy the show makes absolutely no comment on Australia's the justice system, the entire centre of the show - Crazy right? I think this would have been better off as a two hour movie we are seven episodes in and have achieved absolutely nothing in terms of character development or wherever the hell this story is going.

After watching the first season of the show you would be remised if all you got from the first season was confusion and 'ah what just happened?'. Well the first season was poorly written and it does show in the side plots and the confusing murder trial narrative, in a case that should of had it's jurors kicked off the jury for many reasons.. I thought "oh this can't get much worse.." and it did. I wanted someone to apologise to Sam Neill for the first season.

When I heard it had been renewed for a second season, I wasn't too thrilled after all Foxtel was heading into life without a leader in Brian Walsh, but when I seen the cast list and the fact the show had been moved from one state to another it gave me hope again.

I will say the second season is much better then the first, with one episode in particular with a very surprising twist I don't think anyone saw coming..

So.. If you want, skip season one, season two is way better then one. Enjoy!

Loved some of the actors in this story. About two episodes too long. Really enjoyed the jurors stories but the weakness, for me, was the crime itself. They spent so long building it up that it felt quite flat when it finally reached its conclusion. Thought the impact of the trial on the jurors is a relevant and interesting angle that they could have focused on more and less about whodunnit.

Great chemistry between Marta and Sam. And overall enjoyable but not perfect viewing. Quality Australian drama.

And whoever styled the art dealer should be shot - such a cliche. Those scarves were ridiculous.

Kate Lawson stands trial for the murder of Claire, her niece, despite having no body, The Crown make a convincing case for the prosecution, A Jury of twelve have to decide whether she is guilty or innocent.

Overall, it's good, but one thing I have to point out, it's taken me four months to go from start to finish, and there's something in that. Some episodes are truly excellent, some are agonising.

What would have made a huge difference, is if had been over six episodes, at ten, it's just way too long, it drags on far too long.

ITV clearly got frustrated with it, and I imagine so did the viewers, which is why it ended up being shown at random, late times, I get why people got frustrated with it.

I would have liked more focus on the Kate story itself, too much filler when it came to the jurors, some stories were interesting, some weren't.

Interesting to see how the system works, and how day to say stresses can have a big impact on a Jury, it can be a tough thing to do.

Of course Sam Neill is wonderful, when isn't he, but he's in some good company here, I have to highlight Brooke Satchwell, I think she's excellent as the tormented mother, walking on eggshells. Standout for me, Kate Mulvany, with that hair and those lips, she's packing charisma, I really rate her.

7/10.