paul_tachian

Christina (Karvan) is a 22 year old high school teacher, engaged to the stable, and arguably boring, Dimitri (Bistoni).

Her choices are stark: conventional Greek Orthodox wedding followed by stable, predictable family life in suburban Melbourne, and just across the road from mum and dad!

Or... Throwing her career, reputation and parents into the toilet to further enjoy the sugar-hit of a 17 year-old student (Nick, played by Alex Dimitriades) she teaches.

She is aided in her decision by Evdokia (Doris Younane) who instills a palpable sense of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) when she declares of a possible tryst with Nick -- "If you don't, I will!".

And so, herein lies the nub of the conflict: that of a first-generation Australian of Greek background and the inherent conservatism the Church fosters, and the lure of self-gratification that's less of a hang-up for the majority of Australians.

Whatever will she do? I didn't much care, not for lack of acting talent from the leads or supporting cast -- all great. Rather, it was the improbability of where it was all heading, and indeed where it ended up. I can't recall a real-life student/teacher scenario where events didn't end badly in some fashion.

Still, the heart wants what it wants. If you're willing to place romance above all else (good sense and logic among them) then fill your boots.

What did I like most about it?

Cars from the 70s, 80s and early 90s abound. Christina drives a Ford KH Laser and Dimitri a BMW 5 series.

Urban gets urban and into the faces, hearts and minds of Aussie civilians and combatants.

It's quite a time capsule, particularly as we approach 30 years since the show first aired. Always interesting to see changes in familiar landmarks and streetscapes. People don't change so much in 30 years, with teens still recognisable as such, just without the e-scooter or head-to-phone posture!

It's also a rich vein of nostalgia for car enthusiasts, as there's often something in the background you'll rarely see today, if ever.

The first series is arguably the best, as people are clueless to Urban's motives and intentions. A common question you'll hear is "who are you?" or "what station is this?". This caught people off-guard, and while not truly candid in most cases, they had less time to formulate a set narrative.

As time went on, the show and Andrew Urban became better known. It got to the point that people (mostly kids) would ham it up for the camera, with older people more willing to talk, given they'd seen the show on TV and knew it to be legitimate.

Not suggesting Osher Günsberg was quizzed as part of a future showreel, but it's often the case that friends and family might encourage you into showbiz after seeing your poise on TV. At the time, he gave his birth name (Andrew) and it was a later series, should you be seeking it. I'd say 1996 or 1998.

Notable people?

1994's series one is memorable for a philosophical Greek deli merchant who was studying astrology. He was spot-on in his belief of the rise in computing and its profound affect on humanity. Just perhaps not in the way he envisaged.

Most chilling, however, was his forecast for a major cultural shift for Australia from February 15, 1996. Less than a month after that date, (2 March 1996) Australia had the first of several right-wing Coalition governments.

This review would be incomplete without special mention of the Indigenous busker man with the Babel fish tongue. At least five languages, all very passable.

Currently being re-run on SBS Australia, with some episodes available to view on the SBS Youtube channel.

As a New South Welshman, I can only speak of my own sense of pride to see so many beautiful shots of our harbour and Opera House in such a great Baird/Berejiklian tourism promotion.

There's Jackie Chan and some younger Asian kids, a Darth Vader type baddie, a Captain Phasma type baddie, some Death Trooper type baddies, the most unlikely Sydney "youth-tough" gang ever, martial arts, SPACE SHIPS and bright colours.

Okay, what about the substance of the piece? There really isn't one. Aside from the NSW tourism angle, it felt like the longest Audi ad I've had the misfortune to experience.

Vorsprung Dork Technik indeed!