The Slap and ABC's Latest Ad Campaign

When a program is as heavily promoted as The ABC's The Slap, it's hard not to become skeptical before the opening credits even begin. After seeing an ad for what seems like the thousandth time, it can feel like you've already seen the whole series and already know all the lines off by heart. Despite this, I was still somewhat hopeful that this eight-part Aussie drama would have something in it worth watching. Friends of mine have read the book and swear by it, and as I've already said, there's always that chance that it will be a good old fashioned home-grown classic.

So what was the verdict?  The cast is full to the brim with familiar names and faces, raising expectations high. All in all, they didn't disappoint.  Most notably, Melissa George has graced us folk down-under with her television prescence again as Rosie, the mother of the child that is slapped at Hector's (Jonathan LaPaglia) birthday BBQ. Aside from bringing attention to the program, the cast's major achievement seems to be portraying characters that you instantly hate, yet not in the way that makes you want to stop watching. As each episode is from the perspective of a different one of these characters, there's an incentive to watch again and find out more about what's going on behind the insufferableness.

Of course,  William McInnes' occasional snippets of narration are a highlight. What more do you need?

The Slap screens on ABC1 at 8.30 on Thursdays (it stole Crownies' spot, sigh).

Image from Borders.

In the beginning, there was a pilot.

Oh, pilots. When I first watch them, I rarely realise how important and mythical they will become to me later on. I can't even remember the first time I saw the pilots I love most. It feels like I've always known the famous lines off by heart, and have always laughed at the outdated haircuts the characters are sporting.  It's the moments that define the show's entire story, the lines that are referred to again and again later on in the series and the meeting of characters that will have epic relationships that make them so freaking special.

The inspiration for this post came from watching one of the greatest pilots ever, the very first episode of One Tree Hill. We meet Lucas Scott and his enemy Nathan. They're enemies who just happen to share the same father. A very un-cheery Peyton and Lucas have their first meaningful, which-one-is-more-brooding conversation. The contrast between those at the River Court and those in the gym is set up so that we know that Lucas has never belonged indoors. Nathan seems to- but maybe it's just the ghost of his father. Brooke doesn't feature at all in the pilot, which is a noticeable absence! Even so, as any dedicated fan will know, the basketball game that closes the show changes many of the characters' lives and is a defining moment in One Tree Hill history.

If you have never seen this pilot, watch it. Once you've watched the rest of the show, go back and watch it again. Then maybe you'll understand.

If not, just ignore me. That's fine too.

Arty Beginnings

Sometimes, movies can be just too arty. Sophia Coppola's Somewhere comes to mind, a film that left both me and my movie going partner with one simple question- 'what?'.

Luckily, Beginners doesn't fall into this trap- it is just arty enough. Whimsical characters and the photographs and drawings that are interspersed throughout the story are simply cute and funny, rather than seeming to scream 'look at me! I'm profound!'. Oliver (Ewan McGregor) is a man in his late thirties who has just lost his father, Hal (Christopher Plummer). Dragged along to a party by his friends, where he dresses as Freud and can't help but take his friendly dog Arthur (who is complete with subtitles), Oliver meets a girl that is equally sad and equally interesting- the beautiful french actress Anna (Melanie Laurent). The movie follows their romance and flashes back to Oliver's childhood and his final years with his father, who came out in his seventies and began a relationship with a younger man.

Each of the different stories complement each other perfectly, explaining why Oliver is who he is now. Plummer is fantastic as a man living the final stage of his life to the fullest, not worrying in the slightest about the years that have passed or the years that won't happen. The closeness that develops between Oliver and Hal is sweet and comforting, while Oliver and Anna's romance is nothing short of lovely: a classic tale of two lost souls finding their place with each other. Of course, one of the highlights is definitely the cute animal: Arthur is a chatty and loyal pet that we can probably all recognise. It's not a movie I'd watch again and again, as it was quite long and heavy at times, but it's definitely worth at least one look.

September on Television

Today marks the end of August, which means a new season begins tomorrow. Usually, we associate Spring with colourful flowers and cute baby animals. These things are lovely, of course, but for those of us in Australia with a particular interest in US television there is another area where new and exciting things are blooming- the return of beloved series and the debut of new ones (which are hopefully soon to be beloved!).

Most exciting are the return of Gossip Girl and the beginning of Hart of Dixie- both brought to you by my television heroes, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage (who were also producers of The O.C).

Gossip Girl is now entering its fifth season, an impressive feat considering its predecessor The O.C only lasted four- and fizzled out after Mischa Barton's departure at the end of season three (if not before). While season three of Gossip Girl left a bit to be desired (too many storylines, Blair's scheming getting somewhat old), in season four it actually seemed to get better. Likable new characters and surprising (but awesome) new love pairings seemed to save this show. The fact that a certain very annoying younger sister barely featured didn't hurt either! The final few episodes were as addictive as the earlier seasons had been- my battered bandwidth can attest to this. While every show has to end eventually, I think Gossip Girl will be around for a bit longer. It returns Monday, September 26th in the US.

On the same night, Hart of Dixie begins. It stars Rachel Bilson, who has probably fared the best post-O.C of all her counterparts. While I always preferred Marissa (read about that here), I still loved Summer for both her rage blackouts and trendsetting boho fashion. Bilson plays a young doctor, which should be a real change from her character in The O.C. This is hopefully a good thing, as a character similar to Summer would no doubt fall short. I have high hopes for this show- how could I not with Bilson, Schwartz and Savage. The O.C and Gossip Girl have something that other TV shows don't- it's than indefinable element that makes them more than just something you watch out of boredom. Let's hope Hart of Dixie doesn't disappoint. If it does, you can always try some more traditional Spring activities- go outside and smell some flowers/cuddle a baby lamb. It's good to have options!

Check out more info on The CW.

Ita!

I'm by no means an Australian Story regular, but the two part Ita Buttrose special over the past fortnight has been a source of much excitement. Like many fans of Paper Giants, since the telemovie I've developed an interest in the Australian media's leading lady. Years later, the story of her career and her time at Cleo is still an inspiration. Last night, we learnt about what happened after ACP. While it might not have always been as successful as the story we got in Paper Giants, it doesn't make Ita any less awesome. In fact, it probably makes her even cooler- she's human, and not everything she's done has changed the world.

Australian Story's 'Ita Tells Me So' showed many sides of an iconic Australian. The successful magazine editor, the journalist, the mother and the friend to Kerry Packer. The interviews and footage with Ita now, as well as flash-backs, added so much to the hint of an amazing life that was Paper Giants. Something tells me it satisfied my thirst for knowledge about Ita Buttrose only temporarily, and I'm guessing I'm not alone. Magazine lover or not, Ita Buttrose is the kind of person you just want to know more about. Maybe because you want to know how to be her, or maybe because you just want to know how she did it.

Check out Australian Story on iView if you missed it.

Have you read the book? *Awkward silence*... A Jane Eyre Review

Confession: I've never read Jane Eyre. This is pretty strange, when you consider that my mother owns six copies of the book itself as well at least three different Charlotte Bronte biographies (did i say three? I meant five). The thought of going to see the latest dramatisation starring Mia Wasikowska, without reading the book first, made me feel slightly inadequate and a bit like I was betraying the family bookshelf. Plus, how would I join in with the post-movie chatter without being able to groan "that didn't happen in it the book", or "Charlotte Bronte would be rolling over in her grave"? Still, I ventured out to the cinema last night with the Bronte-crazed mother as well as my intellectual inferiority complex. And once I got over my frustration at not being able to understand everything about the plot, I absolutely loved it.

The movie opens with Jane (Mia Wasikowska) running through the rain, sobbing, until she ends up being taken in and nursed back to health by a man and his two sisters. When asked her name, she answers "Jane Elliot". For those of us who haven't read the book, an understanding of why she lies won't come until much later in the movie. Disturbing flashbacks detail Jane's early childhood and schooling, and then a much longer flashback shows Jane working as a governess for the handsome, challenging and somewhat mysterious Mr Rochester (Michael Fassbender). All this time-traveling is initially a bit confusing, but once the movie gets going it becomes easier to understand what's happening. The mystery of why Jane ran away slowly unravels as the love story develops, and soon enough it all makes sense.

Mia Wasikowska is brilliant as Jane. She looks quite different to how she's been in other movies and on the red carpet: much less glamorous ("that's how Jane is meant to be!" my mother insists). She portrays a powerful mixture of restraint and passion throughout the movie. Her acting is particularly impressive in the final scenes- some of her lines were said with such intensity that I found myself thinking I want to read that in the book! Now! The parts of the movie that were slightly unexplained are actually a good thing, as presumably it means that viewers will be treated to more than a reiteration of the movie plotline if they choose to read the book.

This is one of those movies that you think about for the entire day after you've seen it, pondering the actions and emotions of characters that really, you only knew for a few hours. All in all, this was definitely worth the bruised ego that comes with an 'I haven't read that classic novel' meltdown.

Please no! Sex and the City TV series 2.0?

Just when I thought Monday couldn't get any worse, out of the corner of my eye I noticed an article my friend was looking at: Sex and the City is rumoured to coming back as a new TV series. This is not good news. Here's why.

The ending to the sixth season of Sex and the City was good. Really, really good. In fact, I might even go so far as to say it is one the best series finales that I have seen. It was an episode that saw Carrie Bradshaw and the girls end up exactly where we all wanted them to be. After all the seasons of drama, things were finally working out, and the best part was that the four main characters had stuck together through all of it. The closing voiceover from Carrie encapsulated so much of what I loved about the show and what it meant: "The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you that you love? Well, that's just fabulous."

It was all so perfect. An episode that could be rewatched again and again to just to relive the happiness. Then came the movie. As as a devoted fan of the TV series I found so many elements just plain wrong. After seeing Carrie and Mr. Big finally come to a place where they could be together at the end of the series, watching that be torn apart yet again was quite simply depressing. Not to mention Samantha and Smith breaking up, or Steve cheating on Miranda (who, by the way, was suddenly very glamorous in the movie. Just so not Miranda). Some happy endings just shouldn't be tampered with, and this was one of them.

Then we had to suffer through Sex and the City 2, a movie that was offensive on so many levels that I wouldn't even know where to start. Surely, that was the nail in the coffin that was the story of Carrie and the girls? Could I now just pretend the movies never happened and enjoy the sixth season in peace? I thought so, until this morning. It would be safe to say that after the movies, I hold no optimism about the quality of a new SATC show. The story should have ended years ago. Please, don't let it be true. The perfect ending has been tarnished enough as it is.

Terrible Teens: The Search for an Idol in Soapie-Land

As much i love love love my teen dramas (enough to refer to them as if I own them), as I get a bit older I become increasingly aware that the characters I adore and idolise are not always the greatest people to be looking up to. Take Marissa Cooper from The O.C, one of my very favourite TV teens. She often deals with her problems in a less than constructive way- 'Cosmo Girl's' magic flask, anyone? Or Blair Waldorf of Gossip Girl, manipulative and at times, just plain cruel.

Then there's the other side of the coin: Rory Gilmore (Gilmore Girls, in case that wasn't obvious). In the early seasons at least, Rory maintains flawless grades, is unfailingly dedicated to studying, always has cute boy after her and is nice to everyone she meets. You would think Rory would make the perfect idol, but aspiring to that kind of perfection can be just as destructive as taking up vodka lattes or exposing the personal secrets of those in your social circle for fun. So what's a girl to do? Give up soapies once and for all?

Never. While there are aspects of Marissa and Blair's behaviour that should definitely not make the to-do lists of viewers, it is always comforting to find characters you can relate to in any small way. That's why I love those girls, and plan to continue to hold them in high esteem. As for who to idolise, I think I'll just pick the best parts of all my favourites. Brooke Davis' confidence, Jen Lindley's wisdom, Peyton Sawyer's creativity... all these characters give me things to aspire to. As long as we know what's worth trying to emulate and what's not, I think we can keep watching and loving the Marissas and Blairs of the world (or screen, technically).

The ABCs of Television

Our beloved public broadcaster has copped a lot of flak this week, as it announced it would be cutting Collectors, The New Inventors and Art Nation. These losses have upset a lot of people, if the editorial and vox pop in my local newspaper are to be believed. While not a regular watcher of either, I did appreciate the occasional look. I think it's sad to see them go, but the fact of television (and life) is that not everything you love can stay around forever. So today I'm looking at the positives we've seen on the ABC this week, just as a reminder that not all great shows have ended up on the cutting room floor.

Wednesday night saw the return of The Gruen Transfer, hosted by Wil Anderson and with a panel that didn't disappoint. As the show's regular Todd Sampson triumphantly tweeted, Gruen had the highest ratings for its timeslot. So what makes a show where a couple of people sit around and talk about ads so very enjoyable? Well, there's the obvious- Todd. Known for his witty and colourful t-shirts, his clever insights and (let's face it) dazzlingly good looks, Todd seems to have developed a cult following... in my social circles, anyway! His arguments with the other panel regular, Russel Howcroft, are always hilarious. It's actually disappointing when they agree with each other! Aside from being very funny, this show has something important to say- that we should always look at advertising critically, and think about what companies want us to take away from certain ads.

Last night saw another ABC success, in my opinion. The new series Crownies continued as the solicitor that leaked an important file to the media is yet to be discovered, and all the characters deal with cases that are nothing short of harrowing. On first watch I was slightly disappointed with Crownies, but a few weeks in I am a firm fan. I've come to like all the characters that I was turned off by at first, especially Erin (Ella Scott Lynch). While two hours seemed far too long in the first week, now one hour goes by in what seems like minutes and I wish there was another episode to follow. It's intriguing, clever, funny and human- all major prerequisites for a good ABC drama.

In short, the ABC might be saying goodbye to some valuable shows, but it's definitely not all doom and gloom. There's plenty of great stuff to look forward to.

Always Trust Claudia Karvan

When I first read about Spirited, the new show from the makers of Love My Way, I thought it sounded a little silly. A woman in the 21st century having a love affair with a ghost? I was pretty sure I'd read a book with that premise in my earlier teen years and it was silly then, so why would it be any different now? But hang on, I thought, the lead is played by Claudia Karvan. As my beloved Frankie in Love My Way, she was so brilliant that I couldn't imagine her in anything unwatchable. I didn't want to imagine it. Luckily, after giving Spirited a try I can say with confidence that my worst fears were unfounded.

Karvan plays a wealthy dentist, Suzy Darling, who is quietly dissatisfied with her life. One night, after a particularly humiliating dinner party, she changes her life just as quietly. Leaving her husband behind, she buys a penthouse with a view of the Harbour Bridge. While settling in, Suzy is startled by a fairly unique intruder- Henry Mallet (Matt King), an eccentric ex-rock star who just happens to be... well, dead.

Suzy then launches into a totally different phase of her life. She juggles kids, her job, potential friendships with her neighbours (though they might think she's a little bit crazy) and dealing with her insufferable husband, while also getting to know Henry and researching who he was when he was alive. As Suzy helps him figure out his identity, I get the feeling that Henry might just be doing the same thing for her. I have instantly fallen for both these characters, as they form a unique relationship that is somehow very believable.

Karvan really shows her acting and producing chops in this series (not that anyone ever had any doubts in that regard). It's sometimes difficult to watch an actor you loved as someone in particular play someone else, but here, it is effortless. The character of Suzy is completely different to Frankie, while still retaining those great Karvan facial expressions and that undeniable Karvan heart. Three episodes in, I can say without a doubt that this show is funny, warm and sweet, but it is not in the slightest bit silly.

Why I Don't Study Past 7pm

The wealth of new channels that I've been treated to lately have brought me not only a new way to waste time (flicking from station to station takes much longer than it used to), but they have also brought me two new shows to love. Usually, I don't develop addictions to shows I watch on ACTUAL television. The ads drive me slightly insane, both those that feature in the middle of the show and those in the week leading up to it. Sadly, putting your hands over your ears and humming loudly so the plotline isn't spoiled is not socially acceptable (apparently). But since 7mate, Gem, Go and others have graced my screen, I've become an ACTUAL television convert. This is for two reasons: Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother.

I recently read an article that suggested Big Bang Theory was a show for guys. Sure, the cast is mostly male, but I fundamentally disagree. I don't think it's a show for men. I think it's a show for people that feel just slightly out of the ordinary. In fact, it might even be a celebration of those people. While I adore many shows with an abundance of beautiful and popular people (Gossip Girl, The O.C, One Tree Hill... the list goes on), it is refreshing to come to know and love a cast of characters that are more interested in science than glamourous parties and (gasp!) not always so beautiful. Of course, Penny (Kaley Cuoco) is in some ways the exception. However, even she has her quirks that make her all the more endearing. This show is well worth a look.

For years now, I'd been hearing about this show called How I Met Your Mother. For whatever reason, I never bothered to see what it was like. Probably because it was always on ACTUAL television, and never in a box-set sitting in my loungeroom cupboard. It wasn't until I went killing time on the plane earlier this year that I discovered exactly why this show was so loved. It's a cliche, but the characters are people you can imagine being friends with. Well, except maybe Barney (Neil Patrick Harris). I'm sure we all know many people who think they are Barney, but only on television could there be someone so fabulous. Lily (Alyson Hannigan) and Marshall (Jason Segel) are the couple everyone wants to be, Robyn (Cobie Smulders) is ultra cool and Ted (Josh Radnor) is the lovable hopeless romantic you can't help cheering for. And plus, it's really, really funny. The humour they share is exactly the kind of humour you can imagine sharing with your own goofy friends, and that's what makes it so special.

After becoming a loyal HIMYM fan, I started exploring what the other extra channels had to offer and stumbled across Big Bang Theory. The rest, as they say, is history!

Perfection: Offspring Season 2 comes to a close.

If there was a textbook checklist for a memorable season finale, the Offspring episode aired on Wednesday night would tick all the right boxes. A wedding, a beautiful dress, family feuds, a pregnancy and questions about paternity (the last two may or may not be related). Of course, the most important requirement is something romantic, preferably involving a choice between two loves and lots of running down the street looking frantic. Yep, Offspring had it all.

For those who haven't been keeping up to date, here's a bit of background. Nina (Asher Keddie) is in a state of confusion after the return of former flame Chris (Don Hany), just when everything was starting to go well with Patrick (Matthew Le Nevez). All this is happening as Nina's sister Billie (Kat Stewart) and her on-again off-again beau Mick (Eddie Perfect) are gearing up to put a year of hard knocks behind them and tie the knot. Really, it was always going to be a fantastic finale. But the extra touches that were oh-so-Offspring made this episode extra special.

The wedding is to be held in a house that Proudman Real Estate is in charge of selling: a bit awkward, seeing as the owner is unaware that their property is being used as a marriage venue. Only the Proudmans would think to do something like this. With friends providing the music for when Billie walks down the aisle and another acting as marriage celebrant, we're reminded of the close-knit extended family that we've come to know and love. And then, a twist, that sees the wedding end up somewhere even appropriate.

Meanwhile, devoted fans of either Patrick or Chris were screaming at the television as Nina awkwardly um-ed and ahh-ed about which devastatingly gorgeous man was right for her. It remains unclear which choice she will make until the final few minutes. Personally, I was cheering at this stage, and something tells me lots of other viewers were too. Her decision felt right, like you couldn't believe you'd ever thought she might do something else. Everything was happy, everything was perfect and it was looking like it was about to be the most blissful season ending ever. But hang on, this is Offspring we're talking about. It couldn't have finished without an unexpected bombshell, could it?

Then again, that bombshell is a blessing- it means we're going to be treated to more of this show. And when it's a show as good as this, that is what really makes a perfect finale.

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Crownies: the verdict is in.

There's something especially great about a good Aussie drama. Maybe it's the element of pride, or the familiar landscape. Perhaps it's the fact that we're so surprised we came up with something worth watching, that it becomes far more addictive than it actually should be. For whatever reason, shows like Seachange and Love My Way hold a special place in this TV addict's heart. This is why when the new ABC series Crownies premiered on Thursday night, my hopes were high. Despite continued disappointment, the wonder of an Aussie drama that gets it right had me holding onto the chance that another one was on its way.

So did it hit the spot? Not exactly. After weeks of intense promotion, it was definitely a let-down. The ad I'd seen at least 5 times made it look better than it actually was- less intrigue and glamour, more unlikable characters and an obvious attempt to seem gritty. The 2 hour long premiere seemed to drag on, and I found myself looking at the clock in hopes that 10.30 would soon arrive.

That said, it wasn't all bad. There were some impressive performances. Indiana Evans (formerly of Home and Away and H20: Just Add Water) as Tatum Novak, the bubbly and friendly one, was a standout. Her friendship with the endearingly hopeless Richard Stirling (Hamish Michael) will be one to watch over the next installments. The mystery of who released a highly sensitive brief to the media gives another reason to keep watching. This aspect of the plot was done well, as the viewer was given reason to believe it could have been any of the young crownies that betrayed their friends and colleagues.

Despite initial disappointment, I'll be tuning in again next Thursday. This is partly because of the strengths I've just discussed, and partly because my faith in the occasional brilliance of home-grown drama won't allow me to give up on this one just yet.

Don't Miss: A Very Glee Christmas

There's something special about Christmas episodes. The snow, the decorations, the woolley jumpers with Christmas patterns... It's enough to make a pop culture lover want to invest their life's savings in a ticket to the US for the festive season. There's one such episode I've watched recently that was especially good- A Very Glee Christmas.

In my opinion, Glee is often quite a hit-and-miss show. While the reasons for its success are obvious (a new batch of pretty teen idols, catchy tunes and inclusion of minority groups), I don't think that every episode is necessarily worth watching. Sometimes, they just get a bit boring with long musical sequences that fail to advance the plot in any way. Plus, the ditzyness of Brittany and evil genius of Sue can get predictable when used in the same way over and over again.

Then there are the episodes that remind me why I bothered to shell out 30 dollars for the box set in the first place. A Very Glee Christmas was one of these episodes. After discovering that his girlfriend Brittany (Heather Morris) hasn't given up on believing in Santa, Artie (Kevin McHale) enlists the help of the Glee gang to maintain the fantasy. When Brittany asks Santa for something no one can provide, the plan runs into some obstacles.

What follows is the kind of cheesy storyline that you can't help but fall for. While there are lot of things the Glee folk would like to change but can't, somehow a little Christmas magic intervenes to give everyone a happy holiday. That magic has less to do with elves and reindeers, and more to do with being together.

Yep, I told you it was cheesy. But, come on, Christmas is an inherently cheesy occasion. It's kind of unavoidable when there's all that holiday spirit floating around. Go on, just enjoy it. You know you want to.

It's that time again...

The Logies. For the small percentage of us that actually care about Australian television, it's at least mildly exciting. Despite the fact that the talent pool is so small, and the nominations invariably read like the credits of Home and Away and Neighbours, you can't deny the fun of seeing our TV personalities all dressed up and hoping for glory.

So here are a few of my picks:

Most Outstanding Actress

Nominees: Asher Keddie (Offspring), Catherine McClements (Rush), Claire van der Boom (Sisters of War), Justine Clarke (Tangle) and Kat Stewart (Offspring)

My Pick: Kat Stewart, Offspring

She may have been less likeable on first glance than neurotic Nina (Asher Keddie), but Kat Stewart's Billie didn't take long to become my favourite. Not one for keeping her thoughts to herself, Billie is rude, critical and suspicious of anyone who tries to love her. In my opinion, Stewart was the standout talent of the series, especially for the scenes with on-again off-again boyfriend Mick (Eddie Perfect).

Most Popular Drama Series

Nominees: Home and Away, Neighbours, Offspring, Packed to the Rafters, Rush, Underbelly

My pick: Offspring

It may have nothing on Love My Way, but once you forget who it's coming from, Offspring is funny and sweet in its own right. Families form some odd shapes these days, and Offspring embraces this oddity with warmth and humour. Shot in trendy Fitzroy, any hipster worth their weight in Penguin paperbacks will recognise local hang-outs while watching- a nice change from the usual fictional suburban Aussie dramas! All in all, definitely worth a look.

And the big one.... Most Popular Personality on Television- Gold Logie

Nominees: Adam Hills (Spicks and Specks), Asher Keddie (Offspring), Chrissie Swan (The Circle), Jessica Marais (Packed to the Rafters), Karl Stefanovic (Today), Rebecca Gibney (Packed to the Rafters)

My Pick: Rebecca Gibney (Packed to the Rafters)

I've always felt that the Gold Logie should go to someone who's been around for a while, an Aussie showbiz name that most would recognise. Not only does Gibney fill these criteria, but she is also a key part of one the most popular Australian shows in recent years. If anyone needs convincing, the show itself may just get her over line.

Full nomination lists are here (thanks to them for my lists!) : http://au.tv.yahoo.com/the-logie-awards/nominees/article/-/article/9127700/tv-week-gold-logie-most-popular-personality-on-television/

Globes not so Golden for Aussies

After all the hype and build-up, Jacki Weaver has missed out on the Best Supporting Actress award at the Golden Globes. Although her role in Animal Kingdom was disturbingly effective, the result doesn't surprise me as it was not, in my opinion, the film's stand-out performance. Ben Mendelsohn as Pope was terrifying in a way that Weaver did not quite reach.

I was disappointed to hear that Geoffrey Rush has also been overlooked- as his performance in The King's Speech was nothing short of brilliant. He brought to life the eccentric and loyal Lionel Logue, speech therapist to King George VI (Colin Firth). Firth did take home an award (Best Actor in a Drama) which was undoubtedly deserved. Mr. Darcy stereotypes were long forgotten as he portrayed a man burdened by self-doubt in an unimaginably difficult position.

Fingers crossed that Firth takes the Oscar for Best Actor and that Rush picks up some awards elsewhere. As for Weaver, she is to be congratulated on her achievements thus far and is taking the loss graciously, which is always a sign of a respectable performer.

Box Sets Make The World Go Round

Dedication is a beautiful thing. I may not show much commitment to learning to drive or keeping my room clean, but I am unfailingly diligent in spending time with my box sets. You should, therefore, be able to trust me when I tell you that if you like your pop culture, you will like at least one of these shows!

LOVE MY WAY

One of those brilliant Aussie dramas that I wish there were more of, Love My Way is the perfect mixture of funny, edgy and heart-wrenchingly sad. The events of the first season will stay with you long after you return the DVD (overdue, no doubt), so be prepared for some heavy viewing. As each character developed I grew to love them more and more, especially the effortlessly cool Frankie Paige (Claudia Karvan). Ben Mendelsohn is brilliant as quirky ex-drug addict Lewis, and I challenge you not to love his angry but caring son Dylan (Sam Parsonson). The extended familythat Frankie has created will become your favourites for their humanity, their flaws, their humour and their guts. Absolutely worth every second.

DAWSON'S CREEK

The nineties was a golden era for pop culture- the Spice Girls, Savage Garden, Britney Spears (the early days) and of course, Dawson's. It might seem a bit dated now, but its story is timeless- girl next door loves boy next door. Dawson Leery (James Van Der Beek) is a dorky, idealistic teenager, an aspiring filmaker, and best friend (or as he would say, soul mate) to Joey Potter (Katie Holmes). They've known each other forever, and loved each other for just as long- though Dawson is just starting to realise it. The show was a pioneer in its day- it shocked parents everywhere with its frank discussion of sex and gay storylines- but looking at it 2011, it is endearingly wholesome. It might be a teen show, but you're never too old to start watching it- there'll be something there you can relate to. After all, every Dawson has a Joey, and every Joey has a Dawson.

GILMORE GIRLS

I've saved the best for last. Guaranteed to fix any bad mood, Gilmore Girls is the perfect mix of humour, love, junk food and family. Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) is every parent's dream- sweet, innocent, diligent and successful. Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) is every daughter's dream- fun, understanding and stylish enough to lend you her clothes. I once read Gilmore Girls described as a utopia, and I can't think of a better way to put it. The boys are cute and almost always interested, the burgers aren't fattening and the man who cooks the burgers might just be the love of your life. You should hate these women. But you don't, because Gilmore Girls doesn't inspire cynicism or jealousy- it just inspires heart.