****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Having watched this twice, it certainly is among the best series of this type, or perhaps any type - part period drama set in 1950s Australia, part sophisticated soap opera, part social commentary. The sets and casting are truly among the best. The main love interest, Sarah Adams (played by Marta Dusseldorp), a Jewish convert and nurse who survives WW II, and the aristocratic, ethical and debonair sheep baron George Bligh (played by Bret Climo) is the center of the story. The supporting cast is excellent all around - hard to imagine better acting. Among the more interesting aspects of the story is the gradual change in George Bligh's mother's (played by Noni Hazelhurst) antagonism to Sarah to admiration. There are quite a few social themes here and the writers/producers have a decidedly definite point of view - aristocratic conservative people are portrayed as variously anti-Semitic, anti-Catholic, anti-indigenous people, anti-gay - and they also like coal mines. The abortion issue also is dealt with. There are several gay characters and they are all wonderful people. However, whether one agrees or not with the socio-political views of the creators , one can clearly appreciate the artistry and excellence of this series. Highly recommended - not to be missed.
