13 reviews
Interesting concept - poor execution (awful acting).
I saw the trailer for the show and became instantly excited. It's been a while since there's been a decent Australian cop show.
The first half of episode 1 was good, I liked it. Everything following - painful to watch.
If you find human beings in Blacktown, NSW (where the story is set) acting the way they do in the show, I will eat my own underpants.
I felt embarrassed watching the characters interact. Shameful.
The redeeming quality (and that's where the 5/10 comes from) is the lead actor who plays the policeman embroiled in turmoil: Zil.
Waste of potential. Disappointing. Cringey. It could've been great.
To sum up, the biggest thing for me was this:
One of the main/side characters, Hayden, is supposed to be a minor drug dealer, West Sydney lad complete with a rat tail. He could have been an iconic character. Instead, he comes off like a rich Uni drama student play-acting at what he thinks someone in that position would be like. God it makes me shudder.
The first half of episode 1 was good, I liked it. Everything following - painful to watch.
If you find human beings in Blacktown, NSW (where the story is set) acting the way they do in the show, I will eat my own underpants.
I felt embarrassed watching the characters interact. Shameful.
The redeeming quality (and that's where the 5/10 comes from) is the lead actor who plays the policeman embroiled in turmoil: Zil.
Waste of potential. Disappointing. Cringey. It could've been great.
To sum up, the biggest thing for me was this:
One of the main/side characters, Hayden, is supposed to be a minor drug dealer, West Sydney lad complete with a rat tail. He could have been an iconic character. Instead, he comes off like a rich Uni drama student play-acting at what he thinks someone in that position would be like. God it makes me shudder.
- thomasjohnston-76547
- Aug 12, 2024
- Permalink
Missed the Mark but overall really good
I was expecting a lot of good things from this series but in the end it failed to live up to the expectation of a person who reviews things like this for a living claiming it was the "best television show of the year.." and sadly it is far from that but it could be so much more.
Some actors tried way too hard to act and others were brilliant.
Side plots were more interesting with the main story and addresses what is it like to live in group homes and the system quite well. People playing the officers showing the difficulties of life in the system
Someone also lowkey apologise to Eric Thomson please because the character he plays just looks perpetually confused.
All in all I did enjoy it and hopefully there is more because it is an interesting concept.
Some actors tried way too hard to act and others were brilliant.
Side plots were more interesting with the main story and addresses what is it like to live in group homes and the system quite well. People playing the officers showing the difficulties of life in the system
Someone also lowkey apologise to Eric Thomson please because the character he plays just looks perpetually confused.
All in all I did enjoy it and hopefully there is more because it is an interesting concept.
- phaserphil80
- Aug 14, 2024
- Permalink
NZ viewer feedback
I want to trash talk this so much, but I found myself binge watching the complete series in one night.
Quality of camera work, production and casting, draws you into the characters stories within the story and true to todays culture.
Im rating this a Solid 7 and look forward to more Australian productions being released.
Hope theres more series to come, because it can't end on ep6.
The use of multi ethnicities is classic Australian and New Zealand relate able. A very easy plot to follow along, but more importantly the casting.. i felt as though they were relatable and the adult themes going on within.
I enjoyed this .. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Quality of camera work, production and casting, draws you into the characters stories within the story and true to todays culture.
Im rating this a Solid 7 and look forward to more Australian productions being released.
Hope theres more series to come, because it can't end on ep6.
The use of multi ethnicities is classic Australian and New Zealand relate able. A very easy plot to follow along, but more importantly the casting.. i felt as though they were relatable and the adult themes going on within.
I enjoyed this .. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
- psalmswest
- Aug 17, 2024
- Permalink
could have used better realism
The show is ok, it manages to stretch the tension between characters and the overarching story. The pacing is good and you can empathise with some of the characters choices.
Its such a shame that none of the actors sound like they are from that part of Sydney. Bankstown has a distinct accent and vocabulary which is missing. Its a shame as it would have added colour and authenticity, and would have meant it needed subtitles for everyone else to understand the dialogue. Instead the actors sound like they are from the wealthier parts of Sydney. Image setting something in Brooklyn New York with actors cast from Texas (an exaggeration but you can understand the analogy). Still worthwhile.
Its such a shame that none of the actors sound like they are from that part of Sydney. Bankstown has a distinct accent and vocabulary which is missing. Its a shame as it would have added colour and authenticity, and would have meant it needed subtitles for everyone else to understand the dialogue. Instead the actors sound like they are from the wealthier parts of Sydney. Image setting something in Brooklyn New York with actors cast from Texas (an exaggeration but you can understand the analogy). Still worthwhile.
- cwtaeugene-59706
- Aug 27, 2024
- Permalink
good watch
Critical Incident is well done, good story, and all round good acting. Yes, it could be better, some of the actors are trying too hard, but generally they get the tone right. The lead actress definitely has potential.
I am not Australian so it is difficult for me to address any stereotypes, however the bad guys are believable.
The story surrounding the foster care system, and the system in general, is well done. The portrayal of the group home atmosphere, the councillors and house supervisors with their own personal agenda seems believable to me.
Worth the watch, I just spent a pleasant day watchin all six episodes.
A.
I am not Australian so it is difficult for me to address any stereotypes, however the bad guys are believable.
The story surrounding the foster care system, and the system in general, is well done. The portrayal of the group home atmosphere, the councillors and house supervisors with their own personal agenda seems believable to me.
Worth the watch, I just spent a pleasant day watchin all six episodes.
A.
- andreavanwallenburg
- Aug 12, 2024
- Permalink
What was it supposed to be About ??
Started out good , But it became poorly written mess.
It went completely of the Original storyline and made absolutely No sense at all. I don't think I ever saw such a poor portrayal of police before in a series. They were the worst example of what was supposed to be police.
They had the worst level of communication in what they called communication. No one gave out the proper identification of the suspect in Question. None of the Officers talked to each other. This was a very poorly written story and it got worst from episode to episode.
It could have been a very good series, It seems like the person who wrote it lost track of what they were doing and got this ridiculous piece of work.
It went completely of the Original storyline and made absolutely No sense at all. I don't think I ever saw such a poor portrayal of police before in a series. They were the worst example of what was supposed to be police.
They had the worst level of communication in what they called communication. No one gave out the proper identification of the suspect in Question. None of the Officers talked to each other. This was a very poorly written story and it got worst from episode to episode.
It could have been a very good series, It seems like the person who wrote it lost track of what they were doing and got this ridiculous piece of work.
Believable humans in tough situations
I've been watching The Rookie lately and whilst entertaining it's tiresome watching patrol cops solve murders and get into constant gun battles every episode.
Enter Critical Incident.
This show has a believable plot and builds the tension through character development not unrealistic action. All the characters act and think in really believable ways.
The policing side of it is realistic and you can tell they've taken the time to make it accurate.
My personal favourite is that they've got a strong cast who bring humanity to all sides. There's no tropey characters and moustache twirling villains. Each character is well thought out and the whole experience is immersive and engaging.
It's thoroughly enjoyable and really worth the watch.
Enter Critical Incident.
This show has a believable plot and builds the tension through character development not unrealistic action. All the characters act and think in really believable ways.
The policing side of it is realistic and you can tell they've taken the time to make it accurate.
My personal favourite is that they've got a strong cast who bring humanity to all sides. There's no tropey characters and moustache twirling villains. Each character is well thought out and the whole experience is immersive and engaging.
It's thoroughly enjoyable and really worth the watch.
- mike_vanzuylen
- Aug 18, 2024
- Permalink
The characters get stupider by the wpsiode
It started alright but it gets boring as hell. There is some mediocre acting too. Like the brother and his eife. They could work at a supermarket and show more enthusiasm by the dead chicken.
The premise is great but the characters are stupid and get stupider by the episode. I got so bored that I didn't care what would happen to any of them which also means that the audience doesn't invest in them. I can't believe I watched six out of eight. Totally meh show. And yes I'm Just writing now to reach the amount of characters required to post this review to save your asses from wasting your time watching that. Unless it get on Netflix where you can watch it X1.5, just skip it.
The premise is great but the characters are stupid and get stupider by the episode. I got so bored that I didn't care what would happen to any of them which also means that the audience doesn't invest in them. I can't believe I watched six out of eight. Totally meh show. And yes I'm Just writing now to reach the amount of characters required to post this review to save your asses from wasting your time watching that. Unless it get on Netflix where you can watch it X1.5, just skip it.
- Gonnabe2015
- Sep 28, 2024
- Permalink
... lots to like in this gritty crime drama.. not about what happened, but what happens next
... the genre is plentiful... most are passable entrants, few are very, very good... Critical Incident happens to be one of the latter... lots going on, at a pace at times relentless
.. propulsive storytelling, top performances and authentically lived-in settings lift this smart and gripping series.. is the lead in on one recent critic's review, and it's accurate... few world over do it better than in this latest-new Australian series
... read the analysis-review of Anthony Morris... it's straight, why this production is just sooo good, not-2b-missed-TV (especially if you love a fully well made crime-drama)... really looking forward where they take us in season two... binged in-a-day, now to wait till next year.
.. propulsive storytelling, top performances and authentically lived-in settings lift this smart and gripping series.. is the lead in on one recent critic's review, and it's accurate... few world over do it better than in this latest-new Australian series
... read the analysis-review of Anthony Morris... it's straight, why this production is just sooo good, not-2b-missed-TV (especially if you love a fully well made crime-drama)... really looking forward where they take us in season two... binged in-a-day, now to wait till next year.
Original, authentic depiction - there's more to explore
I feel like this series fairly represents perspectives from a variety of angles on social issues and policing intervention facing communities in Western Syd - it sets up a very probable incident which keeps you wanting for the resolution. The actors are endearing and the plot tracks a non-superficial depiction of how choices and cultural norms impact our lives. Critical Incident S1 solidly sets the stage for exploring more - it stands on its own, but it's only touched the surface of what is possible out of these characters & the setting - a reflection of the reality of life for some living in our most populous, newest and diverse communities today. Look forward to more.
- cohenmichellemarie
- Aug 18, 2024
- Permalink
Fantastic new show. Can't wait for season 2!
Critical Incident is a fantastic new show! It is the best on tv this year so far. Great to see an Australian show do so well on Stan. Amazing plot and really interesting characters. The show embraces diversity and this comes through the script and actor selection. The script is really written so well - very talented writer to create so much drama and suspense.
Critical Incident is one of those shows you just want to binge watch all the episodes in one go. The show really has lived up to all the hype in the lead up to the show. Great to put a good Aussie show on the world stage. Can't wait to see if there is a season 2!!!!!
Critical Incident is one of those shows you just want to binge watch all the episodes in one go. The show really has lived up to all the hype in the lead up to the show. Great to put a good Aussie show on the world stage. Can't wait to see if there is a season 2!!!!!
- yunaluna-58538
- Aug 17, 2024
- Permalink
Amazing Australian tv drama
This is a fantastic show and an amazing portrayal of the issues prevalent in Australia's criminal justice system that must be addressed. Nuanced and layered, the show addresses issues of race, prejudice and the failings inherent in our criminal justice, child protection and policing systems. The show raises questions about racial profiling and policing in Western Sydney - and throughout Australia. The cast is excellent and bring complexity to characters that are layered and nuanced - leaving the viewer hoping for subsequent seasons to delve deeper into their characters and the ongoing impacts of the incident. Let's hope there will be further seasons!
- camillafini-76628
- Aug 21, 2024
- Permalink
Addictive, compelling and realistic
I was glued to the TV for a binge session, could not get the story or characters out of my mind. The main characters and the development of their stories had me hooked. I related to many of the themes and have seen them play oylut in my life in Sydney. It was truly reflective of Australian life especially for people of colour. It was also a perfect storline to show how one decision can have such far reaching consequences. The ripple effect of life is on display in this hit show! It was incredible, gripping viewing. Congratulations to the cast and producers. I can not wait for Season 2! I would highly recommend it.