Les Norton, a show that follows the titular character through many turbulent situations - usually stemming from his "fish-out-of-water" background, or his criminal boss' assignments. Straight up -the plot of this show is not deep, and that works to it's advantage. What this show lacks in plot, it makes up for in character interaction and beautiful cinematography (especially when showcasing areas outside of Sydney city).
This is a very easy to watch (and even easier to enjoy) adaption of the Australian novels. Many have complained about Les' fighting ability/aggression being toned down for the show, however, I don't find that to be a negative. Les continually smacks people down, and easily arcs up. I find this iteration of the character to be perfectly fitting for the tone of the show and Alexander Bertrand does a great job of portraying him.
Unfortunately, the acting is not always the best in this show. Sometimes, it actually works very well - for example, Les has a "mate" named Gazza (George Harrison Xanthis) who is more of a cartoon character than a real person, with very cheesy/corny lines and a delivery style from Xanthis as if he was on the stage instead of on camera. Normally, this would stand out like a sore thumb but in this show, it fits in well and adds a very comedic element to what may otherwise be a dull scene. The worst offender by far, however, is the very un-talented Rebel Wilson. In this show she does not act, she just remembers lines. She does not play a character, she plays herself... saying lines (and usually pulling a face like a pig being punched in the bacon-maker whenever it's someone else's turn to talk). The worst part is, her character is integral to the show! The thin plot that does exist is driven almost entirely by her character! By far, she is the anchor holding this show back.
Over all, this show is a wonderful piece of Australian television that is giving so many of our talented and unknown artists and creatives a place to shine. This show really could compete with some of the other prime time shows in America - if you're on the fence about it, switch your brain off and give it a watch. At the very least, you'll enjoy the scenery and at the very best, you won't be able to stop laughing.
This is a very easy to watch (and even easier to enjoy) adaption of the Australian novels. Many have complained about Les' fighting ability/aggression being toned down for the show, however, I don't find that to be a negative. Les continually smacks people down, and easily arcs up. I find this iteration of the character to be perfectly fitting for the tone of the show and Alexander Bertrand does a great job of portraying him.
Unfortunately, the acting is not always the best in this show. Sometimes, it actually works very well - for example, Les has a "mate" named Gazza (George Harrison Xanthis) who is more of a cartoon character than a real person, with very cheesy/corny lines and a delivery style from Xanthis as if he was on the stage instead of on camera. Normally, this would stand out like a sore thumb but in this show, it fits in well and adds a very comedic element to what may otherwise be a dull scene. The worst offender by far, however, is the very un-talented Rebel Wilson. In this show she does not act, she just remembers lines. She does not play a character, she plays herself... saying lines (and usually pulling a face like a pig being punched in the bacon-maker whenever it's someone else's turn to talk). The worst part is, her character is integral to the show! The thin plot that does exist is driven almost entirely by her character! By far, she is the anchor holding this show back.
Over all, this show is a wonderful piece of Australian television that is giving so many of our talented and unknown artists and creatives a place to shine. This show really could compete with some of the other prime time shows in America - if you're on the fence about it, switch your brain off and give it a watch. At the very least, you'll enjoy the scenery and at the very best, you won't be able to stop laughing.