Offspring have been dying (pun sort of, and then upon reflection, very much so, intended) for a watercooler moment. You know, that moment that gets Twitter trends, Facebook post headlines and the following morning commercial radio buzzing. Of course to get the headline, you gotta make some big moves - and really the only way possible is either births, death or marriage.
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| Hey it's me, calling from heaven, do you know they have a Volvo dealership? |
Sadly many fans had the birth of Broody Bub (which now really will have something to be broody about) as that possible moment this season. The came Network Ten with their almost gleeful promos of death. 'SOMEONE NINA LOVES WILL DIE!' From the interview the producers/writers have done over the past few days, they haven't been shy about their feelings on these promos. They HATED them, thought they gave away the shock of the whole thing and ruined what was supposed to be a surprise. Not to be rude, but Offspring, while your demo numbers in the ratings are okay, your overall numbers are setting the world on fire, so of course the promo department wanted people to watch this episode instead of hearing about it second hand from the super keen fans and dismissing it, because awwh well, they've heard the plot now. I have no sympathy for the Producers on that note.
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| Good luck finding a Broody Abs replacement for me |
Onto the big questions though: why? And no, not the mortality of life question, but actually, my immediate thought when watching the episode why? Because as many people have commented in the reaction post why was this plot device necessary? Why did the writers feel they'd boxed Patrick into a happy, non-broody dead end corner? Why did Matt Le Nevez (or his US agent) want so badly out of the role that made him an Australian household name? Why couldn't they come up with a more flexible story line - hell Billie was stuck in New Zealand for HALF A DAMN SEASON?
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| I was building things, with my bare hands - yeah, top that! |
In discussing this with other people, off the top of my head, we had two or three plots that could have meant diminished screen time yet NO DEATH. 1) When structuring this season, why not have sister Kate fall back in a negative behavior pattern with her ex-abusive partner and Patrick has take Kate back to Perth to testify at some sort of legal case thing against him 2) With the return of Little Intern could Patrick have maybe relapsed in and ended up in rehab - and don't use the excuse of happy people don't relapse, Keith Urban was fresh off his honeymoon when he checked into Betty Ford 3) Because of Nina's health scare, Patrick fears the worst so starts pulling away and attending all sorts of overseas medical conferences and 4) THEY DIDN'T KILL GEORGE CLOONEY ON ER! Carol Hathaway was allowed to work her shit out and then, when realised life was more important, raced to (surprise return cameo) George's side with her twin girls.
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| Sunshine through the clouds - my smile, gone to big Broody Hospital in the Sky with me! |
I think the rage most regular fans felt is completely justified. Patrick as a character was firmly established as man who had lost so much and this new life, his life with Nina, was almost a redemption story. Well, what a shitty crap redemption because the moment he glimpses contentment, yank! No sir. Seriously, if I was Patrick arriving at the pearly gates (hopefully with my full head of broody hair restored and not sporting a brain surgery hair cut), I'd be all up God's business about how ripped off I'd been - not even getting to glimpse my own kid.
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| Sexy broody phone calls, this look is an artform people |
Seriously though, how do we go forward from here? Obviously next week's episode will be a tear fest doozy. But even if we time jump into Season Five, will viewers accept a new love interest for Nina? And sure, it shouldn't only be about Nina's love life, she could go all Carrie Bradshaw and have the most important relationship with herself but the problem with both those scenarios - Carrie Bradshaw said this, then immediately received a call from her man and the entire series was geared around Nina's love life. The producers/writers themselves call it a romantic comedy. Could any really step into those shoes and win over not only Nina's heart, but also the audience who were told, directed and instructed to invest in Nina and Patrick. Interestingly the writers were asked if Chris Havel might re-appear (sadly no-one asked if this reappearance would happen on a balcony) and they ummed about it but in the end pretty much said no, this wasn't a great idea.
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| Hallway hanky panky - my man hands are hard to replace |
Whatever happens post Season 4's finale, I wish them luck but like many, this Patrick stunt, and let's be honest, part of it was that - a stunt pure and simple - has turned me off. I was already regressing to Season 1 style watching patterns with vague interest at best but now, I might check in, I might watch the promos, but recapping, in-depth analysis - I'm going to hand in my resignation on that one (Don't worry though, I'll still give you all a place to chat should you need to cover episodes in a non-Facebook/Tumblr fan-girl way).
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| My season two, sexy pick me, not Havel, face. Gone forever! |
"Seriously, if I was Patrick arriving at the pearly gates (hopefully with my full head of broody hair restored and not sporting a brain surgery hair cut)," Laughed too much!
ReplyDeleteOMG I forgot how perfect sexy broody phone call scene was.
Good call on the Producers pulling a ratings stunt and then complaining bitterly about CH 10 promoting said ratings stunt. Pot. Kettle. Black.
Write a book, Felicity. You have a reader and a buyer!
welcome back - albeit for the last time...I did miss your recaps with the pictures. Some of my fave Patrick moments are captured there - the Volvo hand on my heart phone call, the babymaking scene, tortured not sure if I can be a dad call.
ReplyDeleteI think its unlikely I will watch s5 - I can't actually commit to watching the final at this point. I so badly wanted to see Patrick with that baby so ghost Patrick scenes are going to kill me and I cannot go into work two Thursdays in a row in such high emotion. I'm somewhere between grieving the loss of my favourite Australian show ever and being extremely pissed off at the producers/ writers for wrecking it. I put up with all the terrible hospital scenes, the ridiculous Eloise story etc because I was waiting for the beautiful baby scene and now I'm not going to get it.
Good luck with the writing Felicity. I guess I better start working towards the last stage of grieving - finding meaning in life after the loss. I think I might find it in the Time of our Lives...
Felicity, like you, I doubt I’ll be the Offspring devotee I was in previous years. I imagine I’ll tune in from time to time, watch them on catch up, but I won’t be keeping my Wednesday nights free anymore. As much as anything, I’ll miss the online rehashes. It’s been fun.
ReplyDeleteSo here’s my last contribution: An open letter to Offspring creators
I feel your disappointment about channel 10 advertising Patrick’s death (the scene with him on the bed with Nina totally gave it away. It was too impersonal). One of the most powerful scenes I’ve ever watched is Rachel dying in ‘Cold Feet’. We didn’t know it was coming. She’d just had a baby, she and Adam were buying a house, and then a truck smashed into her car while she was fiddling with the radio. It was devastating.
Geraldine is the most unlikeable character on Australian telly. I spent most of the season thinking is it any wonder Darcy played around so much. I’d play around too if I had to live with that every day. Thankfully Phillip put her in her place. I love him. He’s great. He’s one of the few genuinely likeable characters on telly (especially now Patrick’s dead).
Billie is the least sympathetic character on Australian telly. She promised at the end of last season to endure Mick and Rosanna making musical magic without her. It turns out she could only do that so long as he wasn’t doing better than her. It is difficult watching someone else being successful when you’re not. But her downward spiral smacked of self absorption and no resilience. She needs a swift kick up the arse and for someone to tell her to pull her head in. Mick’s up to the task; in fact some of my favourite scenes are his interactions with Billie after he finds out about Ugly Pete. Should he give a toss? I don’t know. I’d find it difficult to forgive Billie, not for the infidelity, but for how badly she managed her star falling while his was rising.
Give Clegg a decent story line. Let him find some happiness that doesn’t involve Cherie. I hope Jimmy and Zara stay together. Jimmy’s finally finding his feet; I’d like to see him stand on them. We didn’t see Renee at all during Season 4. It would be nice to see her with Kim and Stella during Season 5. I don’t care what you do with Darcy and Cherie. They can keep wandering around Australia for all I care.
Please fix the continuity problems. You may think people don’t notice them, but I assure you, we do. And we find it irritating. Find yourselves a pedant (I’ll do it!), let them read the scripts, and then listen when they tell you people will notice Nina and Patrick’s house wasn’t covered in decorations when Billie crept in.
Some advice for Nina. It’s the advice I give all new mothers:
Do your pelvic floor exercises. My goodness you don’t know how important that muscle is until you’ve had a baby and then cough, sneeze, laugh, run (and the list goes on).
Keep your expectations low. When I had my third child, I seriously judged the success of my day based on the number of children I managed to bathe that day.
If you get to the end of the day, you’re still in your pyjamas (obviously completely failing the bathing benchmark above) and all you’ve eaten all day is a packet of TimTams, don’t feel bad. We’ve all had days like that.
And finally, my plot analysis for season 5: Nina will meet the recipient of one of Patrick’s donated organs. They will end up happily ever after together, with Nina happy knowing she has another little piece of Patrick with her always.
In a spot of blatant self advertisement, Felicity, I'm an editor/proofreader (I promise I do notice my own grammatical mistakes. If you ever need anyone to read drafts of your book, I'm happy to help. Cheers Jenny
DeleteWell said Felicity. I feel angry and cheated that something I have invested so much emotional energy I has been ripped away. I will never watch offspring again!
ReplyDeleteFelicity, maybe you could just rewrite the last episode for us and season 5 and put it up here with pictures and we'll read it instead of watching the actual show. Please?
ReplyDeleteRe the alternate plots even a good old fashioned sitcom style coma would have been better (sadly since he was technically still alive at the end I'm still kind of holding out hope for this one. Pathetic :-(
Felicity,
ReplyDeleteWhat a measured and well written response. I have always enjoyed your write ups but this is the icing on the cake. I wish it could be taken up by one of the newspapers and published as a I agree with every word. I wish every Offspring fan could read it
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ReplyDeleteFirst time I stumble across this blog, and now I curse myself for not being interested in doing a Google search during happier (Offspring) times!
ReplyDeleteFelicity, I wholeheartedly agree with your post.
Even if Matthew Le Nevez was interested in Hollywood roles, there is no reason why the writers couldn't keep his character in for one last season. Especially since it does not look like Matt has landed any big roles in the US so far.
It certainly looks like there were ulterior motives to kill his character off.
I'm glad you also mentioned Rachel in Cold Feet. No one so far has made a reference about her, and I strongly suspect Offspring writers are going that path in S5.
According to Offspring writers, viewers are supposed to be naive enough to believe MLN will be busy in the US to participate in S5 of Offspring; but then he may be free for his character to come back as a ghost/vision?
It makes no sense.
I cannot believe I was so invested in a show that treats fans so poorly.
At the moment I don't want to watch Offspring's season finale next week. Let alone S5.
Having said that, I am aware that is still a year away.
The writers are surely counting on that too.
Well after reading the Sunday papers we know that Matt did not leave Offspring because he has had a better offer from the US, he left because the producers convinced him it would be beneficial for the show. I would have loved season 5 to be about Nina and Patrick navigating the stresses and joy that a new baby brings. I only hope the producers realise how much Matt resonates with the Australian public and develop a new show for him. I am not particularly interested in watching Nina cope as a single mum so season 5 now not for me.
ReplyDeleteAnd the damage control continues! Still having trouble with the choice the producers made. Sounds like they are still trying to validate their decision-or at least convince themselves that they have done the right thing. Deb Oswald 'joked' on radio today that she was being interviewed in a secret location to protect herself from angry fans! At least they know we are not happy!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed hearing Deb O saying she will always feel guilty about not allowing him to hold his baby. I think this is where a lot of the outrage has come from in the viewers.
DeleteExactly so. Had it been another character but Patrick, fans would have coped with the death...
DeleteBut Patrick did not get to enjoy his first baby, and now he doesn't get to meet this child either when he was so looking forward to it (more so than Nina).
If the writers were planning something like this for the character, they should have at least allowed him see his child being born first!
And only later he suffers the accident, so there is a cliffhanger for next season.
Now I hope viewers boycott the finale and the ratings drop so badly that the show gets cancelled.
The interview should have been on the writing for the entire season:
Delete1. A season in which Nina looked in need of medication given how cray cray they made her. Unfortunately it was hard to defend - my friends who are not fans call it the show with that irritating woman pretending to be a doctor and it edged every close to this.
2. Patrick was set up as St. Patrick with "hot" moments for the fanbase. They completely forgot to address any angst and issues and hope in a character who lost his first baby and had a drug habit, the reason why the character is compelling.
3. Billie - who knows what that storyline was all about. Maybe to show that you can have nothing together but all will be redeemed by sisterly love.
4. Geraldine who was like a poster woman for "post menopausal women are evil bitches". Really do older women need that?!
5. Lame lesbian storyline. All the scenes including that circle one.
6. OMG cute counsellor alert we were told! It had its good parts but I don't know...and if that's going to be a love interest for S5, help!
7. Hospital scenes that made one cringe. Really, the lack of any attempt to at least give some TV authenticity to Nina's career.
8. Jimmy and Zara's blink and miss moments.
9. A wee bit much of the "watch the Proudmans spill beans and squabble faster than the speed of light simply to advance the plot".
10. I forgot the whole Dad-Cherie-Clegg thing. Deborah Mailman has so much better on no wonder she left.
Etc. Not to speak of the many continuity problems.
All in all its probably great for them that the death and its ratings dominated everything (and perhaps gives them the false idea that the show is great because it provided THE water cooler moment of this year). The problems with the rest of the season are forgotten. I am probably sounding bitter but really is it wrong to expect better writing in Australian TV shows, especially since the writers did a good job on 1&2? I am sure more than a few viewers could have helped to shape it into a better storyline! In the end we pay for it, I reluctantly bought the S3 DVD if only to support local TV but S4 no way.
I have no expectation that this will improve in S5. That is the reason I won't be tuning in - because I don't believe that they have anything up their sleeve that can turn around the quality of the show. If they do, I promise to post on this page and take it all back!
So many people are bandying around the idea of Lawrence the counsellor as the new love interest it frightens me. It is absolutely not ok and certainly not the norm for counsellors/ psychologists to have relationships with their clients and it is contrary to the code of ethics and general professional standards. it is my absolutely pet hate that when a counsellor/ psych is involved with a plot that they end up in a sexual relationship - not even friendships are allowed due to the power imbalance. the only series I have seen that did it well was the Sorprano's - sure Tony had the crush on the psych but she never reciprocated or even felt attraction.
DeleteIndeed, that would be so wrong.
Deletedoes anyone know anything about what writers consider when adding in a character for the purposes of romance/ attraction. one thing I notice and that bothers me about shows like Offspring is they seem to have to hook everyone up with each other. eg.g Jimmy has to hook up with Zara, Clegg with Cherie. personally I prefer it when they bring in someone knew and unrelated such as Odele for Jimmy as it keeps it fresher. is there some sort of scriptwriting protocol about not brining in new characters - is it because the audience is perceived to only be able to handle a certain amount of characters, existing actors wanting more screen time??
DeleteThat poor girl who plays Odile (I loved that storyline) must have bad luck or not enough connections - she got killed on House Husbands (by a car, they should ban cars).
DeleteFrom what I can see (I am not in the industry), its the same small pool of actors/producers/directors who have a monopoly on TV shows in the country and award themselves. One of the reasons for Patrick being so popular was probably that the part was played by an actor new to the audience.
The manufactured "romances" in Offspring seem to be pretty much to keep on actors and give them something to do. I wish they could do TV series without coupling up characters all the time.
Since I wasn't too much into S4 I am a little bemused by the reactions on the facebook page that focus only on the last ep. I don't usually pay much attention to publicity material or actor interviews but they have to be handled with care. Post all the links to interviews and the subsequent discussions, my reaction to the last ep promo was rather cynical. It seemed a deliberate ploy to showcase the cast rather than advance the story. Of course TV series rely on stars but you have to be careful that the story fits their skills rather the other way around. And the death should make sense - Love My Way was incredibly sad and S2 was awfully grim but I think its intended audience was on board with that plot twist. Not so sure about Offspring.
this fb stuff is kind of similar to season 3 when people thought n & P were going to break-up and people were threatening not too watch if it happened. The audience is made up of such a wide variety of people - its really interesting to see what people focus on and how they think its appropriate to communicate in a public forum.
DeleteOdile was terrible in House Husbands though - she was fine in Offspring as the pathological liar but I almost couldn't believe it was the same actress on HH - wooden and unbelievable. I lasted one episode of HH - the bus disappearing with all the kids on board and no driver was just too ridiculous for me.
I haven't seen HH - just read about the part and the death. She does seem more of a Odile type though.
DeleteFacebook is a strange place. Some of the suggestions seem to come from people brought up on a regular diet of Home and Away, Neighbours etc. That said, there are a thoughtful comments too-as you say a wide variety of people who comment.
agree. some people draw links to packed to the rafters etc and (elitist that I am) I thought because I watched it the audience was a different kind to rafters etc but it seems not. one comment that cracked me up was "try be a bold and the beautiful fan..taylor dying three times toughens you up".
Deletelol, B&B will prepare you for everything, including a S5 resurrection!
DeleteI think the audience mix keeps changing with each season.
I loved Jenny's open letter to the Offspring creators. To help me deal with my grief, I've written one too. Sorry, I know it's a bit lame but I'm hoping it will help me get my mind off fictional death! Here it is:
ReplyDeleteI hope the reaction of so many Offspring fans to Patrick’s death has convinced you that, if it was the intended course of Proudman reality, it was probably not the right plan. If it’s all actually part of one of Nina’s increasingly elaborate nightmares, then great! You were able to generate loads of publicity for the show which might translate to more viewers, plus you’ll be much more likely to retain your existing viewers when it is revealed that Patrick is still going to meet his baby. You will have introduced something else for Nina to be neurotic about. She can get ridiculously clingy and Patrick can feel smothered. Break them up again if you have to. Let there be a death by all means so Asher Keddie can display her acting prowess, but please do it by killing someone else off. If the intention really was for Patrick to be extinguished in episode 12, I beg you to reconsider. If that means you have to quickly film a message to air at the end of next week’s season final saying that next season is going to kick off mid-way through season 4 episode 12, so be it! If it means we won’t get the next season of Offspring until 2015 because the writers have to go back to the drawing board, I can live with that! What I can’t accept is the excuses that have been presented to us for killing Patrick. The appeal of Offspring to me is that it is such a different kind of show, and I had faith that the writers were sufficiently skilled to not need to utilize death as a plot device. And one way or the other, please employ someone to take control of time line and check for continuity!
They must realize that the path they've chosen is going to cripple the show not 'move it forward' as they all seem to be saying (obviously sticking to the party line)! Despite the outrage they will still go ahead with their plans. So much for listening to what the fans want? Asher's comments about being excited for Season 5 really make me wonder if she is glad to have the spotlight back on her. We know she's great at what she does, but surely having MLN added to her appeal? We were invested in both of them. Still so angry!
ReplyDeleteAsher is part of the publicity machine for the show and she relies on the producers for her current work and future work. So she would be required to go out there and be optimistic and to try to win the audience over as part of her contract to promote the show and also it makes sense for her longevity in the industry. I don't think her public comments can be taken as a real reflection of what she thinks of the decision/ where the show is headed.
DeleteI’ve actually kept myself offline for a couple of days, I’ve been that upset, usually I can’t read enough about Offspring, so I initially missed this discussion. Having now caught up, I agree with pretty much everything everyone is saying.
ReplyDeleteI apologise for initially being angry with MLN after last week’s episode, I have now read enough online to understand he didn’t make the choice to leave. I can only hope that having been banished from a happy ending on Offspring, he now gets rewarded with some fabulous exciting opportunities on other projects both here and in the US as his heart desires! (obviously preferably more here than there, so we can keep watching him, erm, watching his career develop!)
I remain furious with the writers/producers/powers-that-be that made this ridiculous decision to kill off Patrick. I still feel physically ill thinking about Patrick missing out on meeting his new baby after losing Gus. I agree there are any number of other ways to reduce his involvement with S5, if he did in fact have US commitments, while still giving Nina and Patrick a happy ending – I like all the suggestions made on this blog for alternate storylines. I feel so ripped off for us putting up with the ridiculous length of time they were apart in S3, plus all the Eloise/mega-unprofessionalism in the hospital/super-neurotic Nina earlier in S4, with the expectation that it was all worthwhile because we were going to get a Nina and Patrick and newborn baby happy ending, and of course now we don’t.
It’s not even a remotely original storyline, so if the writers of Offspring think they have been innovative, they are really way off! Yes Rachel in Cold Feet who appeared to talk to her widowed husband, Mel’s husband saw her, cuddled her in bed in Rafters after her accident, and I never liked the movie Ghost, so I really can’t see I would possibly enjoy seeing Patrick back in Nina’s fantasies but not her reality both in this week’s final ep after the baby arrives, and the involvement the writers admit he’ll have in S5. I’m still sure I won’t be watching next year – I’ve loved this how with such a passion since S2 and now that’s all gone – I know they are fictional characters but the loss feels pretty real right now!
If they wanted an original storyline to pursue, how about a happy couple, they seem mighty rare on tv! They could still explore any number of angst-ridden storylines (his drug past has never been discussed in detail, his absent mother, disastrous relationship with his father, the overwhelming Proudman family, both N&P have careers that could bring up challenges, etc as others have suggested before me) while keep N&P together & ALIVE.
Add me to the list of volunteers to review scripts and eliminate (reduce even?) the continuity issues!
I’ll wait until after the finale this week, but I will then be rewriting a happy ending in my head as I did after S3 – let me know if anyone else is interested in my daydreaming!
Today's TV Week has the cover "why Patrick HAD to die" and an article about MLN implying the decision was mutual between him & the producers. Then something about it being innovative, yeah sure.
It would never happen, but I’d love it if they re-shot ep 12 and ep13 of S4 and showed them as a telemovie on ch10 before the end of the year, with no death & no funeral, and then used that to launch into S5 with an alive Patrick next year. I’m allowed to dream!
They definitely need to reshoot 12 and 13 for at least some of the viewers judging by facebook reactions! People seem blindsided and traumatised. I have no idea who this ending is intended for, especially since as you say people have forgiven the show so much in order to see a redemptive ending.
DeleteThe interviews are rarely more than soundbites and talking points set out by publicists. It does seem a bit mean though to take away a man's employment (hey Billie and Darcy have both been allowed to come and go as they please, for that matter even Chris Havel can come back any time!) and then claim that it is because the person has so many commitments:)
Lou, love your dream idea-if only they had that much hindsight & acknowledgment of the major mistake they have made! Love the interviews with MLN which are now appearing (apparently there's even one in New Idea!).
ReplyDeletePlease do share your happy ending with us, we need to have a pseudo happy end to Series 4. The cruelty of this plot is the hardest thing to accept, and that in turn the 'writers' thought it was suitable way for Nina and Patrick's story to end. Still so pis#ed off!
And as you've mentioned haven't seen anything 'history making' as such-seems to be 'history repeating'!
Time will tell.
Offspring is the only fictional tv show I watch nowadays, but there was a time when I was also a loyal LOST fan.
ReplyDeleteAs a result, I became used to watching characters meet their fates. Although some demises were sad and brutal, I never really felt betrayed - unlike Offspring's death.
While watching LOST,I was aware that I was watching a thriller/Scifi/drama show, so suspense and deaths were obviously the show's core.
Offspring, on the contrary, was always more of a comedy than a drama for me.
It was a show that I used to take lightly, just to enjoy the plots and, mainly, the wonderful acting.
Some very serious issues were discussed throughout the seasons (miscarriage, separation, divorce, drug addiction, stillbirth, depression, and many more), but those stories were always told in a light-hearted way.
There used to be a balance that disappeared in season 4.
Now between Billie is incapability, depression and a cheating; Nina's over the top hallucinations; Geraldine's bizarre behaviour; Kim's lack of professionalism;Cherie's indecisions; Zara and Jimmmy's limited screen time (as well as Martin's) I started to feel like not watching any more.
There was nothing to like already, without even mentioning Patrick's death.
I agree with you on much of your depiction of S4 woes, but i'm not sure I agree that the serious issues were dealt with in a light hearted way. The stillbirth episode was devastatingly sad.
DeleteIn my opinion, what happened with this death story line is that the audience were invested in a particular ending for Patrick (Patrick sorts himself out and has a lovely healthy baby with Nina and this helps him recover from the loss of Gus and move forward healthily in his life) so much so that they can't tolerate his death and the non-completion of the story. I think if they had killed him off after the baby, the outrage would be less - although not to say people would be happy.
'Billie's incapability', sorry
DeleteOh yes Nadine, the stillbirth episode was devastating and I remember it very vividly (when Nina used to face REAL problems as a result of her occupation!)
ReplyDeleteBut, after that heartbreak, those parents had another child, which was born alive and healthy.
Offspring used to be relatable, and gave people a second chance.
Something Patrick will never get.
all this is making me want to rewatch s2 my favourite of all the seasons. some of the writing is so beautiful.
DeleteI didn't really think much of Eddie Perfect's self promotion tweet while Patrick was dying the other night,
ReplyDeletebut now I came across this article http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/television/eddie-perfect-tells-twitter-why-offspring8217s-patrick-reid-needed-to-die/story-fni0cc2a-1226695745028
Is Eddie trying to be funny like 'The Offspring' band with the twitter mixed up?
Or does he (secretly) hold a grudge against MLN for becoming so popular?
I don't know what to think.
Its probably a joke. Albeit a lame one.
DeleteAnd given its timing, it comes across as a little jealous.
And so we finally hear from MLN-last line is particularly interesting...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.canberratimes.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/le-nevez-was-unprepared-for-reaction-to-onscreen-death-20130813-2rtfw.html
There is some interesting takeaways in that piece.
DeleteI particularly liked the bit where MLN says that he is prepared to live here for longer periods if Australia keeps producing such good dramas.
DeleteHe very subtly dismissed what the writers have been saying these last few days about him leaving Offspring to concentrate in his US career.
Yes Evie, few inconsistencies in what we've been reading! Glad that we get to hear from him in this manner. No longer toeing the Offspring party line?
DeleteIt is a shame that the writers felt the need to blame the actor for their poor storytelling.
DeleteMLN did the right thing by casually setting the record straight on how much he would love to work here for longer periods.
Now the writers no longer have excuses - They killed Patrick for the ratings.
I'm still boycotting tomorrow.
they definitely used him as a scapegoat. I think unfortunately without being able to say Matt will now be appearing in "blah blah", the fact that he has been in the US without breaking through for some years now and that he is mostly working on Australian material people saw through the lie straight away.
DeleteWhat's so interesting to me about this whole thing is how all over the shop the post-show PR has been. Everyone is seemingly trying to justify themselves all with their own slight agenda to it. As a fan of another show that needlessly killed off one of the main leads (Torchwood - Ianto Jones), I sort of have to admire the show runner who when faced with similar outrage, said too bad, it's my show, my decision and if you don't like it then stop watching. Sure, I did stop watching (for a general decline not just character death) but I admired his sticking to his guns and being confident in his decision.
ReplyDeleteI actually wish the Offspring show runners had come out of the gate a little more confidently on that. Tell us why you want to tell this particularly story, what made you take this mega risk of a plot - I could have worked up some PR speaking points for them.
It has been odd. Had it been the writer's overall vision for the story viewers would go along. If it had been an availability issue as with Downton Abbey (or Don Hany in S1 - at least I hope it was!!), it would be fine. Right now it seems dubious that they can't explain it. And a bit unfair given they got S4&5 on the basis of Nina & Patrick and not the Proudman Family Saga.
DeleteI say bring back Don for a few eps, let Nina and Chris get together (though some of the pleasure of this may be diluted even for CH fans) and just end the damn show instead of plot lines of the next hot love interest.
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DeleteI agree. it would have been much more admirable to come out and say " we didn't want the show to head this way, we didn't think a story about a couple with a baby was going to work, we didn't think it was interesting enough." Deb Oswald said as much in her radio interview when she said they didn't think there was anything left to explore in the relationship between the two and they couldn't break them up due to their current level of commitment.
Deletein fact now that I think about it all the characters in offspring seem to have problems with commitment.
Another online interview with MLN tonight ended with him saying 'But I'll never sacrifice the opportunities that do pop up in Australia', when talking about the U.S. Ouch! Take that Offspring writers & producers
DeleteI'm still upset and oh look it's Wednesday! I know from experience once a baby comes along, doesn't matter how stable your relationship was, how long you've been together or what issues you've resolved in the past, it can still get hairy. Maybe the offspring writers don't have any family experience themselves so have no basis on which to form such story lines. I guess I should have known it was never going to be a baby-related story line from here for Patrick and Nina, given the almost total absence of the existing children on the show. I may have been hoping that the most recent notable lack of parenting story lines (i.e. Jimmy, Zara and Alfie) was to reserve the meaty stuff for N&P.
ReplyDeleteme too - although not quite as upset. still in two minds as to whether to watch tonight or delay the tearfest.
DeleteI agree with you - the real test of relationships comes post-baby. Some of the writers do have children, not sure the producers. I think it's a general bias in movies and television to focus on new relationships rather than develop existing older relationships. the newness is seen as exciting for audiences.
I agree. Babies and children do test marriages/couples.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I was looking forward to see how they would tackle their challenges of parenthood.
For example, I would have enjoyed a storyline about Patrick returning to work after the birth of their baby, but Nina is left at home, clueless on how to care for their newborn.
Her guilt because she is feeling overwhelmed, tired, exhausted. Those mixed feelings of loving her child so dearly and, at the same time, feeling some level of anguish for not being able to work for a while when Patrick does.
That would have felt real and relatable.
I don’t understand the writers position when they decided to kill off Patrick because ‘they run out of storylines’ for the couple.
They will never acknowledge that Patrick was killed off because he eclipsed all the Proudman’s.
I’m not watching tonight because I don’t want to give them the ratings.
At this stage, it would be wiser for them to bring Patrick back next season and declare this was all Nina's dream.
They can even have a laugh about how much the 'audience' overreacted.
The joke will be on us... and I wouldn't mind it at all.
I guess we'll never know. whilst they are marketing the series they are unlikely to be completely honest about the decision. the current line seems to be about trying to keep the audience on side after doing something which has got them offside.
DeleteI always thought it was odd that they were worried about Nina's pregnancy at end of season 3 - given that the show is about a 30 something obstetrician and much of the audience is women over 30 and completely relate to that phase of life. I would have thought they would have confidence but they continue to say its a golden rule to never have someone pregnant in a series.
From what I've read & heard on radio in last few days, I'm swinging back to bring severely pissed off with BOTH the writers/producers AND MLN, it's sounding quite a mutual decision, he wants to explore other opportunities in the US (as opposed to having another role ready to go after Parer's War), he said on radio this morning 3 years was enough - well it's not enough for this fan!
ReplyDeleteI've been watching/reading/listening to everyone's reactions to Patrick's death, and it made me think about some things.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I think there's a thesis topic in there somewhere. There are so many issues to tackle: Why did they do it (ratings grab, actor availability, genuine desire to shift the story in another direction?)Why are we so upset (Do we feel robbed of the happy ending? Are we upset about not being able to look at MLN anymore?) Has social media exacerbated the reaction?
Second, Patrick's death has been compared with lots of others, like Molly (ACP) and Shane (H&A). MLN can only hope his career doesn't follow the same trajectory as Anne Tenney's (although I think her withdrawal from acting was deliberate) and Dieter Brummer's (although I'm not particularly upset I haven't seen him in other things). No doubt he's hoping it will be more like Simon Baker's (whose character on E Street met an unfortunate ending). I for one would like to see him in other things. And let's face it, if Fraser can go on to become the beast, surely there's hope.
Oh and I must apologise for my appalling grammatical error in a previous post (while ironically offering my proofreading services). Just goes to show, we really do read what we think is there.
Lol at thesis!
DeleteFor my 2c worth:
Its a mix of writers and producers trying to advance the plot and improve ratings (the one thing they hadn't done was death) and factors which we are not aware of - as Felicity has noted the PR is all over the place. I don't think actor availability was an issue.
I saw the ep and didn't bawl or anything - I did watch it knowing how it ends though. For me there is a forced quality to S4, it simply isn't good. If anything they needed to bring in a new writer to shake things a bit!!! As to why viewers reacted - Patrick is much loved yes but its also a jarring note, more so given his back story. No one went that was tragic but necessary. Instead they are trying to make peace with it and not lose faith in a show they have invested in.
PS: The head writer's partner (Richard Glover) has a long running column where she features as "Jocasta" and their sons also feature. So yes the writers have family. Glover's column is pretty much an example of trying to find humour in ordinary life.
PPS: Re MLN, pretty sure actors have back up plans given the profession. If he does leave the profession, he would still be remembered like Jake in 16 Candles:)
Lou I also read today that Matt answered "I wish" when asked if Patrick's death was a Nina dream. Seriously I think a lot of what he is saying is because he will be dependent on Edwards/Banks for future work but that aside on this sad day all I want to say is
ReplyDeleteR.I.P Offspring
I am sick of the writers/ producers excuses for killing Patrick, we all know there could have been rich and funny story lines from a couple who already have their problems dealing with a new baby, not to mention important social issues such as post-natal depression. That aside if Matt did indeed want out at the very least they could have let him meet his baby before he died. By not allowing this to happen Offspring has lost this former loyal fan forever.
Oh yay, there's something good to come out of this for me. My husband will now consider the name Patrick for our second son. 8-|
ReplyDeleteif you want to read a lovely interview with MLN go to http://www.popsugar.com.au/Interview-Matthew-Le-Nevez-Dr-Patrick-From-Offspring-31130697
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that MLN has said that he will watch the finale and recommended fans to watch it as well instead of boycotting it.
DeleteIt smells fishy to me; as if the writers are pulling the strings from behind all of this.
If they were happy and satisfied with Patrick being killed off, then they should be happy with whatever the audience decides to do afterwards.
I refuse to be manipulated. If I consider Offspring finished due to not being satisfied with the storyline, so be it.
The writers have made their final call and now it is time for me to make my move.
I'm done with Offspring not due to Patrick's death alone but a rather random and boring chain of events during the season.
This death has put the nail in the coffin (no pun intended) to an already very poor script.
The more I read, the more baffled I become. In that article he said he hadn't seen last week's ep and will watch the final with Lachy Hulme. In another interview he said he watched last week's ep live on Gold Coast with his parents (quoted saying its a bit weird watching yourself die with your mum!), then next day he was killed off filming Parer's War, and that he would watch last night's final with his brother and his brother's family. Who knows.
DeleteI suspect we'll never really know the truth - even if MLN was pushed out totally against his will, its a small industry he wants to work in again, he can't say anything blunt or rude to burn his bridges with John Edwards or Imogen Banks or Debra Oswald or upset Asher Keddie by doing anything other than singing her praises. I remain furious with all of them really!
So I decided to watch and there were some lovely moments in the finale. plus some great Billie and Nina stuff. the real Billie is back.
ReplyDeleteOk, will check it out then!
Delete"There seem to be a lot of conspiracy theorists out there imagining that the makers of the show are lying. There is no trickery or duplicity going on." Saw this writer interview somewhere so ah well......it is their vision anyway. And perhaps they are thinking long term and S6.
Separately FB seems to have a steady stream of MLN interviews and I have to say the man himself is far more good looking (and appears more sweet natured) than in any of his roles.
I think it was their vision (and agree its about squeezing a S6 out if possible) but they tried to back away from it by saying it was due to actor availability and there in is the lie that people have picked up on. none of this stuff would have happened if they had straight out said " we decided to make the story go this way it was unfortunately for MLN who enjoyed working on the show" or something like that.
DeleteAgree about the mixed PR message. The vision is also a bit unclear - the uproar over the Nina-Patrick break up of S3 or Patrick's death in S4 is not because of the events per se but because the script appears paint by numbers or at best muddled, I hope the writers get that.
DeleteI might give S5 a miss. Don't know if I can endure bad episodes for a final pay off (thankfully post payoff this ep the FB page seems happy and a little sane:)). Probably stick to the ABC for a bit.
I recorded it and sort of want to watch it but I just can't bring myself to do it. Not ready to be hit with the sad stick again!
ReplyDeleteI weeped from the recap onwards until about 15 mins before the end. During the recap they reshowed the "I choose you moment" and even my husband's joke of "too bad the producers didn't" couldn't stop the tears starting.
Deletehowever I'm glad I did it as the Nina and Billie stuff was so great as well as the Billie and Mick scenes that it was worth it. I will probably give season 5 a go even if some of the glow has gone.
Emmerrr - I suggest fast forward through the funeral and start at the wake when Kate sends Nina down to the garage. Its all about Nina and Billie from there ...!
DeleteEmmerrr-I didn't find it as sad as sad as I thought I would. Still a few tears but not as many as last week. It was really all about Nina and Billie after all was said and done. The funeral was over very quickly, there were a few glimpses of Patrick and the final scene was a nice way to end. Nothing history making though-guess that was more Ten spin.
ReplyDeleteI am of the view that things made for commercial television are never "ground breaking" such as they can be when made by producers for cable etc.
DeleteMatt was interviewed last night and when asked if it was his decision or the producers for him to leave, he said the producers.
ReplyDeleteYes both ep 12&13 were well written & brilliantly acted, yes isn't Asher a great actress, but I loathed both episodes, and still have no desire to watch S5. I covered my eyes at the scenes where Patrick appeared, and I remain furious they killed him off before meeting his baby girl.
ReplyDeleteI took the day off work so I could watch it without having husband or child around to hear me bawling. I sobbed while I was setting up and didn't really stop the whole time. Not because of the acting or emotions of this week's episode but because I am completely traumatised. I hate the people behind the decision. I found the labor and birth utterly appalling. Nina's visions of Patrick just made me feel ill. They were awful. I can't imagine what Michael Lucas' mother found so redemptive in this episode. I've had enough of the Proudmans. I practically breathed Offspring since about episode 7 last season until last week's episode, but it really was because Patrick made it so addictive. I won't watch next season. I'm sure being 6 months pregnant doesn't help, but I suspect this may reflect an inability to cope with life in general at the moment. I have a session with a counsellor booked (did that after last week's episode!), I'm pretty sure I shouldn't be so upset about a TV show. Thanks Felicity and everyone who comments here for providing an outlet for my fixation. All the best!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the baby Emmerr. i'm sure being pregnant is the reason for the storyline being so difficult to deal with. the reason I found last nights episode so emotional as I remember how lovely my own relationship was just before baby number 1 and how ecstatic we were when she was born. it does get much tougher from that point though but to have those moments ripped away before the baby comes would be exceptionally cruel.
Deletebest wishes
Nadene
Hi Emmerrr, all the best with the baby (probably to be named Patrick:)). Its OK about being involved with a TV show. I have read many a book and felt depressed and yet no one says "its just a book, get over it"! Any creative work can evoke emotions so don't beat yourself up for a TV show affecting you.
DeleteEmmerrr - Good luck with the baby! I can't imagine watching Offspring while pregnant -- having very young children and remembering being pregnant, plus being treated for breast cancer including surgery in the hospital they film at, plus having a close friend who lost a baby at 38 weeks who I watch the show with was all hard enough!
DeleteSo in my wildest dreams, they do re-shoot ep 12 and ep 13 as a telemovie ahead of S5. Because this audience member doesn't want to "grow" and "go in a new direction" the way the writers do, I want to see the happy ending they've built us up for since Patrick first met Nina in S2. Here goes …
ReplyDeleteStarts as ep12 actually unfolded, Nina’s last day at work, and baby shower. Patrick’s car accident occurs but instead of slurring words and passing out in Nina’s car, they make it to Emergency where they wait round in a busy Emergency dept like anyone else, and he is diagnosed with mild concussion and they are sent home for him to rest. Due to his addiction he won’t take pain medication for his headache, or other aches and pains from hitting the car, so he is bit short and grumpy with Nina by this point, not the smiling happy Patrick we had in last few eps.
As he climbs into bed, he tells Nina he has a surprise for her the following day. As Nina gets into bed next to him, she turns off her phone, just like they agreed she would in last session with Lawrence, some new habits to install now she is on maternity leave. Peaceful night sleep for everyone.
Following day Patrick drives Nina to Kate’s and as he parks his Volvo, and asks her to close her eyes, and tells her he has a hobby he’s not shared with her before now. He walks her into garage, Nina says she can smell sawdust, he says he used to dabble in furniture making and he’s been making something the last 6 months for their baby. He tells her she can open her eyes now and Nina sees a rocking horse – happy happy scene, lots of kisses and cuddles to follow. The indulgent romantic weekend at the Crown Metropol follows, while they are away the Proudmans decorate the nursery.
Over the following week, as Nina gets closer to her due date and the point in which Gus passed away in Jodie’s pregnancy (a few days before Jodie’s due date), Patrick gets increasingly agitated, withdrawn and moody. Squash with Clegg doesn’t help. Running doesn’t help. He says he is ok and not anxious when Nina tries to talk to him, but after discussion with her OB, Nina has some routine monitoring to confirm the baby is doing ok and provide some reassurance for Patrick. Patrick calms down, is less withdrawn, they make the final touches to the nursery together and Patrick installs the baby capsule in his Volvo.
A few days before her due date (the exact time Gus passed away), Nina wakes in an empty bed and goes to find Patrick, on the couch with an album. Its the album Jodie gave him in S3, which he’d never shown Nina. He shows her, she looks through it, both them in tears, she then puts it down and says to him “he is beautiful, I’m so sorry you lost him,” more tears and cuddles.
Couple of day later, Nina goes into labour at home, the labour progresses quickly but Patrick stays calm and gets her to the hospital in time for the arrival of their healthy baby girl. Nina is somewhat overwhelmed by all her family visiting in hospital, requiring Patrick to step in and shoo them away.
A couple of days later, they go home together, walk up the stairs holding hands, Patrick carrying the baby in the baby capsule, Nina climbs onto the bed, Patrick takes the baby out of the capsule and lies the baby in Nina's arms, then lies down with her. They lie on the bed together, a happy, alive, family of 3.
Lou, I do love that ending and would have been one happy viewer. thanks for taking the time to write it
DeleteOh, I love this! Thanks, Lou. If only someone had the writing skills to make this into a fanfiction, or something. I would definitely read!
DeleteOh I love that version too Lou. I am so angry with the writers for this and also for not taking responsibility for it and trying to put it on MLN. BAD FORM. I guess I'll watch Season 5 ..... Here's my version of Season 5 Episode 1.
DeleteNina has just put Patrina down for a sleep when there is a knock on the door. Nina opens the door to find Sullivan Stapleton with his 2 day growth standing there.
SS has tracked Nina down via Patricks Dad. He is Patrick's older brother that Patrick didnt know existed... ha ha keep Nina's new love "in the family" ...
Love it Lou...if only. Something to smile about after all of the tears. Thank you x
ReplyDeletedoes anyone else think its clever/ manipulative of them not to give the baby a name - so you have to wait and watch next season to find out. reminds me of the deals celebs do with the magazines
ReplyDeleteNadene, as if they'd do something like that-never!
Deletethey also really understated the sex of the baby - just that quick scrambled its a girl - a lot of people missed it by what I saw on facebook
Deletelove it too Lou, thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteLast nights episode was the last I will ever watch of Offspring unless they shoot your version
Lou, I think your version is the one we all wanted to see.
ReplyDeleteI can't help but wonder if this whole thing is a case of Offspring's success being its own undoing. Would the outcome would have been different if the show was recommissioned one season at a time, like it was after seasons 1 and 2? MLN's availability seems to be the sticking point. It's easy to commit for a season at a time. He and the producers would have a good idea of his availability a year out. He could reasonably commit to season 4 and then at the end of season 4, everyone could reassess his availability for season 5.
It's much harder to commit two seasons in advance. No one knows what his availability will be two years out. And I think it's understandable he (and his US representation) want to keep his options open.
So if Offspring hadn't been so successful, Ten may not have commissioned season 4 and 5 at once and we could have had a completely different outcome. It's purely a hypothetical exercise, but it could explain why the producers are blaming him and he's blaming the producers. The producers were looking for a two season arc and they knew that would be difficult for him. In hindsight, maybe he could have committed, but we've all got 20/20 hindsight.
And for what it's worth, I don't believe there will be a season 6. Screen Australia funding only lasts for 65 episodes I think. Australian drama is so expensive to make and it's difficult to recoup the costs via overseas sales. So it's hard for high cost shows to continue without the Screen Australia funding.
For what it's worth the viewer response to the S3 break-up may have played a role too - hence the we couldn't separate Nina and Patrick because they are too committed etc. That and ratings - Patrick's character being an outsider (i.e. not a Proudman) and having a huge viewer impact would mean he had to go. S4 has delivered on that front for Ch 10.
DeleteJust surprised that the PR stories are all over the place. MLN's take i.e. he was available but the story demanded a fresh new direction is the only explanation needed. I don't know why the writers aren't just saying this and going on about actor availability - and simultaneously claiming he is back in dream sequences in S5. I don't buy the real life has deaths either given how much Offspring departs from real life:) And as you say we don't know if there is a S6 or even if there should be one. Offspring's core audience would have been perfectly happy with it ending in S5 with the gift of Nina, Patrick and toddler all tied up in a big fat red bow in the finale!
It feels a bit manipulative-look we really didn't want to but we had to so please still love us:) It was the same with the break up in S3, they have one eye on the audience and one on their own internal brief.
Not much that can be done now except for some fanon discontinuity like Lou's rewriting! Loved it btw.
I also caved in and ended up watching the episode and surprisingly there were a few things I loved - namely, the Billie/Nina dynamic. Their moments are always amazing, and despite everything I said before, I might just tune in for season 5 for Billie. Especially since Mick told Billie they are splitting up. I might be angry at the show, but I have never had a problem with how they did things with Billie and Mick - it was THE storyline for me this season. So I do want to know where that goes although obviously I can't see myself counting down the days til Offspring, etc.
ReplyDeleteLike some of you, I thought the labour and birth scene was incredibly bad. Now, I've never given birth or even seen someone give birth in real life but I'm preeeetty sure it's not like that! Eloise was so useless in the scene, and the acting was so stiff I almost laughed - plus the fact that Nina was giving birth on a hospital floor yet no doctors were turning up?! Oh my goodness.
I thought at first that Billie was going to be great but by ep 10 there was a spillover into caricature...like with Nina. Kat is so good you go along with her interpretation but I don't know abt S5 (I like her but couldn't watch Mr and Mrs Murder). The female characters are so OTT and the men more or less sane - makes me feel uneasy about an underlying misogyny in Offspring at times (I think last year there was a blog on this though it was an academic deconstruction).
DeleteYeah keeping in mind that Offspring likes to inject absurdity, they have pushed the line a bit much in S4. The birth scene sounds like it too is in line with the silliness of this season.
Owl, some people do birth their babies like that - quick onset and deliver in the car so that was believable and I think better than having to watch nina labour for hours without Patrick by her side.
Deletethe bit that was ridiculous was allowing billie to deliver the baby when Eloise the trained professional was there. no reasonable health professional or sister would ever allow that to happen.
Jenny don't think it has much to do with MLN availability- he has said repeatedly this week he loves working in Australia and will come back for a good role - I really think its just spin being pedaled by Offspring producers because the reaction to Patrick's death must have rang the alarm bells loud and clear!
ReplyDeleteI agree Pam, I think the Offspring powers that be have been in major damage control during the last week. They obviously had some inkling of how viewers would react (one would hope), but still went against what would have been an much more satisfying end to this season. Poor MLN, as some have pointed out in this discussion, I suppose he really has to watch what he says on the subject if he wants work with Edwards etc in the future, however a few of his responses have let us know what he may really think. Watching his response on this (and Asher's') for that matter was quite interesting
ReplyDeletehttp://ten.com.au/watch-tv-episodes-online-offspring-video.htm?vid=2606851584001
thanks Lisym for sharing that. gosh they were both so sad about it. like the sadness reflected in the audience. MLN was so honest about his feelings - remarkable that he would make himself so vulnerable.
Deletewhen I read "Patrick is so close to my heart" next to smiling MLN face in the magazines and online articles it seemed really over the top ungenuine but watching him express that in the video and his sense of loss was so beautiful.
DeleteThanks lisym.
DeleteHe comes across as genuine and lovely. Which makes me sad there is no more Patrick if that makes sense.
ps: its sombrefilly, just changed to a proper name:)
obviously that didnt work! Milly.
Deleteyes Milly - that makes complete sense. I am still very sad about it too.
DeleteMilly, Nadene, Evie, I think that we will all be sad for a long time. No one will ever measure up to Patrick in terms for how he was with Nina. I feel sad for MLN as well, and love how much he really made us 'love' Patrick even more this season (beyond the obvious reasons), even though he knew what the eventual outcome would be for him and us. Hearing him almost tear up over it was so sad. Makes me mourn the loss of Patrick just a little bit more.
Deleteyes I think you're right Lisym. I'm not sure why I'm surprised I still feel like this because I was pretty devastated by the farewell scene at the bowling centre in S3 and this is so much more final.
DeleteThe behind the scenes clip made me feel sad. Inexplicable given I rarely feel sad about DVD/TV extras! Milly
DeleteThanks for the link, Lisym! MLN was so heartbroken...
ReplyDeleteHaving gone to bed early last night,I was eager to find out about Offspring ratings during lunch break today. And clearly all the publicity has worked in their favour as the finale got even bigger ratings than last week's death episode.
I'm wondering though if a new audience has come on board, hooked by all the melodrama surrounding the onscreen death AND the offscreen backlash.
A still in one of the articles I read today showed Nina crawling out of the elevator and one of you mentioned that she actually delivered on the hospital's floor.
All I could think was if it was meant to be funny.
Do you writers seriously need to do this to the main character who has just become a widow and now is giving birth to a fatherless baby?
Anyway, just because over the top and random story lines seemed to be the foundation during S4, with the target of pulling big ratings in mind, I have been thinking on scripts that may give the writers/producers even bigger numbers next season...
So maybe killing a character each episode will do it?
I'm already anticipating the 'who will be next?' with the tragic voice of the female voice over at the end of each episode.
this is quite a good summary of the episode and ratings etc
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/box-seat/what-will-become-of-the-brokenhearted-nina-on-offspring-20130814-2rwl9.html
Made me sad again... Thanks for sharing Nadene
DeleteWatched the episode last night. Didn't enjoy one bit what Contrary to what most people are commenting on regarding Billie and Nina's dialogue, I found Jimmy to be the most compelling sibling.
ReplyDeleteHe knew where Billie was, he painted the nursery for his upcoming niece (in blue!), he cried the most(!)during Patrick's funeral.
He is the underdog of the Proudman family.
Both Matt Le Nevez and Debra Oswald have said in latest interviews that the story is about the sisters.
So it looks like none of them can be happy with their partners so they can raise Nina's girl by themselves.
It is ridiculous.
It was also mentioned that there will be a time jump, which is pretty obvious as they seem to want Nina back in the dating game.
As MLN has said, there was a guy before him and there will be another one after him.
I find the writers are being quite disrespectful to Patrick. The level of commitment he had with Nina did not happen in her previous relationship with Chris.
Let alone during her first marriage.
It looks to me as if the writers want it all. They wanted the big ratings killing off Patrick, but now are already saying he will be back for next season (most likely to give Nina dating advice in her own head).
Whatever...
oops... did not proofread properly, sorry.
DeleteFirst sentence should read "didn't enjoyed it one bit. Contrary to what..."
I wish they had Patrick go to the help of someone and get bashed (like that real life case of the Melbourne lawyer who intervened when a girl was being harrassed and got killed-also in keeping with Patrick's character) and they had left him in a coma or something at the end of the series...
ReplyDeleteOK now I have to stop obsessing about Patrick's death and all that the writers should have done differently!
That would have been really interesting. however I think they wanted Nina to witness the whole thing - so we the viewer could be there too.
DeleteI am signing out because I need to move forward- see you next year if you come back to the blog
Yes onto real life concerns! Not sure if I am catching S5 but see you if I do!
DeleteJust in case you don't happen to see the above post, I wanted to thank you both for being awesome super-star commentators. And if you wanted to hang around for fan-fiction Patrick lives, then you're be super welcome.
Deletethanks Felicity- that feedback makes feel a little bit awesome! I wasn't sure if you were reading it all. Its been fun for me to immerse myself in Offspring with people who find it interesting to deconstruct and who don't say things like "you know its not real, its just acting."
DeleteI might check in next week to read the fan fiction after all
Thanks Felicity, its great that you provide us a forum for spilling a good deal of our thoughts! Will tune in for the fan fiction. I read your summary and it captures S4.
DeleteOh and if you review Girls, S2 I will be there!
Milly,
ReplyDeleteI think that we will all be obsessing in some way for some time yet. Yes, it is a TV show but one that we could all identify with in some way, so for things to end up the way that they did, it will stay with us all for a while. Still find myself thinking about it & the unfairness of it all from time to time.
Just unfortunate that the writers couldn't think a little bit out of the square in coming up with how to 'move forward'!
It doesn't have much resonance with my own life but it is a quirky and lovely confection and has moments of truth. This feels like the wrong ingredient! But I guess it is what it is. Milly
DeleteG'day all-I'm an American married to an Aussie. We live abroad andI have been following the show over the last year.As a high school teacher and counselor, I work long hours and live in the "real world", but have come to love the show and the depth of its characters, with all their human flaws and qualities. It reminded me of Ally McBeal, with Nina's vivid imagination and quirkiness.
DeleteAnd, as Billy dies on that show, I had a hunch that Patrick would meet the same fate. It was so totally not necessary for the great story line but I don't propose to be a great scriptwriter, such as the writers of Offspring.
What I do think is that there are many twists to come, including things that would imply that the character of Patrick will indeed be in season 5. I think the creative writers are trying (and succeeding) in keeping the suspense high. There have been many allusions and hints that leave the educated viewer to realize that not all is as it seems.We never saw Patrick being disconnected from the tubes, the inference to the not seen cremation. Too many loose ends which in my humble opinion will be ties up or unravelled in season 5.
The producers know what an asset Matt Le Nevez is and his popularity has soared in the past two weeks. He is not just a fine actor but a do- gooder , as we have seen in the media.Perhaps they underestimated this fact when they wrote him out of the series (or so they have led us to believe) but the hype which has surrounded him reinforces my theory that they aren't letting him go so easily. They mentioned that Patrick's past will affect the storyline of season 5 so I'm guessing that anything could happen. Not in the kitchy American -Dallas style but with a more realistic twist. Knowing that his will probably be the last season, the producers will want the series to go out with a bang- I'm betting that the Nina and Patrick story is far from over. Anyone else agree?
Shobo 50
As long as it is not Patrick Swayze in Ghosts. Maybe Blithe Spirit (Noel Coward)-at least that leaves the possibility of smart arse Patrick!
DeleteJust had to pop back in to say I just caught the last few seconds of Matt Le Nevez introducing tonight's Australian Story. Thanks to my husband for leaving the TV on! I'm assuming the connection was that the girl, Chloe, did the Kokoda trail, but it was after an accident that left her with a brain injury. Doctors were amazed she lived. Impressive stuff and I wish her all the best. If only Matt Le Nevez appearing on the program was to prepare us all for a miraculous Patrick comeback. Sigh.
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ReplyDelete