I'm in the midst of a back to back work two week marathon session which I'm then following up with a Bali holiday of radio silence. Which means, no Offspring recaps. With last night's episode still yet to be seen and next week's definitely getting missed, I'm handing over the keys and letting you all taking care of the analysis, intense character study and important growth discussions. Just clean up any wild parties you decide to have while I'm gone.
Felicity - hope your work marathon isn't too taxing, and really hope you have a fabulous break overseas. Look forward to hearing from you when you get back.
ReplyDeleteMy comments on this week's episode (episode 6):
LOVING:
Patrick & Martin relationship (there must be more to come, Michael Lucas has confirmed on Twitter that Clegg will be back after couple of episodes)
Mick & Billie relationship (super supportive husband, amazing acting from Kat)
Patrick & Billie supportive chat in her office (shades of their exchange in S2 after her miscarriage)
Jimmy & Zara (loved initial success of taco pop-up shop and Zara dragging him off to bed after claiming a part of the cash)
Kate & Joseph looking happy
Basically storylines that involve Nina & Patrick but aren’t just about them having relationship woes. Loving this amazing ensemble cast. Oddly not yet missing Cherie or Darcy.
Back to the pub (not enough of that in S3 for my liking)
NO NO NO NO NO:
Geraldine going to see D’Arabont
Anything going on on the hospital set, including Eloise – the unprofessionalism has gone WAY beyond a joke, I know this is a comedy romantic drama and not a medical drama, but really. I really don’t see where the Eloise storyline is going.
Any chance of Eloise stirring things up for Kim and Renee do you think?
DeleteGosh that picture looks so good as I sit here feeling frozen. Enjoy your time away.
ReplyDeleteI did like this episode over all - the counselling session around Martin was very funny and it was nice to see N & P in agreement on something.
I'm really disappointed that Billie didn't have a chance to be a success in the business. I would have liked this issue to play out more across more episodes - the financial distress, the drinking, the impact on mick and billie. but mostly I would have liked her to prove herself and find a way out of it. it seems liked she owned the real estate company for all of 2 weeks.
Loved the scene where Kim tried to pretend she didn't know about the crush. I still hate the crush and the way Nina responds to it - total neurotic nightmare.
Phillip trying to manage and extremely stroppy alcohol deprived Geraldine also a highlight. Not to mention when Phil D'Arabont told her that her magnificent pins could only stretch so far.
Oh yes! I had plenty of laugh out loud moments this episode, and that magnificent pins comment was definitely one of them!
DeleteCranking????? Wow - is that even possible?? I enjoyed Clegg's journey this episode from *cough* "cranking" to being useful with his law degree knowledge. For some reason i could see him pursuing that more.
ReplyDeleteStill loving the way the therapy sessions seem to set up the episode (and looking at the therapist).
I feel like Billie's storyline has been rushed. It would have been good to see her have the business for a bit longer before the financial drama ensued.
I continue to love Dr Noonan and what he brings to the mix. Quite sweet how he is supporting Jimmy in his new business.
Agree 110% about the professionalism or lack there of at the hospital. It would be really nice for a touching patient story to feature at some stage.
Eloise - yawn.... Over the crush storyline already. Can they please bring further depth to the charactor please!?
I want to know when/if they will cover anxiety over the implending birth and deal further with the death of Gus, let alone Billie's infertility.
What about Zara? What is she doing with her newborn? Alfie seems to be MIA at the moment.
Yeah, I also feel like Billie's storyline was rushed. I think most of the storylines have been rushed (especially in comparison to last season, where it took Nina and Patrick SEVEN episodes to get back together, and Billie and Mick had an ongoing tiff that lasted for about three or four episodes). I don't like the fact that a complication is introduced and then all the loose ends seem to be (mostly) tied up by the end of the episode.
DeleteI didn't really like this episode - either it was disjointed or I must have been on edge from the politics of the day:)
ReplyDeleteNina and Intern - cringe. I still feel Asher is not on top form this season.
Yeah Billie storyline was too rushed. Not convincing though D'Arabont was magnificently smarmy. And Billie's assistant was cute.
Clegg deserves a spin-off of his own. He is a singular character and I would watch the shit out of a series based on him. Clegg sayings (and doings) are as noteworthy as Sheldon Cooper's:)Mr Hulme instantly pitch this idea to Offspring makers!
Nadene, I am looking forward to Time of Our Lives next ep. I won't compare it to Offspring though - Offspring is really one of few Australian series that has a OTP romance (though I don't think it was originally intended) and is played for laughs. TOOL I guess is adult drama in the vein of Love My Way.
Felicity enjoy, have a great holiday and thank you for leaving this space open! (PS I loved your Labor leadership tweets)
Sombrefilly - yes I liked times of our lives again last night. Claudia K playing out Caroline's post-breakup decline and craziness was fabulous. yes I agree not the same type of show - its adults trying to maintain love, raise families and balance careers/ finances rather than trying to find love as its primary focus. I think your right - adult drama ala Love my Way - a bit darker and different vibe. Definitely no OTP romance - although maybe the chai-lee story will play out that way.
DeleteClaudia Karvan is pitch perfect. She's on so many things and yet you never tire of her. And rest of cast is great too. I like the Chai Li inclusion - its unobtrusive, not oh look we have an Asian in the cast. Yeah let's see how that plays out!
DeleteAsher and Matt's next projects look interesting too.
Since the beginning of this season, I've been wondering whether its just me or if this season is just a little off. Certainly the feedback seems very mixed and I'd hazard a guess its split by age group. I think the younger fans are as enamoured as ever. I think the older fans (which I have to count myself as) are finding it frustrating.
ReplyDeleteThe things are like about offspring still pop up - the humour (Martin and his cranking), great performances from excellent actors (billie, nina, Patrick and mick trying to navigate billie losing the business).
I think what's letting it down for me this season are the story lines. I think the actors are often doing the best with what they have, they just haven't got much to work with. There's this desperate attempt to make it edgier, and funnier, and all it's doing is looking like its trying too hard.
As if the family wouldn't find out about billie selling the business, as if its ninas fault they did. As if nina and Geraldine would go and see phil darabont.
And who let mick loose with the bedazzler?!
I like jimmy's new life and Garry mcdonalds Phillip is a breathe of fresh air. I hope they dispense with much of the theatrics and just get back to some real story lines.
The whole tone of the show feels off-kilter this season. Nina was a lot more complex and vulnerable in all three previous seasons. I don't think she's dealt with anything of substance so far this season, which has made her character less sympathetic/relatable. The Eloise storyline seems to serve no purpose at all and has detracted from the show (and Nina's credibility). There is so much rich territory that the writers could be exploring right now! I understand that they might want to save the more serious Nina/Patrick and Nina/Billie drama for later on, but it really feels like Nina is twiddling her thumbs in the meantime.
ReplyDeleteWhich is such a shame because I thought the writers found the perfect balance of compassion for others, neuroticism, vulnerability, as well as moments of strength, for her in Seasons 2 and 3.
Not that I haven't enjoyed some Nina moments this season. But I'm hoping that the writers find their rhythm again. I feel like they need to try less hard and remember that Nina isn't the show's comic relief.
But I'm loving Patrick and Clegg - individually and together.
Next week's episode looks better (maybe?). I've got high hopes.
Jenny, Gracie I guess its not just a few of us. I see comments on the facebook page too and it gets a few likes and no one really refutes it like before. The biggest problem as everyone says is that Nina is a sideshow and a bit ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteMostly people seem happy with a Patrick fix and a few zinging lines and that's about it.
yes ladies - its definitely off and the main problem is making Nina a parody/ caricature of her former self. also the forced attempts at humour are a bit cringey.
DeleteThat was episode 7 out of 13 - half way - yikes!
ReplyDeleteLoving more of the Kate & Patrick relationship, their dad was just so unpleasant. Such a relief Patrick stepped up & defended Nina, even though it means further negativity between him & his dad. But the writers need to give us more about his mum, not tease us! It doesn't add up with Kate's comment in S3 when Nina & Patrick split up & she said "wow our parents did a choice job on us."
Not fond of Geraldine leading Phillip astray but very funny to watch resulting family gathering. Awwww so sweet seeing Jimmy & Mick together again, been too long since we've seen that dynamic, trying to protect poor Billie. Want to wring Phil D'arabond's neck, which I guess is the whole point. Although hopefully him sacking Billie will give her opportunity to make new start and have some success -please?! Loved her parting line "not illegal, its unethical!" And Mick, saying all the right things to comfort Billie again & again.
Love Kate & Joseph together, especially Joseph's departing line "your granddaughter's name is Isabella"
Nina - shut up! Stop babbling to fill silences! And yes you should have told Patrick about Dean immediately! You knew he'd be upset! Yes he was always going to be upset about any contact from Dean, but he was also going to be upset about hearing about it last, telling him straight away would have been more respectful. And that last scene in the locker room - ouch, I can see both sides of that argument. How the heck do they get from that stand off to smiling Patrick suggesting they get married ?!
By the way, when are we geting back to Patrick's man-cave and wood-working from episode 1?! And what happened to Billie helping Nina and Patrick buy a house before the baby arrives?
I had that same thought about the house hunting the other nite as I revisited episode 1! Some of this season's initial (& potentially interesting)storylines seem to have gone by the wayside. The spoiler in this week's TV Week explains how the proposal from Patrick comes about, but from further investigation Nina's 'should we/shouldn't we' won't just be contained to next week. Agree Mr Reid was a particularly nasty piece of work, bit scary at times how similar he was to Patrick. Thank god he stood up for her!
ReplyDeleteLou and Lisym, we've obviously all been wondering the same things about the man cave and the house hunting. Maybe Billie will have enough time to look now she doesn't have a job.
ReplyDeleteI thought there was much less of OTT Nina last night. She seemed to be back to just normal (ie mildly annoying) Nina. I think I'd react the same to Patrick's dad. I'd keep trying to make conversation and no doubt fail just as miserably.
I think Patrick was being snotty, but it would be the first time Nina didn't interfere. Last week she went to visit Phil D'Arabont at his house to beg for Proudman Real Estate. It's this lack of consistency that I find so irritating. We're supposed to believe she's had some epiphany?
The will they/won't they stay together storyline was inevitable. Like last season, the catalyst was stupid. I think in the end they will stay together. I'm just praying Nina doesn't go into labour during a wedding.
Phillip is still my favourite character. I can't work out why he's with Geraldine, who obviously subscribes to the 'Treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen' philosophy to, well everything really (romance, parenthood). No wonder she seems to have no friends!
I'm enjoying Kate too. I think she handled the whole thing with Patrick, her dad and Joseph really well. She stood her ground and actually made some sense.
It seems strange to me how insignificant Rosanna is this season. She was such a bit part of last season, but now we hardly ever see her at all. Mick's obviously given up the gardening, so you'd think we'd see more of him being musical.
What to say about last night? I couldn't fully commit to last night - I think it just lurched all over the place - particularly the family gathering was really hard to watch - just too much going on at once. I'm not sure what they were thinking with nina's hospital based scenes this series - so unprofessional.
ReplyDeleteI did like the newspaper article story with Billie, Mick and Jimmy. Philip and Phil D also magnificent. the kate-Joseph story is refreshing. and Patrick's Dad - I'm not sure what to make of that personality but whoever played him did an excellent job.
That they are going to play the we shouldn't be together because Nina and Patrick had a spat about who didn't tell who what seems a but contrived to me. These sorts of disagreement are just everyday in relationships - no need to hike it to the hills - take it to couple counselling and sort it out if you can't do it together. I'm disappointed that we can't enjoy the proposal that's going to happen because its been made obvious in the advertisements that Nina's going to have a major wobble over it.
I quite liked this episode because Nina wasn't being OTT neurotic (maybe because Intern was largely absent-which reminds me that Zara has barely been seen this series). Plus I managed to see it on telecast night as opposed to crappy ten catch up.
ReplyDeletePros were Philip, Kate and Joseph, the introduction of the dad (sure more than one viewer was thrown off by it being Bad Boy Bubby!) to flesh out the Reid story a bit, the Jimmy-Mick duo.
I didn't terribly mind the two trademark Offspring scenes - the fantasy sequence of Nina's and the gathering which ends badly. It felt like old Offspring.
Geraldine obviously has sex appeal - Phil D'Arabont asks Billie about her which was a nice ending touch. Liked her little begging gesture.
Billie is actually the annoying sister and not Nina - who is professional and many of whose actions are because she is trying to be kind and thoughtful. Kat Stewart plays her well but I can't see that she is at a point where she is going to get her act together, she still seems like loose cannon - maybe she needs counselling other than Mick telling her how wonderful she is.
With Nina there has been an absence of baby things - though of course she is a doctor..but none of the usual visits to the doc etc., maybe this is saved for later. I think its good to show Patrick's not so nice side (he wasn't very good yesterday, then again the dad was around and he likes the idea of running his sister's life) but as Nadene says these are not either/or situations as shown in the series. Neither of course do you need a contrived clan gathering where it becomes an issue.
PS: The ads for the series are horrible. Really when will Channel Ten learn.
I actually really enjoyed last night's episode. I agree that Nina seemed closer to her usual self - still full of foibles but believable and not OTT. I too would have tried to fill awkward silences with conversation if faced with Patrick's father-from-hell. Maybe not to the same extent.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Nina's hesitation was about not wanting to interfere. In a sense, she did interfere because she told Kate to hold off on thinking about the email and on telling Patrick for a couple of days. I think there is some truth to what Patrick said when he told Nina that she tries to 'manage' him (she tries to 'manage' everybody around her really). I guess he's also talking about how Nina delayed telling him about the Eloise drug reporting thing, not only about Kate's abusive ex getting in contact. But given their relationship history, and how Patrick tends to shut down the moment things become challenging, I think Nina was justified in being concerned about what Patrick would do if she told him these things immediately (when he's already stressed about other things). Nina and Patrick's relationship is an insecure one and Patrick's tendency to run a mile is obviously still a sore point.
So while Nina arguably did the wrong thing, she had good intentions and her motivation was quite reasonable. Patrick's reaction was disproportionate, and he held a grudge against Nina but not Kate. In terms of the argument in the final scene, I think they both raised good points. But Patrick overacted and sometimes fails to fully appreciate the effort Nina goes to when she's trying to balance the well-being of the people around her (for better or worse).
I myself have been wondering about Nina and Patrick's compatibility. So I don't see this argument as contrived. I think it points to underlying issues they have with each other.
Re Billie's storyline. Oh Billie. When will they cut her some slack? It's just grenade after grenade. I think the writers have upped the ante in terms of her neurotic, self-sabotaging and dysfunctional personality traits. I really hope being fired IS her opportunity to make a new start for herself and find some stability.
Re next week's episode (*slight spoiler alert*). We all know Channel 10 promos are considered among the most deceiving things on this planet. I've read that Patrick doesn't actually propose, he just raises the possibility of marriage. I assume Nina's 'wobble' in the promo is pre-Patrick's suggestion of marriage, when Nina's fed up with his moodiness. I don't think setting the episode up as the 'proposal episode' is a good idea, Channel 10!
I agree Gracie, Channel Ten promos are the worst! I get the idea (from a few places) that the Nina 'wobble' actually happens because of what happened in last nite's episode, not because he suggests marriage-which I'm guessing happens towards the end of next week's episode, given what else is meant to happen next week. The episode outline for episode nine continues the proposal 'dilemma'. The compatibility issue is definitely one which begs further explanation-hopefully that will happen.
DeleteI just also have to say that I think Leon Ford writes great dialogue. He also wrote 3x10 I believe.
ReplyDeleteI liked that we got to see more shades to Patrick last night - some good and some bad. Which is nice because sometimes the characterisation is a bit lacking. I loved when he said, "Can't wait to show you off, though." And when he pointed out the lavender in a half-supportive, half-mocking kind of way.
Gracie I agree - I think showing him with flaws is good - I think the good parts of Patrick make for an amazing partner but like all of us he also has his less finer moments. Wwhat I liked about last night as opposed to season 3 is that he did try to talk about it with Nina even if he was angry rather than running off to a hotel and completely shutting down ala season 3 (to be honest I still can't figure what that was about and I don't feel it was ever resolved for the audience). these kinds of arguments are what real couples face particularly early in the relationship and the scripted reactions last night were realistic rather than contrived TV dialogue like you see in other dramas.
DeleteOne day later and I am still unsure what to make of last nights episode, nor am i sure what my overall opinion is about it.
ReplyDeletePros
For me I enjoyed the concept of Noonans stoned scene. Some funny moments. Hell lets face it, I love Gary McDonald and what he brings to the show.
Jimmy - his charactor seems to have grown on me.
Patricks dad - To me he was sort of like an extreme version of Patrick with his inability to communicate. I think it was interesting cause perhaps for the first time, Patrick got a glimpse into what Nina is talking about with him "shutting down into the man cave" behaviour.
Patrick - I liked that he stood up for Nina. I also do like we saw that that the "jerk Patrick" is still there. Clearly plenty to still work through for Nina and Patrick.
Nina wasnt as annoying.
Cons
Alfie - Still overall MIA.
Zara - under utilised thus far this season.
I find this season doesnt make me "feel" as much as others have. I am just not relating to it as a whole as much as the other seasons.
Nina and Patrick may not be the world's most compatible couple but I know many couples who would trade some of their compatibility for the high level of chemistry these two share.Am loving this season,partly because it is so unpredictable unlike most other tv series's
ReplyDeleteI agree Pam. I think what works well for them makes what doesn't pale in comparison. Sometimes I think what is portrayed in the show as incompatibility wouldn't be seen as that difficult to deal with in real life couples. I can think of couples who are far more mismatched.
DeleteAlso loving Patrick as an all-round character, sometimes moody and angry as well as loving and concerned - unlike the normal stereotype male lead in a romantic comedy. I think he is the real star of the show. And not just because of his looks
ReplyDeleteMaybe the "feels" are not there because its S4. Must be hard to sustain the story this far in. Plus the writers may be reserving a good bit of ammunition for S5 which I am pretty sure will be the final eps.
ReplyDeleteGracie I think I read Leon Ford is going to play Kate's bad ex too?
Wondering if there is an illness/death around the corner too - Cherie? Geraldine? Patrick's dad whose cancer was a polyp?!
PS: I liked the Patrick+Kate scenes too.
Yes, Leon Ford played Dean well. He really did seem tragic...
DeletePPS: I wish there was a like/heart button so I could do that for the comments above!
ReplyDeleteYes Felicity, can we have a like button!
DeleteI just loved tonight's episode so much I had to jump on here and say so! Although Nina didn't have to be so OTT awkward when she lied to the counsellor, bumping into him afterwards could have been excruciating enough without it. I'm so glad the "proposal" wasn't a proposal as such. It was great to see a turning moment for Patrick, but I still hope Nina opts for not getting married next week if she really has to make that decision so soon. Lots to anticipate in next week's episode. Am impatient already! Will Billie really have an affair? The baby scare scenes have to be Nina's imagination, right?
ReplyDeleteme too Emmerr - I loved it. my favourite of this season and finally felt like the show I love.
Deleteso much really good stuff - especially Kate-Patrick-Dean-Bella scenes, the mick Holland internet pages stuff, the counselling session was excellent (so real) and the lets talk about marriage etc at the end.
I do hate what they are doing to Billie though. mick has been so supportive of her and she is coming off as so ungrateful and selfish. I hope they don't go with the unplanned baby outcome because this card has been played far too many times in offspring. I really hoped mick and billie would explore other means to a family - adoption etc.
Emmerrr, don't know if it will be Nina's imagination. Michael Lucas tweeted a few weeks ago that eps 9 & 10 may be difficult to watch if you were pregnant. I love the 'proposal' as well, and Patrick finally admitting that he had been a bit of an 'idiot'. I had to get up and walk away after that preview for next week-gotta give it to the Offspring preview crew-they know how to get a response
ReplyDeleteI loved it, except for the continuing mega-unprofessionalism in the hospital corridors – Yes Nina absolutely was right to talk to Kim, and thank goodness Zara go her to apologise to Eloise.
ReplyDeleteLoved the part where Joseph was in Nina’s kitchen while Patrick & Kate were fighting outside, he complained he wanted a relationship with “actual words” – seems it’s a Reid DNA issue!
I really felt for Nina when she hugged Patrick and he started to talk about seeing Dean (nice we get a little Patrick flashback, rather than only seeing things from Nina’s head) but then he stoped, got grumpy with her, then went for a shower which became a run. She’s right in that she needs to talk, he needs to shutdown, maybe the compromise they could agree on is that when he starts to shutdown, he tries to get out 1 more sentence, it won’t be enough for Nina but better than nothing, and pushes him to communicate a tiny bit more.
I am really quite quite certain nothing bad will happen to the baby, from what I read in TV week (and the ad pretty much gave the same impression) Nina notices no movement from baby, so they do an ultrasound, which of course will panic poor Patrick but I am quite quite sure it will all be fine. It was actually me who tweeted Michael Lucas, asking if Gus Reid’s stillbirth got any detailed discussion in any upcoming episodes, because one of my closest friends lost a baby at 38 wks and she is a big fan of the show, I wanted to be able to warn her, Michael said its really significant in episode 9 (next week) and to a lesser extent episode 10.
Poor Billie, poor poor Billie, I still madly hope she gets a decent, happy ending! I was hoping she could turn Buyers Agent and help Patrick & Nina buy the house they talked about in ep1 (new career for Billie and gets N&P out of that very un-baby-friendly apartment). And speaking of ep1, I know I have said this before, what about Patrick and his furniture making man-cave? Really Offspring writers, you give us this beautiful potential storyline in ep1 and here we are, last night was ep8, and no further mention?! Very frustrating!! Mind you, I’m still mega-miffed they didn’t do more with the memory book Jodie gave Patrick last season!
And my biggest laugh out loud moment was the “naked with bear skin” moment with Patrick and Lawrence, I agree Lawrence is gorgeous, but Patrick has the bear skin thing nailed!!
I'm just going to add that the real estate they choose for Offspring is amazing. I could not believe Lawrence's office which you got to see in full this week. It was huge and gorgeous!! I can only imagine the rental cost of such an office in the central location its in. The socks only was a stretch too far for me - almost as bad as the hospital shenanigans
ReplyDeleteAnyone notice how Billie makes nina more OTT - it was Billie who mentioned how hot Lawrence was & got her started fantasising about him, when Billie rang Nina as she walked to her solo appt with Lawrence she almost (but fortunately didn't) talked her out if going ... Love the sister relationship but wonder how much calmer Nina would be without Billie?
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! Billie has a habit of planting seeds of doubt in Nina's mind or giving Nina terrible advice — like in 3x04 when she said that 'respecting each other's space' was not a good sign so early in the relationship and that Nina must have spooked Patrick already. She did not help the situation at all by actually suggesting that Nina bring up the three Ms (mortgage, marriage, minors) with Patrick. That made Nina even more worried and led to the 'Do you want kids?' question. So yeah, Billie making matters worse for Nina is definitely a recurring theme.
Deleteyes - she does. and she has such a blunt way of putting everything - often I find myself thinking "ouch" after she has said something. I thought Nina continuing to go to the appointment was a good choice as Billie's advice is often unhelpful. So far other than the real estate searching and thinning down the post-it wall I think most of Billie's opinions have just spiralled Nina's anxiety. And whilst for a while her relationship with mick has been good, I remember it being fairly rocky and angsty in season 1.
DeleteI loved this episode and wholeheartedly agree with all the observations made above!
ReplyDeleteI was cringing so much when Nina lied to Lawrence and when she bumped into him at the cafe. It was a bit over the top, but then Nina did seem pretty embarrassed by herself in the cafe scene, so at least she came off as semi-believable there.
My favourite moment was probably the 'You can tell Daddy to go fuck himself' line. It was so unexpected. That scene really makes me want to see Asher in a shitty mum/drug addict/wrong side of the tracks kind of role. Most of the characters she's played have led quite successful lives.
So it looks like things only get worse for Billie. I now expect her to lose a limb by episode 11. Kat is an incredible actress, so I do feel for her every time her eyes well up with tears, but I would like to see Billie take a big deep breath and try to regain control of her life. From the promos, it looks like she's going to take the 'poor me' approach and make things a million times worse.
Nadene — if they play the unplanned pregnancy card with Billie, they might as well renamed the show 'Unplanned Offspring'. Darcy and Cherie, Jimmy and Zara, Nina and Patrick ... We also know that Nina and Jimmy were accidents, and we can probably assume Billie was as well? I too would like to see Billie and Mick explore adoption as a possible avenue.
Gracie - I thought Asher's depressive breakdown as Julia in Love my Way was heading that way (ie the shitty mum) and was impressively acted. in a motel room stuck in bed with headphones on, sticking her child in front of the TV and going crazy at him if he wanted her attention - its something that has really stuck with me from that whole series. Julia was seemingly very together until that point - could be interesting to see Asher in a role that starts that way.
DeleteNina: I have an attractive, smart, loving man. We have great sex and (presumably - as felicity points out we haven't been shown much beyond the sex) a lot in common. He's willing to go to counselling.
ReplyDeleteBut occasionally when something really bad happens like his sister's abusive ex turns up he won't tell me every thought in his head. Should I break up with him?
NO, YOU STUPID WOMAN!
Honestly who in their 30s and single doesn't have baggage? Exhibit 1 Chris Haval!
Offspring can we please forget this tired will they stay together or not plot. Or at least show us better reasons for the not.
Rant over :-) except where are Jimmy's tacos? and Alfie? Do you think the baby actor budget only stretched to a couple of episodes?
Well said axel nina will be crazy if she splits with Patrick, loving offspring this season, getting better and better
DeleteI loved episode 9 - " I choose you" so much thought I would be first to comment.
ReplyDeleteIt made me cry (baby drama, Billie ) laugh (sex dream, the Proudmans) but most of all it was just so romantic and uplifting. Best episode ever
My favourite episode so far this season. It just felt more genuine and well rounded.
ReplyDeleteI will add I have become very attached to Dr Noonan. I felt so sad for him when he walked in on Geraldine having a whinge.
ReplyDeleteLoved it!!!!
ReplyDeleteWell, did not like the Billie & Mick stuff, that poor poor girl, how low is she going to have to sink :-( I’m still clinging to the vain hope that she can find a new house for Nina and Patrick (refer ep 1) and become a fabulously successful Buyers Agent.
Wow, the baby-not-moving part was very well done, my heart was racing and I already knew the outcome – Kim was just wonderful, I get teary thinking about how lovely she was at that exact moment Nina needed her. The look on poor Patrick’s face, and Nina too (Asher just nailed that). The only thing I would say was that Kim should have given her a cold glass of water (which was my OB’s advice when I was pregnant) instead of chocolate - but that’s being very picky! I also wanted more (as ever, I always want more!) from Patrick’s reaction afterwards, more than just the quick kiss and hug on the bed, actual words, but hey, can’t have everything. It did really grate with me that Nina went out with Eloise and the nurses, I wanted them to go home together, poor Patrick would have had such a huge shock, worse than Nina really, given his son’s stillbirth. But wow, the romantic end to the episode was divine.
The family stuff, the breakfast where they talked about sex dreams and poor Patrick finds out everyone else fantasises about him, hilarious to watch and I loved that Patrick stood up for Nina and asked the family to leave her alone.
Poor Phillip, loved the way he did stand up to Geraldine at the end. Not quite sure what is happening with Kim, she wasn’t “herself” at the club. And Clegg is back, wonderful to see him!
Alas no proper Offspring watch for me for a bit though I have caught bits and pieces. So good to see all the fired up comments here.
ReplyDeleteStill find Asher a little over the top this season in some scenes and Matt nicely understated. Though both know how to pull off the big dramatic moments. Looks like the last ep
one was a winner.
Looks like Billie and Geraldine are in some dark places. Which is fine (yeah you can be 60+ and have inappropriate thoughts, if Geraldine was French she would be the star of a movie! And you can have an annus horribilis and meltdowns like Billie's). And this is true to the series as originally conceived. But Offspring's present fan base which lies between Rafters unrelenting good news and grittier adult dramas like Love My Way may not be so keen on it I think.
Kim not being herself - i do wonder if there is more to it. Crush on Eloise? Trouble with her partner? I have no idea.
ReplyDeleteI do hope that Billie isnt going to also get accidently preggas with her one night stand. Micks reaction will be interesting given he cheated on her with Nina.
Oh also there was a genuine Alfie sighting this episode!!!
I hope Billie doesn't either. I was encouraged by the ad where she's asks nina for the morning after pill. Although the ads are notoriously unreliable thanks to channel 10
ReplyDeleteYes I am interested in the Kim story...
ReplyDeleteI really didn't love this episode that much. the final scene was gorgeous and I loved the counselling scenes. but I really am over the hospital scenes - the scene with clegg holding hands seeking gossip was hideous and Nina going to the club instead of spending time with Patrick after discovering the baby was ok - what were the writers thinking..they would need to be together after that..not supporting a young doctor to lose her virginity...seriously. it was a missed opportunity.
Geraldine announcing she had a sex dream about Patrick...I couldn't have disliked her more. They seem to be writing her as more and more pathological as the weeks go by.
I really need somewhere to talk about the latest episode, so here I am out of desperation.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED THIS EPISODE. It was definitely my favourite all season. There some good laugh out loud moments, Nina managed to be professional at work, Kat Stewart stole the frickin show and the Patrick and Nina dynamic was totally perfect. Oh and Mick's puppy dog face was heartbreaking.
I have never been so pumped for the last 3 episodes, it looks like there's going to be a lot more heartstrings tugged at. I NEED YOU BACK FELICITY SO WE CAN ALL DECONSTRUCT THIS.
I loved last nights episode too. Patrick handling the family was too good. Nina finding it hard to accept that was so well done and then the nice meal at the end where he offers to help manage the proudmans.
ReplyDeleteThe cliffhanger with billie and mick was great - no quick offspring round up in one episode issues here.
Loved it too and so hoping its not one of the three shown that die. If it is Patrick I will never watch Offspring again and that will be devastating!
ReplyDeleteOk so i loved the episode.
ReplyDeleteLoved Gary McDonald and his "dancing"! Just hilarious!
Loved the Nina/Patrick dynamic. I am glad that they brought out the protective partner and father that Patrick is.
Loved the way Kat Stewart took on Billys role. She does heartbreaking all too well! I will be curious to see how that all goes.
Only thing i wasn't sure about was the 'open' relationship with Jimmy and Zara.
Loved it!
ReplyDeletePoor Patrick, being so supportive and dealing so deftly with each and every member of the Proudman family while Nina got 8 hrs sleep (seriously, writers, no one at 34 weeks gets 8 hrs sleep!), every scene I was yelling at the tv “apologise Nina, THANK HIM Nina for letting you sleep” – he is right, there are limits, at some stage she has to put herself and the baby and Patrick ahead of her family, they have to take care of themselves a bit more.
I was very relieved to see the scene at the end where Nina and Patrick have dinner and he explained how he is feeling, the sirens in his head, fortunately Nina listened, she should be being far more supportive of him, only days earlier they had had such a shock when baby wasn’t moving, that would have been far worse for Patrick than Nina, obviously as the pregnancy advances his anxiety will go through the roof, give her profession she should be understanding that and not putting her family first every time!
Huge giggles at Phillip dancing, and Jimmy leaving baby at the pub saying “I’m off so you can discuss and draw judgement” about his open relationship with Zara.
Billie, poor darling Billie and the lovely Mick, so concerned and his puppy dog face at the very end – I so hope they can work things out.
Who the heck will die? I made out Darcy & Cherie in the bottom right hand corner of the scene so its not one of them, surely not Patrick, surely the writers haven’t done a Downton Abbey (Dan Stevens, I mean you!).
I thought of Downton Abbey when I saw the Offspring preview as well! I don't think it's Patrick because I think it would a far too dramatic move. Even in Downton Abbey, they only got rid of Matthew because Dan Stevens wanted to leave. And as far as I know, Matt Le Nevez doesn't. I think it's quite probable that someone will die, but I actually don't think it's going to be either of the three they showed us. But I suppose with Offspring you can never rule anything out.
DeleteI'm more excited about Nina's baby! I think I care far more about the sex and name of Nina's baby than the royal baby. If only the rest of the world was with me on that!
I didnt see the preview. I read it eludes to Jimmy, Billy or Patrick? If it is out of those three I am thinking they may kill Patrick or Jimmy. Can't see them killing Billy (although with her most recent spiral who knows).
ReplyDeleteI would be most ok if it were Geraldine or Darcy.
I've decided I like Offspring much better when I don't analyse it. I'm completely ignoring who's going to die. Someone obviously. What I really want to know is, what happened to all the balloons, streamers, lanterns and lights? By rights, Nina and Patrick's house should have looked like a leftover NYE party when Billie snuck in.
ReplyDeleteVery good point! I'm obviously not paying close enough attention because that didn't even cross my mind.
DeleteOh Gracie, these are the inconsistencies that capture my attention (not sure what it says about me!). In the back of my mind throughout the last episode was just yesterday (in TV land) Patrick was telling Nina to go out with Eloise and the nurses to Lickity Split and have some fun. She can't sit around waiting for the baby to move. Today (in TV land) he's having melt downs about her not slowing down. It's only the next day!
DeleteBut I'm trying to ignore these niggles and the other stuff and just let it flow. Better I don't think about it too much!
Yes I noticed the lack of party decorations too – the continuity/time-elapse thing has bugged me before. Season 3 moved along at a cracking pace for Zara’s pregnancy but if you followed just the Nina and Patrick storyline, it was only a matter of weeks. I do understand creative license, but when it happens time and time again, it gets more than irritating.
DeleteIn the previous episode, Nina had referred to being 7 months pregnant when she and Patrick were walking into a session with Lawrence, then this week Patrick says she is 34 weeks – which isn’t quite the same thing and certainly not one day apart!
I totally agree with the major inconsistency with Patrick and the “go out, have a great time, you can’t sit at home” followed by his over-protectiveness the following day. I’m still quite seriously miffed that Nina did go out after the baby-scare – seriously, Patrick would have had a major fright and bee quite upset given his son’s death, far more upset than Nina, they absolutely should have gone home together, she should have been supporting HIM and not a colleague in a nightclub.
OK, rant over … for now!
Although I didn't notice the major time inconsistency in this week's ep, I did obsess over some of the inconsistencies last season. It seems that some of the characters operate on their own independent timeline.
DeleteIf there had been a bigger gap between seasons 2 and 3, I would maybe consider believing that Zara was 29 weeks pregnant by ep 8. But since Billie said in ep 1 that she hadn't slept with Mick in 3 weeks (ever since the wedding), that possibility is irrefutably ruled out.
Another issue for me is that a foetus isn't detectable by ultrasound before the sixth week of pregnancy. By my watch, Nina could not have been more than 2-3 weeks pregnant when she and Patrick performed the ultrasound at the end.
I definitely agree that the show is more enjoyable if you try to ignore the continuity problems. I enjoyed this week's episode because I assumed that at least few weeks had passed since the baby scare and Patrick's "go out, have a great time, you can't sit a home" comment.(I think this is what the writers intended if Nina is now meant to be 34 weeks pregnant). But of course that makes no sense given that it's the morning after in Billie-land.
Oh and I think something is up between Kim and her partner, judging from the episode before last. I'm really interested to know more, because lately Kim has become one of my favourite characters. I always loved her, but now she keeps getting more and more interesting and amazing and likeable :D
ReplyDeleteMaybe the death is Kim's partner?
I thought this week's episode was fantastic! My favourite so far. Last week's episode is sitting in second position.
ReplyDeleteIf the 'farewell' is actually a death and not merely a fantasy, then my money is on Phillip kicking the bucket. I just can't see a Proudman (or Patrick) being killed off, and Phillip's presence in Nina's life (and the lives of the Proudmans more generally) is significant enough for his death to be a profound loss. But not so significant that his death would throw the show into complete disarray. The ad seems to suggest that the death will affect Nina in particular. But then again, the ads are intentionally misleading and perhaps should not be dissected like this.
To me, the fact that they showed Jimmy, Billie and Patrick's faces while asking 'Who will Nina lose?' guarantees that these three will make it through alive. We shall see.
I'm going to suggest that it's Kate who dies. Only because I saw somewhere that the actor is moving to the US to be in some other show, but that may be a more recent development than the filming of the last episodes. Anyway, if it was Kate, Nina and Patrick might become Isabella's guardians or have to fight for custody or something. That'd give the writers some fodder for dramatic episodes next season.
ReplyDeleteI like your idea, Emmerrr. Kate's death would definitely facilitate some really compelling storylines.
Deletethat's an interesting idea Emmerrr. Kate and Joseph have disappeared from the story again of late...could be interesting.
ReplyDeleteI have been laughing at some of the "Don't kill of Patrick" memes on the Dr Patrick reid is a massive spunk page on facebook. that page is always good for a laugh. The reason I think it definitely isn't Patrick (other than that the audience would hate it) is it seems to me that Nina still looks pregnant in the funeral car and they show Nina and Patrick with the baby in the promo.
I hope you're right Nadene, because although I'm not a fawning teen fan, I just lurve Patrick! And who knows what's a Nina fantasy - that shot of Nina and Patrick with the baby might be Nina's wishful thinking if Patrick does die! I hate this last part of the season, where you want to know the end, but at the same time you don't want the end to come!
DeleteI know it would be the worst..I'm not sure I could keep watching. killing off Patrick would free up Nina for another love interest but I don't think my heart would be in it.
DeleteAsher may be Australia's Sweetheart but surely Kat Stewart (and Claudia Karvan) are the best actresses around at the moment. I like how Offspring this season though ostensibly about Nina and Patrick and the baby has in fact shifted focus to the absolute dysfunction in Billie's life and Kat Stewart seems to have grasped it, given it all and made up for her S3 absence. The show wouldn't be the same if they lost her. And I doubt it will.
ReplyDeleteThe only way Patrick will be lost to the show will be if they bring back Chris Havel to bookend the last season. This may gladden the hearts of S1 fans but I don't know about the rest!! Its not possible to have a new romantic interest at this stage so.....I say bring back Brendan! Just kidding. I don't think its going to be Patrick.
Jimmy seems kind of absent this season. I think his character works best with the show's darker, surreal moments (Jimmy and Odile in S1 were great) and its kind of surprising that they haven't explored this with Nurse Nasty, Zara and instead frittered away the storyline. So perhaps the clues are all pointing to Jimmy.
At the beginning of S4 I think there was an interview where the writers said a major character would die. At that point I thought Geraldine or Darcy. It could be Kate, Lawrence, Eloise anyone but I don't know if they are major characters.
PS: I honestly am not feeling Asher's performance at all this season. I am sure that gangsta number is going to have fan girls but it makes me cringe. For some reason writers and actress seem to have decided that pregnant = ratchet up the crazy = funny. Not. I hope S5 is different.
This is probably more worthy of a comment on an Offspring Facebook fan page, but I like you lot much better, so:
ReplyDeleteWHAT IS WITH THE PROMOS. I'm getting really sick of this death thing, because I'm becoming increasingly convinced there won't be a death - and if there is, it won't be one of the three they're implying. Every Offspring promo (especially this season) has used footage completely, ridiculously out of context and while I understand they want to amp ratings or whatever, it's incredibly frustrating. That being said, it has definitely sparked my curiosity because there's clearly drama coming up and also they haven't addressed why Kim was acting on edge a few episodes ago, so I really feel like that will be relevant.
Also, can I just say how amazing Phillip was this episode! I honestly felt like he was going to crumble when Geraldine (selfishly) declared her love for him, and when he didn't I literally fist-pumped. I despise Geraldine, like most of us, and I was waiting for Phillip to stand up for himself since the beginning, and the fact that he has so well in these last two episodes felt so empowering! :D Somebody really needed to let Geraldine know that it's not all about her, not even when she proclaims it so through the ridiculous "Geraldine Day". Her selfishness has been unbelievably astonishing, especially this episode.
And Patrick <3 Being amazingly supportive as usual :) Absolutely loving their relationship this season, SUCH an improvement on the last season. Super excited for the next two episodes! Next week will be intense.
I'm with you owl. the promos are deliberately manipulative. If it is not one of the three they have cast in the promos that dies I think fans will feel quite angry about it but also relieved its not one of their faves. I definitely think it would infuriate fans if they gave us a beautiful baby but made the moment tragic by killing of Patrick so I think its unlikely it would be him - the fans would never forgive them. To me it would make sense to write mick out and then freeing up Billie to find new love and baby etc.
DeleteOnce I saw the don't tell the family agreement between Bille and Mick, I started to feel sick because I knew about the phone dialling from the counselling sessions and I could envision what was going to play out in the family and between Billie and Mick. it was like watching a train wreck moment by moment.
Patrick and Nina are awesome together now and he really held her together after the pocket dial incident.
Philip's firmness with Geraldine was excellent although I think he is lying about seeing someone else - why would he be going to Geraldine day and gladwrapping if he were?
I think the bad pregnant was an attempt to get a dance scene out of Nina, such as the drunken disco scene that was so popular but yes it was cringey.
I think Felicity must have given up on us!
ReplyDeleteSo, episode 11 ... Well I loved that episode, one of the best ones for me because we had ensemble Proudman in farcical chaos (Geraldine, Phillip, Jimmy, & Zara juggling the phone call) plus we had Nina and Patrick on the same page, he was supporting her, not in a state of conflict with each other. All too fleeting glimpse of Kate, and sadly no Joseph.
STILL (and I have now all but given up, having Tweeted Michael Lucas and got not reply) no Patrick man-cave and furniture making for the baby, and no Billie helping Nina and Patrick buy a house (both storylines tantalising referred to in ep1 then never again).
Yes Phillip was wonderful putting Geraldine in her place, I agree she is very one-dimensional this season, can’t recall a single lovely helpful mother moment this season. And we finally found a use for Eloise, drinking with Billie!
There are all sorts of theories going round, and Ch10 are notorious for cutting together the previews to completely misrepresent the upcoming episode, plus we never know if what we see on the screen in the preview is “real” or Nina fantasy. From what I read in TV Week, someone does die (out of Jimmy, Patrick and Billie), although its very tempting to think “Nina looses forever” just means permanent break up and someone moves away.
Out of the 3 we are led to believe will die, Jimmy is the one I could handle best. It would be very sad to see him go, especially as he and Zara are in such a nice place, but maybe his storyline, with him maturing from the idiot he was in S1&2, through S3 with Alfie’s birth, maybe it has run its course (she says, hopefully, given the ghastly alternatives).
Surely Billie can’t be about to die after all the hideous stuff this season, surely she deserves a happy ending of some description.
And obviously I don’t want Patrick to die, I can’t see me watching S5 if he’s not there, just because I can’t imagine wanting to watch Nina in a relationship of any sort with anyone else, yet I can’t see her staying single long either, the whole premise of the show is her fabulously messy love life and family. They’d have to start S5 about a year after baby was born, so she had had some time to grief and recover if they reasonably expected her to date at all. It worries me how N&P have had lovely finishes to the last 3 eps - the NYE dance scene, the dinner out & lovely chat & back in bed with family last week, and the balcony tonight - I'm scared its all about to be over now they are in a happy place. It also worries me how much MLN talks about living in LA and his career opportunities there, maybe he wanted out. But killing him off just as baby about to arrive - because the actor wanted to purse opportunities in the US - is an exact repeat of what Downton Abbey had to do! (and I hated that too, love the show, hated the ending to last season!)
I’ve read one spoiler which gives away which one of the 3 WILL be alive in ep13 but I won’t post it here in case others don’t want to know. Doesn’t help me with which one of the other 2 does die next week.
Oh, could you please post a link to the spoiler? So people can click on it only if they want to see.
DeleteNot having any luck with a link but if anyone really wants to know, email me at lougale3 at hotmail dot com. It's the one line episode description for the final ep.
DeleteDare I ask, what do we want from season 5 – granted we don’t yet know who is going to die, but we can dream right?
ReplyDeleteI am frantically hoping its not Patrick who dies, and that season 4 will end with the birth of their baby. So I’d like season 5 to pick up 6 months later, with Nina preparing to go back to work. It could end 6 mths after that, maybe Nina will have changed her mind and they can marry on baby’s first birthday? One of my favourite moments this season was when Nina and Patrick were on the same page, dealing with Martin-the-annoying-houseguest, most of the rest of the time they are in some state of conflict with each other – so while its unrealistic to expect them to be blissfully happy all the time, I would like more storylines with them working together rather than against each other, there are still plenty of dramas to explore with their relationships with other people – both their families, their work colleagues, Patrick & Martin, Nina juggling work and motherhood, her letting Patrick support her/share the load rather than having to take care of everyone else all the time. I know I harped on about this last season, but I’d like to hear a bit more about his drug past, I still feel its been glamorised. When it was revealed Eloise had reported him, I just wanted a few more sentences from him to Nina than we actually got.
Given we’ve now had ep11 and no Billie helping Nina and Patrick to buy a house, and no return to Patrick’s man cave and furniture making – both fabulous storylines from ep1 with such potential and gone absolutely no where – so if they could be folded into S5 I would be thrilled, quite seriously N&P can’t live in that flat with a baby once it becomes mobile, just so not practical. If Billie doesn’t die, I still see a new career for her as a Buyers Agent! And what did Patrick start to make? Nursery furniture? Rocking horse? I’ll just have to add those 2 storylines to my frustrations-with-Offspring-writers after S3’s memory book Jodie gave Patrick and then Patrick did exactly nothing with.
With Kate Jenkinson getting work in the US, I assume she won’t be back for season 5 (which I am very sad about, I really liked seeing Big-brother-Patrick contrast with partner-to-Nina-Patrick and mate-to-Martin-Patrick) so bye bye Joseph too? Shame! I liked seeing the interactions between the Reid family with the Proudman family – such different dynamics between the 2 families. For that reason, I really wish they would bring back Andrew, Mick’s brother, because again I loved seeing Mick as a brother, not just Billie’s partner, but also liked seeing the interactions between the Holland and Proudman families. And if they brought Andrew back, and Billie doesn’t die, then they could still write a pregnancy for Billie, even if its just a positive pregnancy test at the end of S5.
If its Jimmy that dies, then what next for Zara, does she and Alfie head off on their own (we never did find out about her own family) or do she and Geraldine bond over their loss and raising Alfie? (can Geraldine get out of her one-dimensional-selfish state). If Jimmy doesn’t die, then what do we want for Jimmy, Zara & Alfie – more open relationships and more tacos?
I’d like to see Kim’s partner Renee, even if just a guest appearance now and then like in S1 & S2. Bit indifferent to Eloise and whether she returns to S5, after all the big build up pre-season 4 about the new hot doctor, I really felt that was a wasted storyline. Must keep Phillip Noonan, regardless of his relationship with Geraldine, still giggling over his Afro-funk! And he has had the odd wise word for Nina (and Patrick, remember the car park at the end of last season!) at different times.
I too am worried that we will be saying goodbye to MLN. Given the very few hints we've been given and knowing how the Offspring writers love to shock. But writers beware I say MANY of us will switch off. I'm worried because everything seems to be going well for Patrick and Nina...
ReplyDeleteJust trying to get my head off bloody offspring! Suppose Patrick dies. This implies to me that MLN wanted out, and that he forced the writers' hands (pardon the pun!). So if I just channel my anxiety into anger at MLN, maybe it'll make it easier if Patrick does die. Wish me luck people!
ReplyDeleteOh dear, now you all have made me worried that one of the three will die. But I still can't let myself believe that because the word death still hasn't been mentioned, only that Nina will "lose someone forever". Of course the forever part is pretty dramatic, but I'm inclined to think one of three will move away, as you said, Lou. And since it wouldn't quite make sense for that to be Patrick, I'm going with either Billie or Jimmy.
ReplyDeleteThe trouble is, even though I don't think that one of the three will die, there was a hospital scene and a funeral in the promos. While the funeral scene could be a Nina fantasy, I doubt the hospital scene was. So I'm still worried, even though I don't know which character to be worried for. Ah, the suspense.
Also Lou, I completely agree with you the fact that the Eloise storyline being a waste. And I want to see more of the furniture making as well! So annoying how they introduce things like that and seemingly forget about them.
In the promo Nina doesn't look overly upset..surely if something bad had happened to Patrick she would be a major mess?
ReplyDeleteWell Channel 10 has been successful in generating lots of theories and talk in general. There are infinite scenarios. You would think that Nina would be more frantic if it was Patrick. Wednesday is too far away but also way too close.
ReplyDeleteLoving this season and loving the relationship between Nina and Patrick, so hope they do not end that by heartlessly killing off Patrick just when he has found happiness. My theory is that death and funeral awe not connected. Death is in ep 12 and think its Phillip or Geraldine. Funeral is aNina fantasy in Ep 13 and represents here split with Billie
ReplyDeleteOMG - I really didn't think they would do it but they did. i'm not sure I can watch next week. Poor Nina
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