I promise I haven't fully deserted you or The Offspring story but a sad reality is my job is content creation and output. Which basically means when I get home (sometimes quite late), my brain needs to watch The Bachelor and enjoy Tim's wooden attempts at romance instead of sitting at another computer and creating more things.
But as I can tell from the comments section, you lovely ladies don't need me to have a good and lively time.
Hi Felicity, nice to have you back!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you made a new post as I don't feel like chatting about Offspring show any more.
Many shows ended in a way I did not like or enjoy - Offspring is just one of them and will most likely not be the last either.
Have you been watching 'Upper Middle Bogan' or 'It's a date'? They are uplifting shows, I'm thoroughly enjoying them both.
'Upper middle...' is full of funny lines. And Robyn Nevin is fantastic playing the posh mother.
Welcome back Feleicity!Thanks for being so courteous and givingmore space on your forum.
ReplyDeleteI'm also quite happy to share and talk about other exceptional shows and series, uplifting or thought provoking, as is Evie and others.
So my question is-can we still add something about Offspring? At the moment, there isn't much to rehash and all is very quiet on the Offspring front because filming hasn't commenced yet- but if we come across interesting information regarding season 5 or developments that may encourage the plot outcome which we all wanted, can we still add it to this blog?
Please keep me posted regarding other interesting Australian shows -you all have better access than I.
Has anyone seen An Accidental Soldier? I've heard it's outstanding -dont suppose it can be watched online yet?
A great weekend to all!
Thanks Felicity for opening a new post.Sorry Evie. I also am enjoying both ABC shows but am thinking that both could be improved by a bit MLN!!! Think Michala Banas could do with a love interest. Could easily see MLN as either a bogan or another medic from the hospital. My mind just thinks of ways that some Australian producer or writer can produce a vehicle that would showcase Matt 's talent. Parer's War photos seen elsewhere have piqued interest but surely there is something else that could bring him back to our screens!
DeleteKate, I'd love MLN as a love interest for Michala Banas' character! I remember he congratulated the writers and actors when it first aired.
DeleteI can also see him on an episode of 'It's a Date' if there's ever a 2nd season.
He needs to continue the momentum he's having.
I also hope he gets a permanent gig in a good show and is therefore completely unavailable to play a ghost on Offspring!
I'm mean
It's been pretty quiet on this blog so I suppose it's a result of us all being quite busy.
ReplyDeleteI must admit that I've enjoyed chatting with many of you on this blog but due to the fact that there is zero activity in the Offspring arena (even the gossip is nil), there isn't much to write about.
So, here's some food for thought. A good friend of mine (who lives in Melbourne) is married to a diplomat and they are posted abroad. She devours anything from home, especially television series, usually the quality ones. She has watched everything from the last 5 years three times over. She was mad about The Time of Our Lives and anything resembling it.
After watching Offspring, all four seasons within six months she stated that nothing was as good as that show. I hesitatetd to agree with her, saying that many other shows had top notch acting and better writing. Then she pointed out something which I reckon is true: when you watch, especially in season 3, nothing but nothing compares to the performances by Asher Keddie and Kat Stewart, especially when they are together on screen. They can be the greatest dramatic actresses, agreed, but their comedic timing is uncanny and riveting, sometimes downright hilarious. When Nina has the dialogues with her inner voice, well no one does it better than Asher Keddie. In addition, my friend and her diplomat husband both thought that the supporting actors were outstanding. Undeed , they were disappointed with season 4,because it didn't utilise the other characters as well,mainly the very talented and comedic abilities of Eddie Perfect and Richard Davies. Of course, they both felt that Patrick's death just didn't fit into the storyline and the tone of the series. My friend thought that MLN was pleasant but far too serious for the show although his comedic nature started to come through in season 4. But the main thing was how they both felt Offspring is superior to other shows and this superiority is vastly due to Asher Keddie and Kat Stewart. Actors who can do comedy and drama in the same turn keep the viewer coming back for more. They (my friends) felt that the drama was present enough to keep the viewers interested but the comedic relief kept them smiling until the next episode-no other series has this.
The bottom line- my friend wasn't enamoured with MLN (she actually thought he was one of the weaker performances on the series). Her husband thought that Patrick was a "whipped man" at the end of season 4- this from a man with a doctorate in international relations . They had actually both thought that this was the best Australian show in years but felt the ending of season 4 turned it into every other soap opera, which they avoid religiously.
So, I just gave you the critque from someone other than an avid fan.
Be well, everyone.
It's been pretty quiet on this blog so I suppose it's a result of us all being quite busy.
ReplyDeleteI must admit that I've enjoyed chatting with many of you on this blog but due to the fact that there is zero activity in the Offspring arena (even the gossip is nil), there isn't much to write about.
So, here's some food for thought. A good friend of mine (who lives in Melbourne) is married to a diplomat and they are posted abroad. She devours anything from home, especially television series, usually the quality ones. She has watched everything from the last 5 years three times over. She was mad about The Time of Our Lives and anything resembling it.
After watching Offspring, all four seasons within six months she stated that nothing was as good as that show. I hesitatetd to agree with her, saying that many other shows had top notch acting and better writing. Then she pointed out something which I reckon is true: when you watch, especially in season 3, nothing but nothing compares to the performances by Asher Keddie and Kat Stewart, especially when they are together on screen. They can be the greatest dramatic actresses, agreed, but their comedic timing is uncanny and riveting, sometimes downright hilarious. When Nina has the dialogues with her inner voice, well no one does it better than Asher Keddie. In addition, my friend and her diplomat husband both thought that the supporting actors were outstanding. Undeed , they were disappointed with season 4,because it didn't utilise the other characters as well,mainly the very talented and comedic abilities of Eddie Perfect and Richard Davies. Of course, they both felt that Patrick's death just didn't fit into the storyline and the tone of the series. My friend thought that MLN was pleasant but far too serious for the show although his comedic nature started to come through in season 4. But the main thing was how they both felt Offspring is superior to other shows and this superiority is vastly due to Asher Keddie and Kat Stewart. Actors who can do comedy and drama in the same turn keep the viewer coming back for more. They (my friends) felt that the drama was present enough to keep the viewers interested but the comedic relief kept them smiling until the next episode-no other series has this.
The bottom line- my friend wasn't enamoured with MLN (she actually thought he was one of the weaker performances on the series). Her husband thought that Patrick was a "whipped man" at the end of season 4- this from a man with a doctorate in international relations . They had actually both thought that this was the best Australian show in years but felt the ending of season 4 turned it into every other soap opera, which they avoid religiously.
So, I just gave you the critque from someone other than an avid fan.
Be well, everyone.
With due respect, Offspring is hardly the best Australian show around. It is good but it has a lot of problems. Like Phryne Fisher (a show I like) it manages to hook and engage a certain kind of female audience and is one of few shows that offered a certain kind of happy viewing without insulting your intelligence until S4. I grant that it is one of few shows that sometimes gets the funny bits right (though I probably laughed more when watching A Moody Christmas!). And there are inherent problems in the show for male actors though they do get a lot of exposure for being "hot". As an e.g. I could never warm up to Don Hany in Offspring because he was so good in East West 101. As was Susie Porter. In Offspring - like with all romantic fiction - male actors exist to reassure female audiences that with all the conflicts and drama, girl will get hot boy and he will be devoted to her. In that sense whether it is Chris, Patrick or Mick, they are a female ideal of men not exactly rooted in reality:) It is hard to have complex, real male characters in a romantic comedy, consequently actors work with that limitation much like female actors in male centric movies. The exception is Clegg. The character is written for laughs but it is to the actor's credit that he gives it shades.
DeleteAfter S4, I feel that the actresses aren't even that stretched given the repetitiveness of episodes (we know Nina will embarrass herself, we know this will be followed by a serious moment, we know Billie will be manic, we know she will have a redemptive moment) - the show of late hasn't the kind of intense work that must have been required of all seasons of Love My Way (still the benchmark for drama IMO). They are good no doubt but there are plenty of good actresses around. Claudia Karvan is really good, so are Essie Davis and Diana Glenn. Lately I saw Maeve Darmody and thought she would make an interesting, different Nina, a little less manic than Asher's Nina. For that matter I often feel Jane Harber & Alicia Gardiner are very good in Offspring but obviously the best scenes are reserved for the Proudman girls.
Just my opinion. I like Offspring but there is a lot better out there which may not be as relatable or enjoyable as Offspring but is nevertheless superior and thoughtfully constructed. E.g. Puberty Blues-though it was wildly popular with certain audiences. O probably falls between these shows and Neighbours:) I like it, I see that there is a place for romantic contemporary Australian dramas but to be honest, its not a genre that falls into "best on telly".
There's actually been way too much on TV to catch. Folk I know love A Place to Call Home but I didn't catch it because it looked a bit soapy. Time of Our Lives meandered a bit but I liked it.
Actually Milly, I agree with you opinion I stated above was not my own. As I have often said on this blog, despite the obvious shortcomings on the show, I was completely drawn to it. One cannot compare it to Love My Way (I believe that this was the best of its genre) and we've delved into Offspring's very prominent flaws but...I was hooked on it probably because I was happy to see bright, flawed, neurotic but good hearted girl getting the fabulous guy (flawed as well) who sees through it all and loves her.For me, the interesting part would have been transferring that into coping with family life, kids and all, for we all know how complex and complicated it is for most "normal" folks.
ReplyDeleteSo you are correct, there are superior shows, and altogether, too many to catch all. I asked my daughter, who is studying for her Masters degree, to ask her mates to do the intelligence spy work for me and narrow down the list to what cannot be missed, what can be watched within a few hours per week and the weekends. I will always make tme for Scandal and Homeland, Games of Thrones and Upper Middle Bogan (so adorable)- but face it, guys, I really loved Offspring and soooo wanted to make time to watch season 5 (despite the flawed scripts of season 4 ) had it not been for the ridiculously morose finale episodes.
Whoa oops yes I just reread and saw that!
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Thanks Felicity for letting us keep a bit of the momentum going and not closing the blog due to limited space.
ReplyDeleteI know that we're all so busy with other things but I wanted to share something.
I have a friend, a fellow teacher, whose brother works in the film and television industry. He has a connection somehow to Channel 10 and at he request of his sister, he tried to get a bit of information regarding Offspring's filming, who is filming what and when, anything trivial and basic. My friend is on a sabbatical overseas, in my part of the world at the moment, so her brother keeps her posted about everything at home.
He said, emphatically, that to get any info. regarding Offspring is virtually impossible. It's almost as if anyone associated with the show has taken a vow of silence. He said that it's not the same for other series by the same producers. None of the major actors are giving any interviews, except for Eddie Perfect who is currently on stage in the theatre world. He claims that it's the strangest thing he's seen in a long time. He said that they are going to try to keep the set as low key as possible and not divulge any information regarding filming. The feeling is that the people involved in the show were instructed not to give anything away regarding season 5. This part is really interesting- many of the actors in the show have several projects in the works, some filmed before October and some to be filmed after shooting season 5. My friend's brother said that it's odd- they are being unusually quiet, not appearing on talk shows or radio interviews, which is not characteristic for actors. And the strangest thing , he said, is that Matt Le Nevez seems to have fallen off the planet- it's almost as if he's hiding. This guy, Michael, said that he was in Los Angeles but rumour is he's back in Australia but no one is confirming anything. So another source of Michael said that all the cast was told not to be too public with anything, including the social media, for the meanwhile. And this part is either really sad for the actor : MLN isn't scheduled to appear in any productions of any kind in the U.S. in the near future -his name doesn't appear on the casting list (major characters) of any new series or films there. Just as strange, his name doesn't appear on any casting lists for new roles in Australia either, apart from Damien's War, which was filmed this summer.
My friend thought this was odd (her brother is a very reliable source) and I think its a bit odd as well. But what do I know?
Have just been rereading previous posts and have been thinking about how difficult it must have been for MLN to have acted during the filming of S4 knowing the ultimate fate of his character. I have still not downloaded the last 2 episodes and am unable to re watch any of the earlier episodes knowing the disappointing ending to S 4. I was so looking forward to watching and rewatching all previous series as in previous years. Have all of them on the hard drive plus previous box sets. Cannot bothered with S4 or the sound track this time round. Keep wishing some producer or writer will develop something for Matt so that we can see him on the screen again. Visions of him in Nina's imagination will not be enough.
ReplyDeleteHey Mark Darcy is dead too. Pretty sure there is a conspiracy on the part of of scriptwriters to kill off all the hot men they have created - Downton Abbey, Offspring, Bridget Jones!
ReplyDeleteOf course- you're must be right. So that explains why so many gorgeous actors are on all those vampire themed shows- immortality. They'll never get "killed off".. My female students watch these shows. Maybe we should as well. It would certainly spare the anguish. Or maybe there is a moral to be taught :Don't get involved with the hot guys. Either they or the writers of their shows and films will make you cry and break your heart.
ReplyDeleteOn a different matter -I understand that Imogen Banks was a guest on Friday on My Mind this past Friday. It was implied that she might be very jet lagged and inclined to reveal things about season 5 of Offspring.
Have any of you heard anything?
That's it they totally have to turn Offspring into a vampire show. Undead Patrick!
DeleteDon't know about Imogen Banks. I only know that Puberty Blues 2 has been a long time coming.
This was from an article on Mark Darcy: "Obviously Darcy had to be killed off even if the fans are upset, because this character is based on lack. The lack of a man. Lack and guilt."
DeleteThis in a nutshell seems to be the modern approach to any drama centered around a 30 something woman. It cannot ever be an Anatomy of a Marriage kind of thing apparently.
I don't know- do you remember how Patrick appeared in the last episode of the season- all zombie-like, as if were in a twightlight zone caught in the world of the living dead. I love MLN but would pass at watching him in a True Blood state.Are his so-called cameo appearances going to be Beetlejuice style?. I'm a bit freaked out just writng about his-what would they call the first episode of the season? I Know What You Did Last Summer in Fitzroy?
ReplyDeleteLOL at I know what you did ep. We need to send titles and Zombie Offspring plots asap to the writers!
DeleteI don't know- do you remember how Patrick appeared in the last episode of the season- all zombie-like, as if were in a twightlight zone caught in the world of the living dead. I love MLN but would pass at watching him in a True Blood state.Are his so-called cameo appearances going to be Beetlejuice style?. I'm a bit freaked out just writng about his-what would they call the first episode of the season? I Know What You Did Last Summer in Fitzroy?
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the zombie-like theory! WhaT used to be an amazing show has long jumped the shark anyway. So, why not, right?
ReplyDeleteSo male characters in several shows have been killed off?
Do we have a new pattern in our hands?
As the heroine must eternally suffer for love, instead of being abandoned like in the old days, she becomes a widow!
But, because the eye candy must remain in some way, we will have to endure his ghost-like appearances until the heroine decides she is ready to move on to another 'real' eye candy.
Oh, the novelty...
Yes its like James Bond-every now and then new eye candy must appear!! Of course the women are required to be the opposite of Bond-ditzy women waiting to be saved by another shirtless saviour man. Much as I love zombie scenario, I don't think there will be a ghost for what it's worth, the audience is fed potential love interests who the heroine is not ready for followed by the new love interest in this kind of dramas.
DeletePS: I am tired of the shirtless man thing and judging by the reviews of Serangoon Road which appears to mainly consist of Don Hany without a shirt so are many others.
`
Milly, I read somewhere Puberty Blues won't be back until next year. Perhaps 10 will play it in February/March. It will be the lead in to Offspring, like Mr and Mrs Murder was this year. 10 has had such a miserable year (again), it probably doesn't want to waste a quality show like Puberty Blues now the ratings period is almost finished.
ReplyDeleteI watched the first episode of Serangoon Road. Don Hany without his shirt will not save it.
I read that too Jenny and your explanation makes sense. Though I don't know why Ten has such miserable ratings, it is as good or as bad as 9 or 7 imo.
DeleteYeah Serangoon Road is dire. Pity since it looked like it could be good.
I think part of 10's problem is its quality drama/dramedy prime time shows don't have a good lead in (that was someone else's very astute observation, not mine). For example, Homeland, which has been one of it's ratings winners, only got 400 000 or so viewers last night, because there was nothing leading into it. Seven and Nine have the X Factor and Australia's Got Talent respectively.
DeleteBy contrast, The Blacklist got 1.56 million viewers, building on X Factor's 1.52 million. Admittedly, I was always going to watch Blacklist because I love James Spader. But the episode wasn't actually that great (I'm hoping it improves - Spader always played the bad guys so well).
10's reality big guns (Masterchef and Biggest Loser) didn't rate well this year, and all its other attempts (I will survive, that dancing catastrophe with Sarah Murdoch, Being Lara Bingle, that other catastrophe set in Sutherland Shire) failed miserably (as well they should). 10 needs to fix its 7.30pm time slot.
That makes sense. I guess its been bad luck and audience fatigue that Masterchef and Biggest Loser tanked. And I think Spader is excellent too!
DeleteI agree-even a shirtles zombie Patrick is passe. My new hero or fixture will be a "regular" guy like Kevin Spacey in House of Cards or Brendan Cowell or some other great actor who by virtue of his witt and charm is a turn on.Less chance of killing them off,eh?
ReplyDeleteAccording to the other social media, much of the hype for Offspring has died down, even though they are filming next week..Most fans aren't waiting with baited breath anymore because they have also caught on that the series without MLN as the main "man" is just going to be blasse and heartless. Si, you're right , channel 10's ratings will suffer- SHirtless men can't save that.
Brendan Cowell is an example of someone who is not conventionally "hot" and doesn't have fan pages but is an excellent actor.
DeleteI agree ladies. Offspring's demise seems almost certain. No one is talking it up at all-even writers etc who have been prolific on some aspects of social media have been obvious by their absence. It's almost as if they're been directed to say nothing. Perhaps they would prefer that the fans 'forgot' how Season 4 ended? And tune back in 2014 as if nothing has happened. Wishful thinking on their part!
ReplyDeleteShoshie, I think not even regular looking guys are safe anymore. Colin Firth's character in Bridget Jones has been killed off - I'm not spoiling anyone, apparently it says so in the back cover of the latest book!
ReplyDeleteWhile Colin does it for me, both due to his looks and acting chops, I don't think he would fill the epitome of classical beauty.
Milly, even if the audience is fed up with new love stories that end up going nowhere, I still believe they will be thrown down our throats anyway - because it's the only way the forever unlucky-in-love heroine can be momentarily happy. She's not happy if she's got no shirtless man! Ugh!
Lisym, I think it's a case of 'be careful what you wish for'. After the S4 fiasco, If Offspring is not promoted soon in one way or another, the audience may actually forget about that show altogether!
I am over Offspring, but like others I want some smart producer to write a series for MLN and let him enjoy it without being killed off - then we can enjoy it to. Maybe as a single dad looking for love
ReplyDeleteThe cast etc are usually quiet between seasons. Normally fans sustain interest between seasons but this time around its very quiet. Nobody really wants to revisit S4 it appears or even in cast sightings etc.
ReplyDeletelol true Evie. We have to do a collective post on Unlucky-in-love: The Shirtless Man Syndrome!
Evie-I'm with you -I think Colin Firth is divine. My 23 year old daughter thinks he's hot although she wasn't thrilled to discover that he's the same age as her dad. Regarding the silence from the Offspring fan boards, filming begins next week but I understood that it's a closed set, which is not always the case in the filming. This information was obtained by a source close to Michael Lucas, one of the main writers, who also ascertained that the producers are being extremely hush hush regarding season 5 but confirmed that there indeed are reasons for this. The second bit of information came when he was asked about MLN who apparently is in Australia presently. He was asked if MLN (who just went to the U.S. weeks ago) was shooting his cameos now. He gave a goofy grin and no definitive answer.
ReplyDeleteSo either they will pretend that the season finale disaster wasn't paramount to the story and just begin season 5 with Nina, not terribly despondent, with a kid, and throw the spotlight off the tragic finale, almost as if it never happened and all are continuing sans mention of Patrick. And if they're not looking for good looking guys without shirts for Nina, they can bring in John Goodman or better yet, Lachey Hulme, shirtless, for her. He's a great actor ,won't kill him off because he doesn't fit the description
.They say that Michael Lucas is a guy of incredible talent and integrity. He's as genuine and honest as they come. If he's blushing and stammering when asked questions about season 5, it's either because he knows that there is going to be a good deal of disappointment visa a vis the expectations of the viewer, the intelligent viewer with emotional depth. Or the opposite. It might be unbelievably wonderful, with a surprise that we didn't anticipate.
Lucas is the writer who wrote the most poignant episodes, in my humble opinion, of the season, episodes 9 (the "I choose you " episode) and 10.
I cannot for the life of me imagine someone writing these lines and then opening the next season for only farce.
But then again,perhaps the producers and writers have to finish their 5 year contract, know they are on for this season and don't really have to strive for ratings, They'll get the viewers for the first 3 episodes and then if viewers don't see what they like, they'll dwindle down. So by the time the ratings really set in ,the show will have finished it's course. Si it could be that there isn't and will be no fanfare regarding the new season or as Milly pointed out, it's still between seasons and there isn't anything to report-and of course the fact that no one can trivially speak about season 4.
Ladies, having a little time on my hands during the school hols, I have been revisiting last year's blog entries (and responses). Someone talked earlier this year that it was almost as if the Offspring writers had been reading our responses and then included them in this year's episodes. I have to agree. Some of the suggestions included
ReplyDelete*N & P going to therapy
*Kate meeting a new man ( & P interrogating him)
*more of the Reid family back story & Kate's life before Isabella (abusive ex)
*more discussion of P's drug problem
*Billy cheating on Mick
*P being the steadying influence on an increasingly neurotic Nina
*a more grown up Jimmy
*a new female character for Nina to be jealous of because of new character's relationship with Patrick
*Nina and Patrick deciding to not get married
*the possible death of a character-Darcy or Alfie
Sound familiar?
I think I might have been the one who mentioned that they gave us what we wanted to a large albeit superficial extent, and I still do wonder whether the blog was being monitored or were these just natural plot progressions??
DeleteSo, if what you say is true, then perhaps there is a chance that the writers are using our ideas, which will appear in season 5 ,with filming commencing next week.
ReplyDeleteThe question is which suggestions are they going to use? Are they going for the Patrick-zombie-vampire route, which wasn't really a suggestion but more of an expressed fear? Nightmare on Elm street via Mebourne? The Three Stooges Resurrected in Fitzroy, with the crazy transition the slapstick to organ donations?
Or.. maybe there is a clever writer who was intelligent and perceptive enough to realize that, as you have just written, it is wise to listen to us. so here's my idea: Patrick, lying comatose and supposedly brain dead in a hospital bed. The doctors are discussing harvesting his organs, which sometimes has (in some rare miraculous cases, I kid you not) sprung the patient out of his\her vegetative state. But this doesn't have any effect on our beloved hero, who is actually having a subconscious dream about Nina having the baby (without him of course because he is "brain dead) and it's happening exactly as it happened in the last episode of season 4. When Billie seems to be on the brink of delivering the baby, and being the first person to welcome his child into the world, he freaks out , opens his eyes and yells" NOOOOOOOO!!!!"
Well, girls, how's that for a suggestion?
So what will the writers choose-the sublime or the ridiculous?
Hahaha. Love it Shoshie. I wish this is how it had unfolded!
DeleteI've also read some points that have been discussed last year by all of you and some stuff is foreshadowing at least.
ReplyDeleteIt is quite 'coincidental' that exactly all plots mentioned here have been played out - albeit some of them sounded nonsensical and underdeveloped (like Billie's storyline).
And, to be honest, I think Darcy had a reprieve when he suffered the heart attack in season 2. The authors probably decided it was cliché to kill off the same character during season 4.
They seem to be ignoring, though, that killing off the male lead on the excuse that he is too busy to keep playing the character but yet asking him to reprise his role as a 'memory' in future season/s is not only also cliché but terribly misleading. An intelligent audience can pick on those lies straight away and will not be forgiving.
On a happier note, I loved the end of Upper Middle Bogan and it definitely looks like there will be a season 2.
Like Milly has asked before me, can we dream on MLN as a love interest for Michala Banas' Amber? ;)
'It's a date' ending had a very 'Sixth sense' feeling to it.
It was unexpected though, so all is good.
Upper Middle Bogan was funny.
DeleteMLN in UMB....and if they airdrop Danny (aka real life Patrick) into S5 of Offspring I might wacth!
Oh wow they actually have Patrick Brammall in Offspring
DeleteBut nah not keen on watching despite that.
Evie,
ReplyDeleteLoved the ending to 'It's a Date'-almost made me a little teary.
MLN in Upper Middle Bogan would be a great addition.
What to watch now that both of these (and Time of) have finished?
Shoshie-if only!
I also loved the end of UMB and they absolutely need to have a season 2, as well as It's a Date, which is good for all of us with a bit of ADHD, meaning new cast and story every week. Very cleverly done.
ReplyDeleteDownton Abbey season 4 is on it's way and it's still delightful and fabulous.
Lisy, you're right-what good quality Aussie comedy\drama can we watch now? I really love period pieces and histroical based dramas as well as political thrillers (Try the British show the Politician's Husband)like Scandal but wanted to see a homegrown show.
Evie, the excuse that MLN is too busy to keep playing his character doesn't seem to be holding up. I know that I've dragged you all my scenarios previously but there are strange things happening in TV land. Actors, especially Aussies who suceed in getting a good role in whatever, have it posted all over the news and t.v. and movie data bases. You never stop hearing of Ryan Kwantan in the U.S.The lesser known actors there who have great reputations at home are often in theatre as well, such as Leon .and Eddie Perfect. They, and many hundreds of young Aussie actors, are casted in many different projects through 2014, whether it's in film, theatre or telly.
I have heard that MLN is very philanthroptic, works for cancer victims, and loves anything that concerns Australia, sports, politics and general culture.
So his name gets around, But he doesn't seemed to be involved in any other series, film or stage work at the moment, in Australia or L.A., where he lives.
It does appear that he is in Australia now which means that he may in some early episodes of the season of Offspring, if they are filming now,
Maybe he's just an easy going bloke who doesn't feel the need to work so much, wants to spend time with his girlfriend there and when he's back in Oz, wants to hang out with his mates, see footy and play cricket. Otherwise, we'd see his name in potential episodes of different shows pending at home and abroad. Unless an actor is really unknown, his name appears in the databases (my daughter reads these things all time).
So where am I going with this ranting? I don't know, really. I'm just still hoping that the "if only" storyline warrants the compliance and secrecy of the main actors ( as was the case when MLN and Asher Keddie were the only ones who knew the outcome of season 4) and maybe they're not giving away any info. regarding the actor's whereabouts in order to protect the secrecy of the storyline.
Alright, I get it -enough with the conspiracy theories.
But they are fun, though.
I was just reading about the nominees for Men of the Year Awards for G.Q. Australia for 2013. So, amongst the esteemed nominees are Guy Pearce and Hugh Jackman and ,believe it or not, Matt Le Nevez. Now, this is a pretty big deal, seeing that this is an international magazine. Tremendous exposure.
ReplyDeleteIf indeed the writers and producers of Offspring are the ones who cut MLN loose and not the reverse, they must be beside themselves. If they were the ones who chose to let him go, they must now realise what a mistake they made, if they haven't already come to this conclusion. Just think about how their ratings could soar for season 5. That's not to say that the other actors don't have that kind of appeal- Eddie Perfect is the golden boy at the moment due to the success of his play. But MLN as one of the Men of the Year would draw thousands upon thousands of viewers.
Did any of you catch the last episode of Downton Abbey? If it hasn't aired yet in Australia I don't want to ruin it. If it has, let me know what you think about it.
It seems Offspring creators killed off the wrong Reid. They've had to write out Kate Jenkinson because she's now appearing on Rebel Wilson's new show in the US. Apparently they had a whole storyline around Kate Reid they've had to scrap.
ReplyDeleteShoshie, we won't get Downton Abbey (legally) until next year.
Hi Jenny, where did you read/hear about the scrapping of the storyline?
DeleteI thought I was over it, but reading your and Shoshie's comments have made me feel sad, sick and angry all over again at the thought of Offspring without Patrick. Grumble grumble grumble. Thanks for killing my favourite show Offspring 'creative' people.
Emmerrrr and Evie, TV Tonight (www.tvtonight.com.au) has a story today about Kate Jenkinson's new role. She talks about having to give up Offspring to move to the US.
DeleteI just think it's ironic they killed off Patrick because according to them MLN couldn't guarantee being around. Yet it looks like he's available but Kate's not.
Shoshie - unfortunately for us, the creators already hinted that MLN come back as a memory. They want to have their cake and eat it too.
ReplyDeleteEmmerrr - I'm not angry any more, but haven't forgotten. Let alone, forgiven. I will keep boycotting the show next year.
Jenny - I always thought that Kate's ex was going to either kidnap Bella; or simply try to be more involved in her life, without actually posing a risk. I though he was coming back for a reason and it was odd that he made that 'blink and you miss it' appearance this season.
Oh well, yet another underdeveloped story line.
After your thoughts I have come to realise that killing off Kate would have provided a better story than having Nina pregnant herself.
A broody Patrick would have to raise Isabella, and clueless Nina would try to keep up with the parenting.
There would be angst but also plenty of happiness. All we got now is complete despair.
Evie-you have addressed all of our comments so I'm using your last one as a platform.
DeleteHow sad that the creators think that they will satisfy some kind of whim in having MLN come back as a memory. Due to that and many other faults that were found with the show, mainly season 4, I tend to think as you do and will find it difficult and frankly depressing to watch season 5. I'd hate to be one of those wishy washy ambivalent people and watch it jus tout of curiousity, which is what I think many viewers will do. That's why I'd prefer to know in advance if the plot will be pathetic-don't want invest time if the story has become pathetic. It'd be like wasting calories on a piece of cake that wasn't very good.
The problem is that I know myself and I'll be tempted to watch. I presume that with the filming going on, there be indicators re: new actors joining etc If there are any revelations regarding season 5 which could persuade us to forgive and forget,then I'll cave and watch. But as for now, I'm still too disappointed.
Jenny, I think it's interesting that Kate Jenkinson was released from her contract in order to be in Rebel Wilson's show but they couldn't find a way to keep MLN on. I suppose hearing the actress say that she definitely will not be on season 5, due to her U.S. commitment has actually convinced me that MLN will not be in any miraculous episode negating Patrick's death. The Reid family has been abolished from Offspring-I suppose evidence of this will be in the name Nina chooses for her baby.If she gives the baby Patrick's surname, then that could indicate how the story will evolve, meaning that the writers were sensitive enough (lol) not to obliterate Patrick's memory from the story.That would show depth on the part of the writers, something I'm not betting on.If Nina gives the baby her surname, we'll know that the story will revolve around her family, lif as a single mum on the prowl for a new romance. I really couldn't stomach that thought. What an insult to the viewer's intelligence and emotions!
As for Kate Jenkinson's new show, I hope that his actress hasn't made a momumental mistake. I haveseen this show and I find it ridiculous. I'm middle aged but I love Rebel Wilson. My kids love her. But while we all found some moments of comedy, we all thought it bordered on the mediocre. The critics have basically given it a substandard rating so it may not even go the season one stretch, let alone be renewed for season 2.
So, two good actors from Offspring are gone-we can almost guess how season 5 will develop and as you said , Evie, complete despair.
But have a great weekend, girls!
By the way, I apologise for the lengthy comment and spelling errors. I got carried away and I type badly when I type fast..
DeleteWell...finally a tweet today from MLN. Said he was getting on a flight home for the Motor GP & Offspring and that it was going to be a great month. Mmm
ReplyDeleteI also heard that-does "a great month" indicate that he's only home for a month to film in his capacity as a "memory" or dare we hope for more?
ReplyDeleteOhhh silly me stopped watching this blog and you’ve all been chatting for ages without me! D’oh!
ReplyDeleteI too saw MLN’s tweet yesterday about coming home (and implying it’s for a month) and that got me thinking about it all over again.
I still feel similar to everyone else – still feel ripped off they killed Patrick off and we never got a happy-ever-after, I have no inclination to watch season 5, I haven’t rewatched season 4 or bought the DVD set (which I normally would do) – my husband is at me to delete season 4 from our hard drive to create space, so I really need to rewatch it and delete, or let it go completely and delete without rewatching (quite possible, something I would have considered utterly impossible before Patrick died).
I watched the Glee episode last Friday, the memorial to Finn, and I cried during that. This is in contrast to not crying during Patrick’s funeral – because I felt so sick about them choosing to kill him off, I never got to tears. Finn’s death was so tragic because the actor had died, and because all the cast were so personally and genuinely devastated – not “ohh look how brilliantly Asher and Kate have portrayed the storyline” which jars with me.
I still shudder to think about the storylines in those last 2 episodes (having watched them only once, when they were live on tv). And I keep wishing it wasn’t true, that we were sitting here looking forward to a season 5 with a live Patrick, and Kate (who I will also massively miss) and seeing Nina and Patrick and the rest of the Proudmans raise that new baby girl. Parenting a baby would definitely test Nina & Patrick’s relationship, it was implausibly perfect in the last few episodes, there was still so much they could have explored, that I would have loved to watch.
A year ago we were all sitting here so excited for what season 4 and a pregnant Nina, and committed-to-each-other-Nina-and-Patrick would bring. Having loved the show for years, since I started watching in season 2, its still so sad that it’s over , because I do not want to watch season 5, no matter how they plan to use MLN as a ghost, in Nina’s imagination etc. Much as I like MLN, I won’t watch the show just to see him, I can’t possibly watch storylines I loathe that much (and at least we know we have Parer’s War coming up in 2014 so he’s not going from Australian screens completely, yet).
Yes, I’d love to believe they are keeping so quiet about season 5 for some fabulous fantastical reason, I still dream of a rewrite of ep12&ep13 of season 4, the world’s biggest tv “fake out” but realistically it’s not going to happen. The closed set and the hush-hush will be to protect any new male romantic lead they try to introduce, and to protect the age of the baby/toddler and protect the size of the time leap between seasons 4 & 5 (the greater the gap, the more they can get really stuck into Nina and a new relationship) …
Opps, exceeded the word count ...
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed Time Of Our Lives and look forward to that coming back, also I liked A Place To Call Home. I missed the last season of House Husbands but should get the DVD. I look forward to Downtown Abbey coming back with mixed feelings, because its last season ended so similarly to Offspring with the death of Matthew Crawley. At least the lead actress has said that her character won’t be tripping down the aisle again any time soon, which relieves me enormously. However I can’t see Offspring writers doing the same - Nina can’t possibly stay single and unromantically involved for a whole season and I just do not want to watch her date/flirt with/get in anyway involved with anyone else, even Patrick in her head talking to her while she navigates such things (as MLN has hinted). Ick ick ick.
I’ve also loved Upper Middle Bogan, and have started watching Veep and Parks and Recreation and 30 Rock, which I somehow have missed before now! Caught up on Big Bang Theory – because I needed the laughs frankly! I’m just finishing The Hour (BBC production) and about to start The Newsroom (I loved West Wing and its written by same writer I think) – all of these on DVD. And Scandal season 2. And I still have couple of seasons of Mad Men to go too. No where in any of that has a romantic couple caught my imagination like Nina and Patrick – very sad. So I have kept my rewritten, happier ending in my head and no season 5 for me.
I haven't thought much about Offspring because I am watching Phryne Fisher (the antithesis of Nina!) and its on now but Offspring folk keep popping up in the series. Pretty sure Phil D'Arabont is in next week's episode and I think "Zara and Kim"may also be in it. Last season they had Kat, Kate Jenkinson, Linda Cropper. MLN put on the 1920s duds for series 3!
ReplyDeleteI loved Top of the Lake too. And Lou, I quite ship Bel and Freddie in The Hour. In fact I finally caught Wonderland and it wasn't half bad, dare I say better than Offspring this season.
Guardian Australia had an article on how women are not allowed to be single on the screen - the article was about the new Bridget Jones book. I was thinking a bit about it and in a way, the neurotic, not so perfect girl who gets the man is a bit dated. Pretty sure Offspring, S5 will follow the same trajectory - being alone and sad, too much voice in the head, bad dates and finally in a committed relationship.
PS: After Serangoon Road, I don't get how people claim Don is a much better actor than MLN. Don't get me wrong - I think he is good but it turns out he has his limitations.
Milly
Welcome back form your hiatus,Lou.
ReplyDeleteMost of us have expressed similar views and seem to have the same taste in what we watch. Whether it be Downton or UMB or The Hour or The Newsroom (I love it!), we certainly are watching other quality shows and enjoy sharing our thoughts with each other. I really look forward to reading comments on this blog.There certainly is no lack of
Yet Lou nailed it on the head when she said that rarely has a romantic couple caught her imagination as Patrick and Nina. I think this is what is behind so many of our comments. Because like it ir not, the writers acheived something wonderful in the last 5 episodes of season 4, when Nina goes to counselling alone and until the episode of Patrick's death. Previous to that ,in season 4, it was just silly. After episode 8 we saw the meshing of two very different people, and personal growth and acceptance of their differences. They recognised this and made a commitment to work on things. Pulling Nina away from her family's semi-destructive tentacles a bit and her realizing that this was a healthy step was just one of the many ways that these writers prompted us to watch and left us wanting more. I also felt that there was something unique and magical about this couple, something I haven;t seen for ages on screen. And in the end, anything less than what should have been is not enough for me. I saw the film Ghost several times back in the "day" and it was enough for me then. I'd cringe to see a Casper the Ghost a.k.a Patrick giving Nina romantic advice.
So girls, keep the viewing suggestions coming, keep the discussions frequent, and if you have any information that would indicate that Offspring Season 5 wont be disappointing, share it with us.
If you fancy suspense, you might try watching Broadchurch (the British version, I heard that here was an American one as well). My sister said it was outstanding.That's my next binge.
Hi all-I'm heading out to work (7:33 a.m. in my time zone) so i'll try to make this brief. I made the colossal error of being overtired late one night and switched on my computer to watch something-the book I had just read didn't make me sleepy enough. And like the glutton for punishment that I am, I did something idiotic- I decided to watch the last two episodes of Offspring, I'd seen them twice, once alone and then with my daughter and as you know , was sufficiently disturbed to never repeat the experience. What a ridiculous idea!! WHy would I put myself through that again? Don't I have a life (yes I do)? Besides the self flagellation, what on earth would possess me to do this? But I did. Of course the anger at the writers for not toning down the Nina -Patrick storyline before throwing us in a bottomless pit arose, the usual "this was so cruel and unwarranted, just when it was coming together and getting really interesting etc...By the way, if time heals, I am sooo not over this.
ReplyDeleteThat's not my point, though. I think I figured out what the writers may have planned. This I picked up on as I watched Nina bring P. to the hospital. THe doctors repeatedly asked about medication being taken, Nina explained visa vis Patrick's substance abuse history, they spoke about clotting- I think this was a key element which didn't seem crucial to the viewer at the time but in retrospect may be what is going to set the scene for season 5.I'm attending courses in critical viewing for educators and we are taught not to look for the message and theme but to observe voice tone, movements and marginal character action. This is what I noticed in episode 12-Lord knows I'm no expert so let me rant a bit. I believe that the writers will not bring poor Paddy back , though I'd be thrilled to be proven wrong. I believe that much discussion will be given to his past, and unfortunately, I think that his memory will become tarnished later on in the season with proof that he was still using drugs, even towards the end of his life. The doctors couldn't figure out why his blood was clotting, correct me if I'm wrong. Something else was wrong there, besides the "head injury". I'm willing to bet that when they flashback before beginning each new episode, this particular scene will appear. And it will be the impetus of what's to come, unfortunately. I know that MNL is set to appear in the first few episodes and I can't imagine that hte wroters will waste time having him a ghost. I did believe this a week ago but after watching episode 12, I don't think they will be that ridiculous and lower the show's standard more. Getting Nina over Patrick and coping is the aim and how better to do this than unidealising their beautiful love story so that she can and will want to move on. It's sad and pathetic but seems to me that his is how they can utilise the acting chops of MLN and Asher Keddie. After this, the rest of the season will be just for laughs.
I disagree Shoshie. Patrick will be canonised. Nina will meet and fall in love with a recipient of one of Patrick's donated organs. She live happily ever after knowing she'll always have another little piece of Patrick with her.
ReplyDeleteDear Shoshie,
DeleteI certainly hope your thoughts are incorrect. Even though I am not going to watch S5, I would hate to think that would be a direction the writers would head. I still think that S5 will be set months later, setting up an opportunity for the grieving widow to ultimately find a new man sanctioned by ghost Patrick! The crazy Proudman family will help bring up baby while Nina goes back to work. Mick and Billie will get back together and a baby might even come along. What I would really like to see happen while MLN is in the country is a tele movie(the opposite of a pilot) which finishes off the Offspring story . Preferably from "I choose you".
Kate and Jenny,
ReplyDeleteJust so you know, I would be terribly dismayed if the scenario I painted came true. It's just that after the heart wrenching and incongruous end of season 4, nothing would surprise me. I certainly didn't intend to cause controversy or upset any of you.Either way, the version that I shared or Nina finding a new man sanctioned by Patrick the Friendly Ghost would not be options which I would opt to see. The organ donation is even more upsetting,although organ donation is a wonderful deed. That scene has been done in a thousand different movies already.
Killing off Patrick was such an unnecessary move, one which took the previous two seasons and made it impossible for me to even watch them again. I am in company, I assume.Turning Patrick into a saint would be sweet while helping Nna move on(couldn't stomach it , personally) but ,again, it's been done before in several series and films. So, I figured that they might go a different way, as somber as it may be. This can't be a shocker-after all, having Patrick suddenly die right before becoming a father and in lieu of his tragic past was fairly somber business,no? And the writers got their ratings, if I'm not mistaken. So who's to say that they wont continue season 5 in the same fashion? And Kate, I would love to see that tele-movie as well. From the same point in time. MLN hasn't indicated the duration of his stay in the country so who knows.
Shoshie, I think your idea about Patrick being vilified is plausible. If the writers are worried about backlash at all, they have too choices - either they bring Patrick back to life altogether, or they will try to bring a dark side of him that we have not encountered before.
ReplyDeleteAs unfortunately Kate's character will surely be written off as well due to the actress departing to the US, the only thing the writers can use to show Patrick in a negative light is a relapse as you, Shoshie, have cleverly pointed out.
This scenario will help the writers get 'some' of its audience back, and get fans saying 'oh, poor Nina' again.
Not that I would watch anyway as the writers will be going this route due to the backlash alone, but I see this story line much more likely than the 'meeting the donor' one.
If they indeed introduce a donor, I hope it's a kid and not an adult. Patrick would have loved that. :)
Thank you for the insight , Evie. I was beginning to feel a bit villianish myself for writing such things but you articulated your comment in such a way that makes it logical.
ReplyDeleteMuch as the fans love Nina, they would find it difficult watching her get involved in a relationship with another man, even a year after Patrick's death.A potential suitor with one of the deceased's organs is sweet but not enough to compensate for the loss of a partner. The masses of fans, with the exception of certain blogs, are accepting, albeit reluctantly, of a season 5 sans Patrick
and want Nina to move on. I suspect that the majority would find Nina's getting involved with another so quickly to be in poor taste. They would see this as a betrayal of the character's (Patrick) memory. Even a long suffereing lung or heart recipient, which seems logical because Patrick was brain dead.
The way to gain support for this story would be to paint Patrick's past a bit darker and murkier. Something that affected him physiologically and therefore, led to his demise after being knocked over by a vehicle.
And like you, Evie, I would be hard pressed to join in the festivities of season 5, either with our suspected version of events or the donor one.I can't bear to watch it.
Yes, I have reached the end-I can feel it physically. I have nearly been weaned from Offspring. The appeal is gone. No miraculous recovery or other twist. So be it. Just a little melancholy. Why? This was one of the only shows that, for some inexplicable reason, I could watch over and over again, from previous seasons. I could do that with E.R. or the West Wing... and Offspring. Now, I have no desire to rewatch previous seasons of Offspring. Go figure!
I don't know if any of you live near the areas affected by the fires . I pray that all those who contribute to this blog remain safe and their homes still standing.
ReplyDeletePerhaps living far from Australia magnifies the events going on there but it seems devastating-spent much of today contacting my friends and families in NSW just to make sure they're unharmed. I hope that you and your families are well.
Shoshie – very considerate of you. I’m not sure where everyone else is, I’m in Melbourne. That kind of loss & devastation certainly does brings some things into perspective (we lost almost all our possessions in a house flood 2.5 years ago so watching the media coverage of the NSW fires certainly brings back some memories for me).
DeleteAs for the idea of Patrick and drugs – I agree it’s possible, would it lessen the sting of his loss if we came to know he’d been using at the time of this death? I don’t know. I do think it’s also quite possible they won’t take that route – many times I have watched an episode and noted what I thought was an important detail that surely would get further explanation or would evolve into a detailed storyline down the track, and it’s gone absolutely frustratingly nowhere (like Billie offering to be real estate scout for N&P in season 4 episode 1 and help them buy a house before the baby came, complete with tossing a sack of potatoes down the stairs, and nothing ever came of it, never mentioned again). But I’m also sure I read somewhere that we have “more to learn about Patrick” in season 5, there is more to his story for us to learn – this lines up with your theory, honestly at this point I dread to think. We can only “learn” more about Patrick from Clegg, as we know Kate has been written out, or an inquest into his accidental death.
Somewhere on Twitter someone spotted filming on Monday and there is a grainy shot of Billie pushing a stroller with a baby – I assume Nina’s daughter and not Jimmy’s son – looks between 6-12 mths old to me, not a walking toddler but not a newborn either. So that’s only hint we have as to time-leap between seasons for now.
Also, for those hopeless people like me who still vainly dream of a Patrick return (not a ghost! Not in Nina’s head!), the hint MLN gave on twitter about being in Melbourne for only a month is added to with an exchange on twitter yesterday between Eddie Perfect & MLN, and it didn’t read like that they’d seen each other recently. Filming, or at least production, started on 7th October, and Michael Lucas has posted a photo of the cover of the script at the first read-through, so I assume Eddie was at that and MLN not … guess if he’s just a ghost making a couple of appearances he wouldn’t need to be …. I really need to get over this!!
Hi Ladies, Further to these tweets includes a photo from Michael Lucas today of the 'Proudman' family. No Mick. Philip is there. Apparently MLN is in the new Women's Weekly where it mentions he'll apparently appear in dream sequences. Surprise surprise ! As to what will be revealed about Patrick -probably nothing given how things have panned out in the past.
ReplyDeleteHI Lou,
ReplyDeleteAs for my bravado and claiming to be weaned from Offspring, I suppose miseery loves company because I also hope that perhaps we will see the good doctor and not in the fantasy-dream sense. Of course one could argue that this is absolutely unrealistic- everyone involved in Offspring's production has as much as admitted that this is how it's going to pan out for season 5.
Yet, in tv land, nothing is as it seems. We never know what curves will be thrown at the audience, as we saw at the end of season 3 and especially at the end of 4. it would be interesting if the writers\producers etc. were throwing us off the track-why would they reveal now, six months before air time, the particulars of season 5. They'll want to entice the viewer base and keep them guessing in order to heighten the anticipation for season 5.
Even knowing that MLN is in the country for a month or so doesn't indicate what his role will really be in season 5. They've said that it's as an imaginary figure. But I don't think the writers would even divulge this info, -it may only be for 1 episode or it could play throughout the whole season, in various episodes.
What I'm saying is that whatever tidbits of information that we see on the social media re: season 5 doesn't really tell you what's actually going to happen. It can be to throw us off course, as was done in season 4.Who would have ever conceived the notion that a main character would be killed off? So, anything can be in store to surprise the viewer. Probably with the exception of what we'd like to see -we know we won't see Patrick as a living character.
Literally just got off this blog and lo and behold, read a twitter sent from L.A., -a young copywriter whose wife is from Perth and is a huge Offspring fan. He works for an agent who represents some very well known clients, The short of it all is that MLN was advised to leave because his US agent told him he was up for some big roles in the US pilot sesaon for 2013-2014 and it was a sure thing. His Aussie agents were not keen because nothing had been signed yet.
ReplyDeleteHe couldn't give a definitive answer to Offspring and his ambivalence is what led the writers to ax his character. This we know. What we know now (thanks to my cousin Jacinda's hubby) is that for some reason, MLN hasn't been picked up for the Jan-March pilot season in L.A. They said, by the way, that he is the most good hearted guy you'd want to meet, friendly and generous to a fault. ANd how it was quite bizarre that he hasn't been able to get a good offer there. He actually remains anonymous while at home, he is as popular as Hamish and Andy.
Why on earth did this come up? I merely asked the L.A. branch of the family if MLN was set to be in one of the second round of pilot season. The Aus. reps. told him not to burn his bridges back home and if asked to reappear in Offspring, comply. The producers of \offspring were thrilled to have him do so. I guess it pays to be killed off.
Over 1600 comments on the Offspring on 10 Facebook page. Over half of them still mourning the demise of Patrick. Still not going to watch S5 especially if it shows ghost Patrick giving his blessing to a new romance and/or father for baby. In S3 Nina said it would normally take years to get over a relationship (just before she realised she was pregnant). Can't see how the writers are going to incorporate a new man, which I am sure they will do-and make it fit with Nina's past. You would take years and years to get over a relationship like Nina and Patrick's, especially with such a tragic ending. Can't bear to see the pictures of a happy cast for S5 knowing what went before and no MLN.
DeleteTotally agree with every single thing you just said, Kate.
DeleteAnyone who losses a partner in a committed relationship would take years to recover. Any romantic story line for Nina would feel contrived, rushed and inappropriate.
I'm kind of happy that their own FB page is getting such a backlash and fans are vocal about Patrick's demise from the show.
Hopefully people stop watching season 5 altogether and the show gets cancelled.
I've got no mercy for these authors.
I agree Kate. It irked me to see the happy family snap released on Friday. Almost like 'oh yeah-Patrick died-we've moved on'. Sorry Offspring writers etc we haven't moved on. We are still pretty piss#d off at the choice you made. We can't forgive & forget that easily...
ReplyDeleteUnbeleivable-I saw the posting as well. What a complete disregard of human emotion!
ReplyDeleteIn certain sectors , I've seen widows or widowers marry not long after a spouse has passed away. Usually, these are cases in which the widow/er is left with several children who are in need of a parent.
My husband's brother passed away, with no warning, at age 41, leaving four young children. My sister in law didn't date for two years. It was unthinkable for her, although we actually wanted to see her in a loving relationship again and see the kids taken care of.
I truly hope that this cheerful demeanor (the photo op) was merely for the sake of public relations and does not reflect the tone of the new season.
Then again, straight after Patrick's funeral Nina went to a hotel with Billie to get away. Even if it was to relax and calm down as not to stress out the unborn child, it brought too much levity (the slapstick birth scene) into a agonising situation.Very inappropriate and not realistic. So we shouldn't be shocked at the cast smiling widely. However, it was quite disturbing.
Yep, I’m another one who felt ill looking at the happy image posted on FB & twitter for the start of S5, and I still have no desire to watch S5.
ReplyDeleteNo way will Nina remain single for a whole season, and I have absolutely zero desire to see her flirt/date/get in any way involved with/build a relationship with anyone new. I know some people argue there was Chris before Patrick, so viewers clearly can transfer from one relationship to the next, but I have no intention of watching it. I didn’t watch Chris and S1 until after S2 & S3, maybe if I’d been a viewer from day 1 I could “ping” from one Nina relationship to the next more easily, but maybe not.
I still feel so ripped off that we didn’t get the happy ending to S4 we’d all been anticipating, and remain furious with whoever made the decision to write Patrick out (obviously we’ve never heard the full story on that one).
Even other redeeming features the show had, like the Jimmy & Mick relationship, Billie & Mick (in better times, I am so over seeing Billie cry), Phillip Noonan (when not being walked all over by Geraldine), some classic Kim moments (as opposed to the endless ultra-unprofessional moments we were subjected to in S4) – they just don’t tempt me anymore. So sad, all over.
Feel exactly the same as Lou and Shoshie, totally ripped off by Offspring producers/writers. So angry still that they ruined my all time fave tv show. I will not watch, Patrick as a dream /flashback will just make me very sad!
ReplyDeleteMe too. There is no way I can watch. Even after all this time I still feel so angry about it. I couldn't watch the last episode of season 4. Bring on Alive Patrick!
DeleteLou, I only saw season one after I had watched season 2 (and before viewing season 3). Yet, having Nina begin a relationship after being jilted by the love interest in season 1and then move onto a fling with her registra in season 2 (remember Fraser King) and eventually begin her tumulteousbut binding relationship with Patrick in season 2 is logical. People move on after divorce or being jilted. that we can deal with and that is within the boundaries of logical.
ReplyDeleteMoving on from the death of a beloved spouse/partner within a short time frame rings false and forced. That does not fall within the parametres of normal, in most cases, and unless there is a time leap into the future of a year or so,it will make the whole series too comical to take seriously.
What I'm trying to say is that there is a huge difference between Nina moving on from Chris than Nina moving on after Patrick's death-it would be in terrible taste to do the latter.
Looking at the few photos seen on the net which show baby Reid it appears that at least 6-8 months will have elapsed. The heartache and difficulties of new motherhood will be glossed over. Probably already back at work with Billy as nanny. Eddie Perfect has tweeted that he is back for S5-wouldn't miss it. This also seems to fit as he can have been on tour and now back. Think the daydreams of Nina that will enable MLN to re-appear ever so briefly will still not be an enticement for me to watch. Think we have to collectively get on to the powers that be to write roles , create a series that will enable Matt to once again appear on Australian screens. Can't wait for Parer's War but surely there needs to be something else developed with him in mind. Come on Michael Lucas,Debra Oswald and Co!!!
DeleteHello everyone, I cannot believe I have found a place where some people are writing my exact thoughts. I need the next installment of Alive Patrick. I was so furious at the writers I didn't watch the last episode. I never will. It was just wrong, wrong, wrong!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Kate and will only think about forgiving the Offspring producers/writers if they create a new show for Mattt le Nevez. They built up a wonderful love story and then tore it down cruely well before it was fully explored.
ReplyDeleteTuzz, like you I have not watched the last episode. I will never watch another Offspring episode even though I bought all four seasons on itunes. Life is too short to torture ourselves with such sadness.
Friday night home without the family and nothing to watch on TV. Oh , to be back this time last year and the year before when it would be the opportune time to rewatch all the episodes of Offspring kept on the recorder. Cannot bring myself to do it any longer. I paid for S4 on iTunes but have not even downloaded the last 2 episodes and even deleted them from the recorder this week unwatched. The writers have spoilt it for me as I can't even bring myself watch the previous series. Booo! to them!
ReplyDeleteKate, I nearly cried when I read your previous comments. I felt that I have invested in these characters, as if I myself had written a novel, and then someone spilt ink all over my pages.
ReplyDeletei know that in reality, lousy things happen to people. I'm aware that there are unspeakable tragedies in "real" life, and many of them occur unexpectedly, without warning.And that's the premise of the writers, telling us to get real,telling us that they are just imitating life. And maybe they are correct. That is their right as the creative force behind the show.And the viewer has to accept it.
However, and it's a big however, you and I don't. We don't have to watch an uplifting show -turned-morose. ANd many others agree with us. And yes, we feel as if we have invested in something and feel cheated. The writers did their deed in a devious way, although they did it without malice. They made us think, until almost the last moment, that a fairytale ending was possible, That's why I kept watching. Because it made me feel great and hopeful.
And, Pam, you are so right!!!! Life is way to short to saddle more negative emotions upon us.
I'm with you Kate. I deleted all the s4 episodes from our recorder this week, not having watched them again. Like you I used to watch the old episodes during the down times. I've discovered I've moved from shock and anger to disinterest. I don't care filming has started on the s5. I'm not even interested in seasons 1-3 anymore. No point investing any more of my time in these characters. They broke my heart and now I've moved on. I'm watching 'Borgen' at the moment. I've got to get through season 1 before 14 November, which is when season 2 starts on SBS.
ReplyDeleteI noted an interesting thing. The production photos illicited an enormous response on facebook, how excited viewers were to see season 5 etc. Many of these viewers claimed allegiance to the show and were keen to see season 5.
ReplyDeleteHowever, when someone photoshopped MLN in the photo, many Facebook comments were angry, sad and reminded of the season finale-it resurrected negative feelings in viewers. Its as if the fans actually "forgot" and then were reminded. Perhaps the producers and writers had hoped that the negativity would remain dormant.
Someone wrote that the positive outlook of the facebook comments indicate, overall during the last few months, that while the chatacter (Patrick)will be missed and his absence felt, they are very keen to see what happens to Nina in season 5.
Well, the moment they show the dream scenes and fanatasy scenes in season 5, I believe the dormant feelings of what they experienced at the end of season 4 will "awaken" and bring about feelings of " If only...".The viewer who is happy to watch season 5 as is will not be thrilled. In my humble opinion, this will crumble the ratings etc.
Don"t understand. The Box set of seasons 1-4 released apparently today. Have seen it on twitter. It has a gorgeous photo of Patrick and a pregnant Nina. Knowing how the season ended is it someone's perverse idea of a joke! Very questionable taste. One would suppose from that that the two of them are on the way to the very happy ending we had all hoped for!!!!!!
DeleteJohn Brawley (head of photography for Offspring) regularly tweets photos of his camera set ups, and stalker-ish person that I am, I’m always looking to see where the location he is filming is. Last week there was one at what I think was an airport (showed the departures broad) and another 2 at Nina’s place – one inside and one outside. Seriously??? She still lives there? With a baby? Warning – rant ahead – there was Billie in S4 ep 1 with the bag of potatoes showing N&P how unsafe it was for a baby, offering to help them buy a place, a great sounding storyline that went NO WHERE. And we know S5 is at least 6 months time-leap from S4, so that baby will be mobile, rolling, crawling, pulling to standing and she still lives there? Clearly Offspring producers have given up totally on any sense of reality – makes me even less likely to go back for S5 than I already was, I’m not good at pure fantasy, I prefer something grounded in some sort of reality. Logically (logically to me that is) she’d move in with family – either her Mum if Jimmy & Zara got a place of their own, or with Billie (with or without Mick) – such a close family, no need for her to live solo with a tiny bub … rant over!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes I saw an image of the cover of the S1-4 box set and felt ill – really given the storylines over the 4 seasons, it should have been Nina solo, or Nina with Proudmans, or Nina & Patrick with Billie & Mick and Jimmy & Zara – not N&P together, blissfully heavily pregnant – again just feel sick, and also so sad because it was such a favourite show of mine and that’s gone now, I’ve also deleted S4 from my hard-drive, won’t buy the S4 DVD, and have no desire to revisit S2&3 DVDs, which I have previously watched repeatedly.
I really wish Ch10 hadn’t commissioned S4 & S5 at the same time, after S3 ended. If they only commissioned S4, it would have had a happy ending like S2 & S3 in case S5 didn’t happen. But because the producers knew they had S5 to come they decided to take the show in a whole different direction and spoilt the whole thing for me.
Lou, I just saw the 4 season dvd box and, as you, thought it was ridiculous nad so unrealistic. Show the whole cast, even include Patrick, but just to show a pregnant Nina and Patrick is misleading. It cheapens all the previous seasons, in my opinion. I understand that in "real life",when a partner or spouse dies, you don't get rid of their smiling and happy photos. You don't erradicate their lives by not putting thier photos out or by displaying thier pain.
ReplyDeleteBut, let's face it, this is not reality. It's a comedy -drama that took the latter too far. By portraying that photo on the dvd box, the producers or advert agency did damage control.They encourage purchasing the goods based on what everyone loved, the Nina Patrick story. They are not really thinking about how ludicrous and incongruous this with the season finale or how it fits in with season 5. And that, my friend, undermines the intelligence of the thinking viewer. Which is reason in itself from abstaining visa vis season 5.It also may have to do with the fact that MLN is in the country presently, nominated for GQ man of the year and will be promoting Damien's War so the producers will capitalize on his profile and sell their product. It makes my stomach turn, a bit.
Many dvd covers portray pictures or a main picture on the cover of significant moments in the film or show, ie. Dead Poets Society. We know that Neil commits suicide at the end but the cover shows the boys playing football with Robin Williams.
I haven;t deleted the previous seasons yet because I'm a hoarder and probably, foolishly, still harbour a secret hope, along with winning the lottery, that perhaps the writers had a change of heart and this was all someone's nightmare/dream.
Shoshie, I have the same foolish secret hope, honestly when will we learn! Xx
ReplyDeleteLou, for what it's worth, I truly believe that all the fans who keeps tabs on the show with blogs and Facebook and other means of the social media feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteMany of them claim that they're looking forward to the new plot even without Patrick but truth be told, I think that most secretly hope for better tidings.
Romantics never learn, Lou, that's what makes us special!
Offspring certainly holds no appeal any longer. S5 will , by necessity be nothing except ghostly Patrick. I fervently wish the writers and producers are dreaming up a role for Matt that will put him back on the screen back here in Australia. They must realise the appeal he has and the ratings they could achieve by putting him back on our screens. Just have to find the right "vehicle".
DeleteNeed a MLN fix? Facebook page, "Let's Make Matt Le Nevez GQ's Man of The Year" has been inundated since it started last week or so ago with a fabulous selection of shots of Matt. Latest one being a great shot of him as one of Who Magazines sexiest men of 2013. Worth checking out
ReplyDeleteWell I only missed the first 2 episodes of Greys Anatomy this season because my student midwife told me it was back on. Hooray! So Meredith and Derek have had their baby and they are TIRED. I always thought that would make good tension-providing fodder for Patrick and Nina. Sure, they're doctors who work night shift and are on call, but with a baby you're on call 24-7 and they're constantly taking advantage of it! Alas, there is no Patrick and season 5 apparently kicks off 6 months later. Boo to Debra Oswald and co.
ReplyDeleteFor anyone who's interested, we didn't call our boy Patrick. :D My partner actually suggested it for a middle name but I no longer associate it with strength and vitality. :(
Congragulations to you and your partner on your new baby, Emmerrr!!
ReplyDeleteSo while we've all been busy having babies or marrying off children or just living,one thing is now evidently clear: Offspring in going to be horrible.
It's clear that my scenario isn't going to happen and poor Patrick is a long gone memory. I don't even contemplate watching the past seasons anymore-I feel rather apathetic about it. They certainly took the wind out of my sail. I don't understand how anyone in the social media writes about getting excited for season 5 to air.
Absolutely boo to the producers and writers.
Watch the "The Good Wife" and "Scandal" and my new favourite "The Mindy Project"- you won't be disappointed.
And latest interview with MLN has him saying Patrick's death was a 'mutual' decision. Not what he was saying a few months ago. Can't get excited.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisym,
ReplyDeleteI think we all have to come to terms now with the fact that Patrick is dead, including MLN. There is no point in him whingeing about it - it will only lesson his chances of future acting jobs. I do understand why he wants to build his career in the states- his beautiful girlfriend Michelle lives there and it sounds like she has a big job so not likley to move. Perhaps they want to have a baby or just estabilsh a life together - very hard if one partner has to spend half the year at the other side of the world. But at the end of the day MLN is a realist and if he cannot get work overseas (the US producers must be mad if they don't give him a good vehicle!) he will want to work here. Its quite obvious by now that the Offspring producers regret their decision to kill off Patrick - that is why they have scheduled the "flashbacks"- but there is nothing that can be done about it. I still live in hope that when the series is over they will shoot a telemovie with an different, more happy ever after with strugges- ending. But in the meantime do not let us blame MLN for going along with the decision to kill off Patrick - as I said he is a realist and I am afraid we all to become realistes too!
I don't know what the inside story is regarding the mutual decision between the producers and MLN but I think that Pam is correct in her conclusion.However, that was quite a while ago. He wanted to leave way back then, perhaps before he became a hot commodity at home. They were willing to let him go, not realizing what a hot commodity he was becoming. They regret the decision to kill him off,, he doesn't have substantial roles waiting for him overseas. They both reap benefits of his exposure as he appears in flashbacks. If he doesn't land a good role in the U.S., I'm sure John Edwards will cast him in the next "ground breaking" Aussie show. It seems that most of the fan base is quite content to keep watching the show, which lets the producers and writers know that they didn't ruin the show by killing Patrick and ruining the main story.
ReplyDeleteFor me, Offspring became a cult show, one \i could watch over and over again, as I've done with other shows, such as Friends, I love Lucy and even House. I have absolutely no desire to do this with Offspring anymore-I'm not sad and weepy about it, It lost its appeal to me,
When I was a kid in the 70's, we watched MASH, one of the greatest shows ever. I'd sit with my dad and we couldn't get enough of it. It had hilarious humour and poignant dialogue as well. But then, different characters began to disappear as several actors departed, and new characters were introduced. Some were great and others weren't. I began to tire of the show as I found it becoming ridiculous in later seasons, My father kept watching, he just wanted the laughs. In later years, I watched reruns of the first couple of seasons but stopped when the character switches had me dizzy.
That's how I view Offspring- great few seasons, they had me hooked and then they got manic with slapstick lunacy and tragedy,, up and down, in season 4,
The fact that channel 10 hasn't removed "Patrick" from its Offspring logo only makes it worse, You wrote him off, he's only in flashbacks-be real, own up and put a new logo of Nina and Billie and baby in it. But don't keep capitalizing on the old romantic lead.
Felicity thanks for being a sport and hosting comments through the year.
ReplyDeleteBelated Christmas Wishes and Happy New Year!
Millie
Hello to all,
ReplyDeleteIt's been quite a while since I posted anything. I don't know if Felicity is up to having this continue at all . If so, then here goes.
I don't know if you're all aware that Offspring has made it overseas and has been/is being watched on all shores. I've got quite a few friends in the U.S. who love it , find it refreshing and wonderful to watch. And due to the fact that I'm almost nearly six months ahead of their "watch", I didn't want to spoil it for them.
Many went ahead and viewed it online, had various reactions to the finale, similar to how many of us felt, Yet there were quite a few who were neither shocked nor dismayed. Not because they are diehard fans who blog nad write on the Offline Facebook page, They simply felt that NIna and Patrick would never have lasted as a couple, given the difficulties in the relationship heading towards the birth. One friend said that while watching episode 11 (the pocket call), it was clear that Nina's priorities weren't on her partner. She (my friend) never anticipated having Patrick killed off but she could definitely see them splitting up prior to or after the baby's birth. It was clear that the Proudmans and Nina's allowance of them intricating themselves into every aspect of her life would eventually have driven Patrick away.
I was so blown away at the fact that many viewers abroad think that the finale was logical and didn't turn their hearts upside down.
So I watched season 3-4 again. And I must say, as I watched the last episodes of 4, I get what they mean.It seems that Nina would never have been able to focus her energy into building a nuclear family. Even at the end of season 4, episode 11, she saw Patrick's point about her not being appreciated by her family only half heartedly.And she and Patrick still seemed to have a lot if unresolved issues The baby wasn;t going to solve them, possibly magnify them due to tension, lack of sleep, the usual things in family life.
Interesting how a bit of time can change perspective-months ago I was devastated over the ending. Now, it seems a bit logical. Still won't watch season 5- I think it's going to be silly .And I really liked Matt Le Nevez.As I watched season 4 again, I realized that Patrick was the character who evolved the most. Too bad for the show.
Shoshie,, totally disagree that Patrick and Nina did not have a great love, one that could have withstood all life threw at them, but do agree that Patricks character was the one that evolved the most. Without hi the show will be much weaker and I will not watch. Let's hope the US exposure leads to a grt job for MLN
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year everyone!
ReplyDeleteOhhhh, very interesting about the overseas reaction.
I do agree Nina and Patrick’s relationship was that flawed, the comments Nina made in her solo session with Lawrence were really quite correct (“we’re just not suited”). Yes, they did passionately love each other, and while the romantic in me would have liked a happy ending, I can see how it could very likely have fallen apart down the track, the stress of new baby and sleep deprivation etc. I agree she was never truly putting Patrick first, above her family. And Patrick’s comments about “your family takes a lot of handling, and I’m here to share the load” – we know he’s very family orientated, look how much he had done for Kate (moving her across the country to get her away from abusive Dean) but surely once their new baby had arrived even patient Patrick would have got sick of 24/7 Proudmans on their doorstep.
But in that case, play that relationship breakdown out, instead of killing Patrick off. And play it out in a more sensible way that the break-up of season 3, which still baffles me. I am still so upset he didn’t get to meet his newborn daughter.
However I do recall comments from the writers and MLN at the end of season 4 during that bizarre publicity, that they couldn’t just keep doing the same thing and breaking them up, so I guess having “done” a break-up in season 3 they felt they “had” to do something different in season 4, if MLN wasn’t making himself available to play out a miraculous, unheard of on tv, happy ending.
I can handle that N&P could have broken up. Then if MLN wanted out, which from the various bits and pieces I’ve read across the last few months I think he absolutely did, his priority it seems is very much his attempt at a US career, even though he doesn’t seem to lack for creative opportunities here. Well then pack a newly single Patrick off overseas chasing a work opportunity (Doctors without Borders, like Clegg did in Borneo, or similar) and leave a newly single Nina with her batty family and whatever new romantic interest they chose to throw at her. I guess the writers felt that Patrick wouldn’t have chosen to move away from his newborn daughter, so to write him out required a death.
MLN was in Melbourne for a bit over a month last October, when they started filming season 5, based on his Twitter feed. That’s definitely enough time to film a meaningful breakdown of their relationship and pack him off out of the storylines of the rest of season 5. Presumably he was here filming “fantasy” scenes with Nina, which I do not want to watch!
I could have handled a breakup far better than the trauma of the end of season 4. I never re-watched the final 2 episodes of season 4, I deleted them from my hard-drive, and I still feel ill when I think of viewing them now, even 5 months since those episodes aired. I’ve read the odd paragraph about the next season in TV Week etc and I still feel I absolutely won’t be watching it, I have no interest in seeing Nina as a single mother, mourning Patrick in whatever way, and I still can’t believe Nina will stay single for a whole season and I am absolutely not prepared to see her flirt/date/build a relationship with anyone new, not 6 mths after burying Patrick.
Disagree about the Nina/Patrick relationship Lou.the turning point for me was the "I chose you" scene which came after Nina's solo session with Lawrence. I believe that scene conveyed their absolute commitment to each other and their unborn child, which was of course destroyed byPatrick's death. Do agree they could have dealt with MLN not being around as much in many other much more palatable ways.
DeleteI cannot watch it anymore
I don't know-maybe it's a case of the fox eating the sour grapes. Better to think that the Patrick Nina story fizzles out -it justifies not loving the show anymore.
DeleteI cannot possibly think about how the show will evolve now . I reckon most of it will be about Billie stepping up as the heroine.
My 20ish kids began watching "The Times of Our Lives" and love it-we just got it here on actual telly and not online. I saw it last year. They want to know if the writers are going to pull an "Offspring" and kill a character.
Again, I have to say that with the influx of young Aussie actors flooding the screens in the U.S. (my daughter has a new favourite, Xavier Samuel), it is very tempting for an actor to try his/her luck in Hollywood. The names are everywhere,especially in the science fiction/vampire genre.And in tons of films, So, for the life of me I can't understand why, Matt Le Nevez hasn't been cast in anything due to come out in the near or remote future.In the States or in Australia. He is certainly just as talented and good looking as the others.Shame he didn;t stick with "Offspring", I'm pretty sure at this point that it was really his decision to leave,by the way. He really believed that he'd have been cast in something else by now. It's a question of luck. Look at Kate Jenkinson in Super Fun Night. Although I don't love her performance at all, she got a lucky break.
So now Offspring will be lousy and MLN doesn't have job. Bad news for all.
I'm looking forward to season 2 of The Times of Our Lives .Any suggestions on good dramas?
I would love to have my memory of season 4 erased. There really was nothing about it that I would miss. In theory, there were many plot elements that I would have liked to see, but none were executed to my taste. I too hope to see MLN in something good, and soon!
ReplyDeleteI have faith that MLN will score a good role, not only is he gorgeous, he has heaps of talent. Very much looking forward to seeing him in Parer's War when its aired on the ABC sometime this year.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime there have been rumours that he and his gorgeous long-term US-based girlfriend, Michelle are having a baby. I know its a private thing but if its true I wish them all the best
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ReplyDelete