Rent Underbelly: Series 1 (2008)

Most definitely *not* 'The Sopranos' - Underbelly: Series 1 review by RP

Hmmm.... I had heard good things about this Aussie TV series: supposedly the downunder answer to 'The Sopranos', it tells the tale of assorted killings in the Melbourne underworld from 1995-2004. It's told in a semi-documentary style with voice-over commentary from one of the women detectives on the case. It's also looooong with 13 x 45 min episodes.

But unfortunately it's most definitely *not* 'The Sopranos' nor indeed any half decent TV gangster series - it came across to me as yet another Aussie soap with plenty of f-ing and blinding, a few shootings, and a bit of pseudo-sex thrown in for good measure. But added swearing, violence and assorted rude bits don't make it realistic - it's still a soap. And the fact that it's based on true events doesn't make up for the awful acting and appalling dialogue.

I regret that I've wasted my time watching this - if you want to see a good 'cops v gangsters' series then watch the very excellent French TV series 'Spiral'. I can't rate 'Underbelly' higher than 2/5 stars - it's below average stuff, and I won't be watching the other (prequel) seasons.