Rosehaven

I was never even going to bother with Rosehaven. My immediate thoughts were that it would be another poor Australian comedy, so why bother. I could not have been more wrong. It is easily on par with another ABC comedy yardstick, Utopia, but it is much more. Set in a fictional Tasmanian town with glorious scenery and a charming cast of quirky characters, it is difficult not to love this show. Emma and Daniel, the purely platonic couple that are the main characters, absolutely shine. Dan's mother, Barbara, is easily my new favourite TV mum. Apart from the pilot, the plot is a little thin at times, but the show is character driven and exceeds all expectations. I was fortunate to the watch the first series of eight episodes over two nights but I have watched the second series every week since it started and it's nearly over. Therein lies my only disappointment - not enough episodes. So I encourage you to sit back and watch possibly the most heart-warming little gem of a comedy that I have seen for quite some time.

The kind of best friend I would love to have would be Emma Dawes. The character has such loving exuberance. I love hers and Daniels friendship. They fight and then it's done. That is how all friendship should be like.

The humor is quiet and understated which is the kind of humor I love.

I am so disappointed I have just watched all of season 1 in the last week and there is only one more to watch (so far) of season 2.

I think my husband is wondering what has happened to me. I am feeling so playful, thanks to this lovely script.

Hard not to make comparisons to Utopia, but the important thing is that the lead performances in Rosehaven add more direct/obvious humour. Even the delivery from the supporting cast make for great foils for the jokes (mainly wordplay and puns.) There is more deliberate humour (than Utopia) so this is where the comparisons break down. It is what it is. It is not a vehicle for characters from another show, and in being that it reaches -different- heights. It puts a different spin on what has become an almost formulaic approach to 'cringe-worthy' humour. The low episode count enhances the mood and themes of the show, rather from detracting from it. I ended up longing for a second season, but guiltily hoping they never do one... I hope they prove me wrong... or not...

Lyrical setting. Quirky direction and relationship between key actors, Celia Pacquola, Luke McGregor and Kris McQuade.

A welcome respite from the ubiquitous edgier comedy that too often relies on shock and awe to gather followers. In Rosehaven, actors' lines are put out there without blazing neon lights telling viewers how to react.

More and more viewers seem to be seeking location interest and this one gives you heaps. Tasmania has some beautiful and frequent changes of scenery within a short distance and the series has taken advantage of that.

Plot looks promising although the characters have carried the show so far.

Well promoted by the ABC which isn't always the case in comedy.

A gorgeous episodic series that allows you to dip in and out at leisure. Beautiful landscape and sweet settings that are real. It reminds me of Seinfeld as a show about nothing but with a delicate and delightful Australian sensibility. A truly feel good series that is easy to watch before going to bed because it leaves you feeling happy and content.