Australia, 1986. Geoff Walters and Helen Norville are the star anchors of the “News at Six” program on a commercial television network. Geoff overshadows Helen, who, despite being an excellent journalist, struggles to break out of her role as a mere prop. A whole production team revolves around them. Lyndsay, the hot-tempered and abusive boss; Dennis, the director who takes it all in stride; Rob, a former champion and sportscaster; Noelle, the assistant; and Tim, the sexy but gay cameraman.
Dale, an ambitious aspiring journalist, joins the production team. Thanks to a series of fortunate events, Dale manages to win Helen’s trust and become her co-host, instead of Geoff. Each of them has a troubled past that holds back their ambitions. Hélène struggles with mental health issues and erratic behavior. Dale can’t come to terms with his attraction to men. Deeply devoted to Hélène, he shares her life. But when you’re chasing scoops day in and day out, you have to expect to see your own private life splashed across the front pages of the newspaper.
The media in the 1980s—not so different from today’s…
The series effectively captures the atmosphere of the 1980s through its costumes, the technology of the time (no cell phones or internet!), and the major events of the late 1980s. In particular, AIDS is killing many people and terrorizing the population, which finds an outlet by stigmatizing homosexuals.
Now as then, the media revels in society gossip and minor private scandals, all the while on the lookout for a big scoop on a major event—preferably an international one. Information is a source of revenue, shared between those who acquire it and those who brodcast it. The higher the stakes, the more integrity and verification of information become optional…
Personally, I didn’t really manage to feel much empathy for many of the characters, especially Dale. Nevertheless, the plot remains both educational and gripping. Overall, it’s a good series that highlights some principles that are still relevant today.
3 seasons, 18 episodes (55 mn), 2021-2025, on AMC and Netflix
WITH :
Anna Torv (Secret city, Territory) as Helen Norville, Sam Reid as Dale Jennings, Robert Taylor as Geoff Walters (Territory) (seasons 1–2), William McInnes as Lindsay Cunningham, Stephen Peacocke (Wanted) as Rob Rickards, Michelle Lim Davidson as Noelene Kim, Chum Ehelepola as Dennis Tibb, Marg Downey as Evelyn Walters, Philippa Northeast as Kay Walters, Chai Hansen (The new legends of Monkey, Apple cider vinegar), as Tim Ahern, Rory Fleck Byrne (s. 2-3) as Gerry Carroll, Daniel Gillies (s. 2-3) as Charlie Tate, Daniel Henshall (Turn) as Bill McFarlane
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