Jacob James Stapleton Being a swimmer myself (in the good ol' days) I was immediately attracted to this series' narrative. Swimming is one of the most competitive sports you can compete in, and one of the most gruelling to dedicate your life to. And all I can say is, I loved it!I simply devoured this series. It is story telling genius in how it moves and what is beneath it but at the same time it is brutal and honest and. It just is. This follow up to The Slap, which could easily be called The Splash, in that it is about swimming, is an epic journey of a kid called Danny Kelly who gets inserted into a fancy college due to his incredible talents in the pond. But despite his excellent coach and natural talent for winning, Danny rubs up against his more entitled peers which soon awakens a raw anger in him that may or may not lead to a sort of destruction, at the height of his reign. This story is about winning, about class, about anger, and about Australia. An Australia that hinges it's identity on glory above all, but who has no real connection to life beneath its surface.I am left sat on this sofa, remembering my old swimming days, what it felt like to dive into that blue, chlorinated volume. What it felt like to race. What it felt like to win. It's new year's eve right now and I might have had a few beers, but so what. This series has prescribed me 'hope'.See you at the Olympics guys!

Deep Impact It was a great television show. kept me glued to the edge of my seat for all 4 episodes. I haven't watched many Australian shows before but I am glad i stumbled upon this one. family dynamic was great between Danny and his family and director didn't hold back when it came to expressing despair for Dannys character. I wish in the end if Martin had forgiven Danny or been by his side as Martin knew that he was partly responsible for Dannys defeat at the championships. I didn't know any of the actors from before but after watching this show I must say I am a big fan, all of them did a great job.I just wish it was a longer show with more episodes to watch i was so attached to the characters that i wished it never ended. I will be looking out for more Australian shows like this one.

fordmodelt Ford On the plus side - good story and some good acting by most supporting cast members. Great underwater swimming shots. Matt Nable plays the school swimming coach and he's very good and anchors the series.On the negative side - the preview 'shorts' at the end of Episode 1 basically spoiled the entire plot of the remaining 3 episodes. Hardly worth watching the remaining episodes because the big dramatic twist in the plot was revealed at the end of Episode 1 in the preview. The editors who decided that would be a good idea should get a kick up the rear end for that decision. The 2 young lead actors have obviously been cast for their athletic body shape and their ages, but their acting isn't great. One of the weakest actors in this mini series is Rachel Griffiths - which is ironic given that she's the only really internationally known actor in the cast. Every time she's in a scene, you are fully aware that she is 'acting' her lines, and not very well at that.This series is very disappointing mainly in the acting department. It's annoying because Australia can produce some good TV series and movies, and plenty of our soapie stars are making names for themselves in the US market. So the talent is here.

ngrace-1 I am not a fan of this writer, every time I start to read his books, I only get a third through. However it was a great production by the ABC and full credit to cast crew and writers. Loved the shots in the pool, and in particular Danny's mother who gave a wonderful and truly authentic portrayal of the European mum committed to family and life of her children. I'm not sure how much the miniseries deviates from book, but if end meaning is the same, then it was great. Not everyone is into sport, or can be a winner, and when a desire, passion, or dream ceases, it's not hopeless, but an opportunity to look at something else in life. I only hope more people will see that message. There's already too much loss of hope in the hearts of many in this world.