sashamerlin
To those thinking (review by jk-692-236394 (United States)) this only happened in Australia, do some research. It happened in the USA between 1940's and 1970's, google Baby Scoop Era.The show is excellent and entertaining, much at the subject matter is heart-breaking. You can't just watch rainbow-coloured shows, but face reality.
Chloe Hughes
Set in 1969 in Stanton House and Kings Cross General Hospital, Sydney a fictional boarding house for young unwed teenage girls and young women when they fall pregnant and a place for them so as not to shame their families. The birth of Annie's (Gracie Gilbert) baby and the arrival of Sister Joan Millar played by the amazing and talented Jessica Marais back from London and one exam away from becoming a doctor marks the changing of times. Joan Millar the crusader ambitious nurse immediately makes an enemy with Matron Frances Bolton Mandy McElhinney) and Dr Patrick McNaughton (Jonathan LaPaglia) on how the patients and the babies are treated at Kings Cross General Hospital finds an ally in ex boyfriend in Philip Page (Ryan Johnson) a lawyer who helps fight Joan's cause. Bring on season 2!!
Rob_Taylor
Australia has produced some of my favourite TV over the years and Love Child is no exception. Set in the late 60's it centres around the (to us now) heinous forced adoption practices that went on back then.It is interesting to see a modern show tackling such a "dark ages" issue and it does it well.Although the underlying adoption practices are at the heart of the show, I found the characters to be the real draw for me. They are distinct and varied and no one is entirely black or white as far as morals and ethics go. Just when you think you have a character pegged into a hole, something is revealed to make you reevaluate the reasons behind their actions.The acting is very good and Jessica Marais (playing Sister Joan Miller, the main character of the story) has an absolutely wonderful ability to get across feelings and emotions with almost no facial movement at all. I'm not sure how she does it, but it is distinctive and very effective. She can, and does, show plenty of obvious emotion too, but it was these subtle expressions that really stand out. I can't think of any other actor that can do that.I would never have thought I would get into a show like this, but I am glad I did. It just sucks that now I have to wait a year for season 2! I'm hoping that, by then, the Nine Network will have dispensed with its "must be in Australia to view this program" nonsense which, let's be honest, is absolutely no bar to anyone with any online experience.SEASON 2 EDIT: Just as good as the first season. Even when I'm not sure I want to watch something too dramatic, within a few minutes of starting the episode I'm hooked. Yep, it is just awesome!SUMMARY: Tackles a difficult issue. Good acting and characters with depth. Not all doom and gloom but it will grip you and not let go. Definitely worth a watch.
cantake8
This Aussie take on drama and misfortune surrounding single pregnant women in the late 1960s Australia presents compelling stories and characters. Stanton House represents a place single women lived and worked during their pregnancy, and promptly separated from their newborns. Callus male doctors, a starchy matron, a crusading newcomer, and an ensemble of pregnant female characters who are diverse in looks, life experience and attitudes populate this effort. They seem to be hurtling toward epiphanies and revelations.This must have been a hoot for set dressers, wardrobe, makeup and hair: every shot looks like a period snapshot. The music track is a little forced and the vintage automobiles are all pristine, much of the wardrobe looks more like party apparel than casual clothing, nevertheless I can't take my eyes off of it.