Some Dude I've never understood the fascination that people seem to have with criminals. This show had a different take though -- the lives of a group of criminals trying to go straight. I thought it was an interesting idea so I watched 4 episodes before I just couldn't take it anymore.In the end, it is still a show about criminals. The mom who is the driving force behind the "go straight" theme is still a person I would be disgusted to know and the rest of the family, including the lawyer son, are all white trash of the lowest order. Nothing I saw in the episodes I watched led me to have even a glimmer of a hope that it would get better with time.

Robin Rowlands It's hard to believe there are people out there who don't appreciate this avant garde show. I doubt they got past a few episodes - if they had they would know that it is just about the best series I have seen in a LONG time. Maybe it's the accent, the copious amount of sex and profanity that puts people off - I don't know. I do know I avoided it for a while myself as the previews and clips absolutely do not do it any justice, but I recently borrowed the series from a friend after much nagging, and have been watching it almost 24/7 since. Highlights for me are: The character development is sensational. Anthony Starr's acting is beyond reproach, and Robyn Malcolm, Antonia Prebble and Frank Whitten are almost as excellent. The other thing that amazes me is how you can be crying real tears one moment then laughing to the point of crying moments later. The whole show is just a roller-coaster of entertainment. Plot lines are on the whole plausible and engaging. Sometimes you have to suspend belief, of course, with some of the characters like Falani and Sparky being even more over the top than the others, but they absolutely add to the show.There's no real way to describe this show because it IS unique. About the only similar show we have in Australia is Packed to the Rafters, which I enjoy, but it's really not a patch on OF. I can't think of a single US show that comes remotely close - but then anyone who has read any of my reviews would know that I am no fan of US television on the whole. Trying to think of a UK series that compares, but can't off the top of my head - I have a feeling some of the ones on my "to watch" list will be great, though.Just do yourself a favour and get this series even if you have to beg for borrow or steal it!

puddy_15 Australia doesn't get to see much New Zealand television, but when we do we are treated to brilliant drama and Outrageous Fortune is the best of the lot.Outrageous Fortune is huge in New Zealand, and for good reason, it is a brilliant show with fantastic actors and a story that reels you in and doesn't ever let you go.Featuring prominent New Zealand actors Robyn Malcolm, Antony Starr(who plays identical twins who are polar opposite), Antonia Prebble, Siobhan Marshall and a few Aussies (the brilliant Grant Bowler)and fantastic writing crew that keep the show going. The only downside is Australian channels stuffing up the rights to the show (currently on Channel 10 on Friday nights)The show starts of with the head of the West family, Wolfgang, going to jail and mother Cheryl deciding to go 'straight' to the dismay of her family.From the beginning of the first episode till the end of the 5th season you will laugh and cry while watching this show, i know i did.

michaels-8 The only Outrageous thing about this show is that it was made in the first place. Never mind getting a second season. It looks like a soap opera that should have been shelved. I can't believe that it has made it on to our screens. It is absolutely dreadful. Working in television myself, all I can think is that the Nine Network Australia got the show in a package as part of a deal - Surely they didn't pay for it. I'm wondering whether they actually have watched it before they put it to air. The only good thing about it is that it has obviously kept actors in work so that's a good thing. Honestly don't waste your time - hire a video, read a book or better still switch the channel!