Janet King (2014–2017) User Reviews

An excellent legal drama

[rachel-marett · 9/10 · 30 March 2014]

My husband & I were fans of Crownies, which sadly ran for only 1 season despite being an excellent drama.

Janet King is a 'spin off' series, incorporating a number of other characters from Crownies. We both enjoy this series which is well acted & scripted as well as being a superior Australian drama.

It showcases the complexities of prosecuting offenders, the relationship with police & the state government, as well as the weight of public expectation.

We hope this series runs into the future with its talented cast of actors.

So good I watched the entire season in 1 day!

[georgina10 · 9/10 · 19 April 2014]

Great Australian Drama are words I don't often agree with these days. Upon switching the channel over to the ABC and stumbling across the final episode of this for just a few minutes I was hooked! I then went back and watched the first episode, then the second and could not stop - this is Great Australian Drama- it really is! If you like watching a drama where you think you have the guilty parties worked out then realize it cannot be them, and then you become suspicious of a few of them then this is for you - it will keep you guessing until the end and what an explosive ending it is! I don't like giving away too much but do yourself a favor and watch this, watch it for the great Aussie cast of fantastic talent and watch it for the really good script.

Tasteful representation, unfortunate reaction

[naomicp-64553 · 8/10 · 12 April 2015]

I am absolutely astonished to see not one, but TWO, reviews cite the same- sex relationship in this program as a reason they didn't like it. That is utterly laughable in this day and age. Furthermore, to class a Lesbian relationship as "feminist" is like calling all gay relationships "misogynist". It smacks strongly of homophobia and sexism.

The gay relationship between the main character and her partner was tastefully and realistically handled, but to be quite honest I completely forgot that King was gay because that tiny fact was not important to the story beyond illustrating how much she loved her family. The fact that she was gay and in a gay relationships was intended to have as much impact as a straight woman's family life would have had, and people's reaction to it highlights a problem in them and society, not the program.

And I'm hugely disappointed that people seem so ready to decry a film representing a relationship that isn't heterosexual and a main character who isn't male. It's a very dated opinion and completely misses the point of the program. If you're hung up on the fact that King is gay, you are completely and utterly missing the point of this program and should probably watch something less challenging.

Ignore the whinge from "whistleblower".

[billfernhill · 9/10 · 30 March 2014]

Obviously my esteemed fellow reviewer has an axe to grind. Describing it as pushing a "leftist, lesbian" agenda is utter nonsense. If the relationship were heterosexual, I seriously doubt that any such vitriol would be forthcoming. Yes, the initial police/courtroom/trial scenes had a couple of "reality" plot holes large enough to drive a tank through, but these are easy to forgive, given the extraordinary quality of this series. Perhaps if you require an absolutely, completely, utterly perfect drama series, you could make it yourself? If for no other reason than to show the rest of us how amazingly talented & absolutely NOT homophobic you must be.

I love Janet King!

[ine_c · 10/10 · 22 April 2016]

This show is amazing! It's great writing, great characters, great directing and great acting. And in a world where Hollywood spew out a lot of "standardized" TV shows, I love how refreshingly non-Hollywood this show is.

I watched Crownies before starting on Janet King. I like both shows, but prefer the latter. Crownies was fun, but Janet King is a lot darker than Crownies. It has more conflicts and more dept, something I personally appreciate. I'm also a huge fan of the title character and of Marta Dusseldorp. You definitely end up rooting for Janet, she's awesome and a total bad-ass. There are a lot of conflicts, and a lot of strain on the main character. And Marta Dusseldorp portrays every feeling perfectly. You can see what she thinks, what she feels, and she's so darn likable :-) A reason why I always end up emotionally invested.

I'm very much hooked on this show! I think a lot of people would be if they started watching.

Amazing Australian Television

[katemiller-18083 · 9/10 · 14 June 2016]

I've deducted points for the skipping over of stories. I understand that there was a snowball intent - throwing losses in the courtroom with a sex scandal and murder attempts at Janet in quick succession - but what it felt like was that there were issues that were being brushed under the carpet and being left unresolved.

That being said, Janet King is modern Australian television that teeters between "you f-ing go girl" to conspiracy theory central. They tackle the massive arc-topic of child pornography and rings of illicit activity operating within the upper echelons of public service that could actually be so close to the truth it's uncomfortable. They demonstrate the difficulties that come with working in the public service and the risk to both body and mind that comes with working on such horrible crimes.

I absolutely applaud the efforts of this show, and the cast and crew.

Lack of humanity...

[softpineswhisperinthebreeze · 15 February 2019]

After three seasons, Janet King's character is completely unrelatable to me. She does have more humanity earlier on (both earlier in season one itself and earlier in season one as compared to seasons two or three). But, she very quickly becomes so obsessed with work that it eclipses anyone of consequence in her life. The most empty part about the whole series is that there isn't some deep-seated drive for justice. She isn't provoked by some personal need to right wrongs like Olivia Dunham from "Fringe" or Olivia Benson from "Law & Order: SVU." Instead, we find out in season three that she has this deep-seated need to be right that she attributes to her father (who has the same preoccupation as her). So, it's all ego, not virtue. (Not that I couldn't tell. The heart just wasn't there.) Meanwhile, she has no real friends, no lasting relationships, and kids that she keeps leaving with other people to take care of (or unattended (?!)).

I'm sure that there are some questions as to whether someone might feel this way about a male character. Personally, I felt the same about "House, M.D.," and he was courteous enough (in the seasons I watched) not to have children, considering his obsession with work, and did a better job of making friends than Janet King. That made him strangely more relatable by comparison, even though I didn't like his character at all.

I also don't have any issue with her being a lesbian. Frankly, I think it's refreshing to see a lesbian character shown as a character rather than an exhibit. Putting minority characters in the spotlight and fetishizing them is unappealing to me. That doesn't happen here, which I'd consider a good thing. But, unfortunately, it's really the only good thing about this series (aside from a few great supporting characters who don't get nearly enough screen time).

The plot lines have gotten progressively more chaotic and disorganized since season one (which was very good, compared to either season two or three). This is only compounded by the fact that time isn't spent well concentrating on the lives of various characters. Things have ended up feeling very fractured and disjointed, particularly in season three (the constant referencing to sport-specific terminology didn't help, either).

Overall, it seems like there were some flaws in season one that could've been compensated for later. But, instead of the writers doing that, everything just got progressively more disorganized, chaotic, and unrelatable. I can't even bear to watch anymore. I was considering dropping it after season two, but gave it a try for season three, hoping for the best. But, it was worse. I wouldn't try again. I wouldn't expect it to get better. It's a shame. The ingredients for success are very clearly here, they're just not being utilized well.

(And, as a side note to the writers: complexity is no substitute for a feeling of connection to the characters, it's a cheap stand-in that's ultimately unsatisfying.)

Took a minute but now hold!

[kkgolfpro · 9/10 · 5 September 2018]

Great characters and interesting story line that follows the entirety of the season.

.. different.. but not so much better

[bjarias · 6/10 · 18 March 2016]

Janet King came several years after its predecessor 'Crownies'. Crownies was a show that really deserved a better fate. It was a very good production, and even if it was determined not to have gone past a second season, there were enough open story-lines at the end of the first season that truly should have been allowed to play out in a second concluding season. As for the delayed spin-off (Janet King), it's a good show, but lacks the warmth and charm of the first series. They kept all the five young actors to start off, but quickly dropped one then another, in the hopes of distancing the new series from the concept of the old.

What remains is of good quality, but less viewer friendly. It's unfortunate they decided to go completely away from the predecessor. Had they found a better balance between the two, retaining the best of both, it could have now overall been even better. As although the show now is by design very different, it's not necessarily that much better. It's now more mature and serious (less soap).. but unfortunately not as overall enjoyable to watch.

Season One: The Enemy Within

[nwbird · 8/10 · 9 December 2018]

Some of my favorite shows come to us from Australia or England. In this case I found "Janet King" (coming from Australia) to be a refresh take on the far too over populated legal drama series. In the US crimes are generally wrapped up in a single episode. This series doesn't do that. It moves the viewer through the season with the goal of solving the crime and saving the day happen at just the right time. Some shows build to such a climax during each episode. This series refrains from doing that. It's like a good book that keeps you interested and invested to the very end. Anyway, to me, "Janet King: The Enemy Within" is fascinating... and I'm totally hooked!!

Season 1 - Wonderful series but spoiled in the final episode by ridiculous plot twist

[msghall · 7/10 · 11 June 2020]

I enjoyed this show right up until the final episode when the lead character acts in totally uncharacteristic fashion causing one to feel ripped off. Janet Kings makes for a wonderful lead, strong and wise with a resolute pursuit of justice. The rest of the cast is just as good although the actor playing Owen is a little too repulsive to not receive any comeuppance. It's just too bad about that final episode where lazy script writing makes a bit of a mockery of the rest of this otherwise fine show.

Not Bad...Pretty Intense Wrtiting and Top-Notch Directing

[PartialMovieViewer · 9/10 · 17 April 2016]

What a relief...a female crime fighter without super powers or a cape. How dare 'Janet King' have a plot...these writers have talent too....hmmm. Skill...in TV entertainment...how offensive (sarcasm if you didn't get it.) Granted, I did think this show was probably not for me, but I lied to myself. This is very high quality stuff. Excellent scripts, the stories are woven into toe-tingly tales that make hair grow on my knuckles; the directing - sheesh - talk about skill - these people can probably direct a bazillion little kittens into a straight line, and the acting is so gob-smackingly delicious - the show screams, 'knife and fork.' Back to earth...the show is very interesting and paced like I like all my shows, breakneck speed. Marta Dusseldorp is a very talented actor, and her chops are all over this thing. She does tend to be a scene-hog, but unlike many other female stars, she does share some of the accolades. Heck - the entire cadre of actors reek of fantastic talent. Now there is one thing I have a problem with is..."The Tarzan Bad, Jane Good Premise." I should be numb to it by now, since Hollyweird has been man-bashing for years. At least with this show, I can look past it. Like Helen Mirren's, "Prime Suspect", "Janet King", takes P.C. to an extreme, so i will have to digest it in small morsels. I know many people can gourmandize on 'poor-me-isms', I am from 'the old school' so I have a hard time listening to too much whining. Before I go on, I can deal with some self-serving 'boohoos', but there is a breaking point. After experiencing enough, 'look-at-me' moments, I will simply reply with, 'Here's a hanky and call me in the morning', or simply, 'Grow up.' Additionally, I suggest employing reality checks when watching more than two episodes in a row. Now, I am certain that all Australian Men are not evil and/or shteutpid. So - I do need a break at times. I have to back away from the TV, and drink a Foster's (that's Australian for Beer - if you didn't know.) Once I clear my head and am no longer seeing pink kangaroos (usually after three Fosters) I can pick up where I left off. Anyways, this show is very good, what I would call a slam dunk. If you can look past the P.C. barrage, you will be in for an outstanding show. I highly recommend this.

Good!

[gallagherkellie · 7/10 · 16 October 2022]

I'm Australian but admit that a lot of Australian shoes aren't the greatest. This one on the other hand is really good.

Season one: I have to admit some parts were predictable but there were also quite a few twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. The acting was well done by everyone, it was good to see so many well known Aussie actors in one show (as well as some I hadn't seen before). Love that the show centres around a strong female also. I'd give it 7.5/10.

Season two: how much bad luck can this woman take? Another season of twists and turns and gripping drama. Also had predictable moments and it's a little silly how connected everything gets, but once again the acting was good and I wanted to binge it. I'd give it 6.5/10.

Looking forward to watching season 3.

A perfect example of 'paint by numbers' television

[KeroScee · 2/10 · 27 May 2017]

On the face of it; Janet King (played by Marta Dusseldorp) sounds like an interesting take on the 'legal drama' serial. Hard hitting cases, delivered in gritty undertones that reflect the depravity we might see the darkest corners of society. Unfortunately, Janet King falls well short of this goal.

To start, the writing shows a definitive lack of subtlety, and authenticity. Legal scenarios play out in an overdramatic and stilted fashion. Backroom politicking comes across as artificial and forced. Much of the drama in Janet King feels artificial, as if the script was written without revision, research, or imagination. This leads us to the characters.

It is difficult to make statements on the quality of the acting here. Undoubtedly, much of the cast is capable of better things, but without any quality material to work with, any exceptional talent will go unnoticed. Characterisation, script, sets and the costume design are like cardboard cut-outs; they have no depth. Everything is played out linearly, any defining moments or character growth is played out in an almost 'by the numbers' fashion. In a sense, nothing comes across as surprising, or real. Janet King's relationship with her female partner could have been a golden moment in Australian TV. Instead if feels forced, stale and all too well adjusted; with Janet spending more time staring intensely into the camera than experiencing the pitfalls of the human condition.

Janet's moral compass and personal philosophy appears to come at no true cost to herself, or her family. Events that should have a significant impact on her personality should impart mental scars or growth. We see none of that in Janet King, rather our protagonist comes across as a hollow amalgamation of various tropes and traits grabbed off a Tumblr guide to LGBT people written by a 14-year-old.

The photography work is exceptional. Crisp angles are used to dynamically frame environments, while use of depth and focus shift are used to great effect. This technical brilliance (kudos to grip and camera crew), is squandered continuously due to poor direction and script. If anything, the great camera work shows off just how poor the story telling, dialogue and set pieces are. For example, people's houses look like magazine pieces. Show models that are utterly unlived in, that give no inclination as to the personalities of their residents. We see our titular character's home life often, but it reveals nothing of her personality or that of her family. It simply comes across as continuously frozen in time.

Attention to detail for such things are instead shifted to diverse or overdressed extras, who say and do nothing other than contrast with the predominately Anglo cast. At best this comes across as poorly executed and one-dimensional attempt at showing a 'modern Australia'. At worst its pandering to a demographic that doesn't watch public television anymore.

In summary, Janet King is a perfect example of terrible original Australian programming. It is utterly devoid of imagination, appropriate attention to detail and quality control. Perhaps in a new series, with a completely new set of producers, directors, and scriptwriters it might be worth watching.

Until then it will likely languish in forgotten mediocrity because it lacks one key element; it isn't believable.

A rarity in TV series

[family-63052 · 9/10 · 28 April 2016]

Imagine you're a person who live by your own principle: committed to your family and work, you're forced to run a trial despite the lack of sufficient evidence (because you're not in the highest rank), that will be "Janet King" season 1 In season 2, you've been through a devastating lost, still working through your very own PTSD, then again you're offered to run an investigation by someone higher rank than you but somewhere along the line, you have no say in certain very important matter. Also you're being accused for something you have not done......how will you proceed?

This TV series help me get through a lot of difficult times and I'm every grateful this TV series ever exist.

Great legal drama

[nancyldraper · 8/10 · 16 January 2022]

This is a good series if you are looking for a crime drama from the perspective of the lawyers who prosecute the offenders. Marta Dusseldorp is excellent, as always, as the protagonist. The plot centres around the politics, both personal and civil, of Aussie law. Interesting story arc, well drawn characters, great performances. I give this series an 8 (great) out of 10. {Legal Drama}

Very well written, brilliant acting

[zuccdvpt · 10/10 · 14 May 2021]

One of the very best series I have ever enjoyed.

Love the surprising twist and turns a series almost impossible to stop watching. Very tasteful filming, simply brilliant!

Season Four

[scntyguy · 9/10 · 12 September 2020]

Janet King was an extremely suspenseful show that kept you on the edge of your chair when watching! There should have been a season four yo bring a ending and show the future of Janet, her children, her friends and colleagues! And especially what finally happened to Owen and his conniving manipulating egotistical ways, and did Janet finally Get the top legislative job of Attorney General! The last episode I feel did not bring closure to Great well written and well acted series, it left a lot unanswered and suggested that Owen won! A great series ending was the last episode of "A Place to Call Home"!

Great and Flawed?

[hill-08435 · 7/10 · 28 January 2024]

Since this series is now on Netflix I'm write a review despite the fact that it began in 2014.

My main problem is that Marta Dusseldorp carries the whole 3 series and that grows tiresome. Her character is driven, conflicted ( she loves her children but rarely sees them) and seems impervious to shock. Her 'wife' is murdered, her own life and that of her children are threatened and she endures being shot at in a drive by but arrives the next day at work as if nothing has happened. She is portrayed as a superwoman, and is being set up as a feminist icon. The cliche of 'I am invincible, I am woman..'. Marta Dusseldorp is a fine actress although her range is slightly limited, she does not seem to have the personal experience necessary to fully inhabit the more dreadful aspects of the criminal world.

The plots are overly complex and the machinations drag on to fill the 8 episodes of each series, 6 eps. Per series would have been better. It is also a pity so much of all 3 series is centered around Janet King, Marta is a beautiful woman and the camera loves her but the other characters are neglected.

I think this show divides people, it is certainly not a soap opera nor is it unwatchable, compared to so much b grade pap from the USA it is a marvel of sincerity. Atleast watch series tow which is better than series one.

JANET KING IS A TERRIFIC SERIES MIXTURE OF COURTROOM DRAMA AND THRILLER

[samann888 · 9/10 · 31 July 2020]

Well acted, directed and the writing is good. Enjoyed Marta Dusseldorf (a Sigourney Weaver look alike) as the lead character. Sorry the show wasn't picked up for more than 3 seaons.

Loved the 3 seasons...

[GulpFriction · 8/10 · 1 February 2021]

... but grew to hate the 'Janet King' character. There were much more interesting & likeable characters. If this was real life I pity King's children and their future psychological problems.

unbelievable

[pauln-16 · 2/10 · 29 April 2016]

* Spoilers *

The head of the police and district attorney insist on prosecuting a woman for a murder with zero evidence there was any altercation, assault, or struggle. There's zero evidence that a murder even took place. The lady is an older out of shape woman. the man is a hardened police sergeant type. Unbelievably stupid.

Then, a guy without any apparent discipline or military training shoots a woman in the head using a handgun from the back of a moving motorcycle at a distance of about 25 meters. again, unbelievable.

I lasted 2 1/2 episodes and had to turn it off. I like the premise of the show and the characters, but if the writing is going to make the characters do unbelievable stupid things that no real life professional would ever consider, I have to conclude the show was written by a bunch of 12 year old girls during a slumber party. How anyone could say this was a riveting legal drama is beyond me. They must know absolutely nothing about the real world.

Don't waste your time.

Loved

[darciabower · 10/10 · 9 May 2020]

It just got better each season. Great to binge on especially during the Covid time.

The acting and the storylines were captivating aaTrue me and I loved a lot of the characters and disliked some but that's what made it even bettter.I also liked the subject matter and felt by the third series when they brought in cricket that my husband and enjoy it as well

Good cast, good acting, good show

[bill-25525 · 9/10 · 19 July 2022]

I wish there was more seasons of it. It focused mainly on the legal case at hand. Lots of twists and turns. After watching Janet King, we decided to watch Crownies, the "prequal" to Janet King, but it was nothing like we expected. It was mainly about young lawyers flirting with each other, more like a soap opera.

A gripping legal drama/thriller

[aussiekiwitvlover · 8/10 · 14 October 2023]

I was drawn to 'Janet King' after watching Marta Dusseldorp's performance in 'Jack Irish' and also 'A Place To Call Home'. I saw Janet King before its predecessor, 'Crownies' and have reviewed that title as well.

Janet King is a well written, tightly controlled, gripping legal drama thriller with 3 seasons focusing on different cases. Marta is excellent as Janet, portraying the confident, gutsy crown prosecutor and high profile figure, while also nailing the vulnerable side of the character. The supporting cast all do a fantastic job and it is great to see the development of the characters from Crownies, now all more experienced, confident and with greater work ethics in their roles. These characters appear at different points during the three seasons.

Season 1 was particularly excellent, with twists and turns, a fast pace and brilliant performances from all involved. Season 2 was also well written and acted. Unfortunately Season 3 was a bit of a let down compared to the high intensity of the other seasons. If it wasn't for this, I would've probably rated this show 9/10.

There are many familiar Australian actors and actresses in this show, particularly who have popped up from time to time in 'McLeod's Daughters'. The pace and intensity of Janet King makes you want to come back for more. A very bingeworthy watch!