Loveday Writing

The majority of the show’s subplots revolved around Fin and Mr. Black’s conflict, especially their generation gap and Mr. Black immediately deciding that Fin isn’t good enough for Angela. Some of their conflicts and how they’d get back at each other was cringeworthy, but there were some good moments that illustrated some solid character development. I appreciated the writers’ choice in the pilot to portray both Mr. Black and Fin as unlikeable characters in their own ways.

Despite Mr. Black’s determination to sabotage Fin, which one could argue is a sign of narcissism and is clear manipulation, there are times where it’s made clear that Mr. Black does have a conscience, such as when he apologises to Fin in the pilot after Fin saves his life, but he dismisses his actions, and when he felt guilt for asking Fin if his father ever taught him anything, only to be told that by Fin that his father had passed away. We also find out when Mr. Black antagonises his neighbours for playing loud music and when Angela’s ex-boyfriend, Mark, comes to town that his behaviour isn’t limited to or personal against Fin.

I wrote in my review of the season one finale that the first season of Mr. Black was rocky but eventually found its stride, and while the show wasn’t the best one I’ve ever seen it did have potential and I would prefer to see more Australian-made shows other than reality TV on the air. I also wrote that I hoped for a second season but if it wasn’t renewed, it ended on a good note with Fin and Angela finally getting engaged with Mr. Black’s reluctant acceptance. As it’s been three years since it aired and there’s been no news of a second season, I think it’s safe to say that the show has been cancelled.

Behind the Reviews – Edition #16 will be released next week and will focus on Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries.