Australian thriller 'The Code' brings to mind the classic BBC thriller 'Edge of Darkness', with its story of nuclear secrets, dodgy corporations and untrustworthy government. But we make dramas differently now, and the pace is much faster - which is not altogether a bad thing, although the slick graphics and camera-work are sometimes distracting. There are also some disappointing clichés: the genius hackers who can do just about everything, and the expository graphics that the computers conveniently display for the sole purpose of telling us that they're currently being hacked. Another point of critique is that, apart from the good guys, just about everyone else seems utterly ruthless and violent, in a way that slightly beggars belief: our heroes are asked to make constrained choices, but the motivations of the villains are seemingly explained by villainy alone. That said, the plot is both superficially clever and substantially intelligent, and there's some genuine emotion in the relationship of the central protagonist and his socially limited brother. And for Europeans like me, a chance to get a glimpse of the bleak beauty of the Australia itself.
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paul2001sw-126 October 2014
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l_rawjalaurence13 October 2014On the basis of the opening episodes, Shawn Seet's production looks to provide plenty of interest. A sophisticated political thriller set in Canberra and the outback, THE CODE focuses on the efforts of journalist Ned Banks (Dan Spielman) to find out the connection between governmental politics and a mysterious accident involving the death of a teenager. The quest leads him into several inexplicable and often traumatic incidents; his brother Jesse (Ashley Zukerman) is taken into custody for having hacked a government website, and roughed up in the process. When Jesse returns home, he is so traumatized that he can hardly communicate. No one can be trusted in this world of shadows: Jesse's girlfriend is not quite all that she might be, while Ned's ex-girlfriend Sophie (Chelsie Preston Crayford), a high-ranking member of the government's spin-doctoring team, has a relationship with her oleaginous boss, who knows what's happened to Jesse, but will never let on.
Stylistically speaking, THE CODE borrows some conventions from US series such as NUMB3RS - for example, the flashing of computer- screens and computer-generated information on screen to advance the plot. The basic situation owes a lot to NUMB3RS too: Jesse might be suffering from panic attacks, but he is also a computer genius, working in cahoots with his more staid yet respectable brother Ned. Nonetheless director Seet shows that there is a firm filial bond between the two of them: Ned reveals a touching concern for Jesse's welfare, especially when forced to leave home on a business assignment.
THE CODE makes much of the contrast between town and country; the endless plains of the outback, with lonely buildings placed here and there suggests a wild, untamed world, one where it is very easy to get lost. This is precisely what happens to teenager Clarence Boyd (Aaron L. McGrath) at one point. The city world of Canberra is one of gleaming glass buildings and perpetual shadows - a fitting context for a world of politicking in which people try to get the better of one another by fair means or foul. Most government officials' principal interest consists of saving their own skin - which is why they treat Jesse so brutally as someone who has inadvertently fouled up their organization.
The only criticism of the series so far is that director Seet tends to advance the plot through exposition - where characters explain things to us through dialog - rather than incident. This strategy tends to slow the pace of the drama up somewhat. Once the basic situation have been established, however, the drama unfolds smoothly, offering several surprises along the way. Definitely worth staying with. -
jfcampinell10 May 2016The beginning is a little slow, but keep watching! This political thriller is an interesting series that keeps you guessing from start to finish. What will you look forward to by watching this series? Phenomenal acting, beautiful Australian scenery, mystery, drama, and maybe even a few laughs.
Something that we see in The Code that is not often seen in American television is that our main character is a young man who is undoubtedly on the autism spectrum. But he is not only portrayed as a handicapped individual but also a genius, capable of extraordinary things and also capable of being in a romantic relationship and having a sense of his own sexuality.
Thank you, Australia! -
sarafin701029 January 2015I'm not going to write a review discussing the profound elements of the show, but just a viewer's opinion. In Canada we just got this on the SuperChannel in January so I do not know how this ends. I watched it because there was nothing on telly.....and then the first episode had me riveted and I wanted, no needed the next episode. I really like this show, and not all specialized series are worth much, in fact there are sooo many police shows, gangsters, spies....when does it end, but this show, completely original, actually has me looking forward to the next episode. I have no idea what will happen in any episode, but the fact is that a lot happens in each episode, it feels so much longer than an hour because the show is constantly throwing in a twist and moving....no drawn out drama. I'm so glad I watched it and I highly recommend "the code" to anyone who wants to watch something different but high in action, the actors are great, they are so believable and I'm invested in them. Ashley Zukerman deserves recognition for his role as he is so believable. Dan Spielman is fantastic as his brothers keeper and I have not seen Lucy Lawless since her Zena days but she really can act and does so superbly. I hope there's another season (even tho I don't know how it ends) and thank you so much for creating a TV series that is original, well acted and addictive.
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This is definitely one of the best TV series that Australia has put out in so long, it gets you sitting on the edge of your seat, There no other series like it that I have ever watched and best of all it suits just about anyone. I think there is something for everyone, but I wouldn't let young kids watch it. There is action, mystery, thriller comedy and drama all wrapped up in one big bundle of awesome watching....You never know what is going to happen next. I do however just wish that the seasons went longer., its not as if our country is poor or lacking in exceptionally good actors. All the acting and actors in this series are top class, The story line is believable, and unpredictable and it encompasses the way the world really is, touching on subjects that are perhaps politically "sensitive", making it really good entertainment. I give it a 10 with no hesitation.
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Perrorist27 October 2014I was captivated by the first few episodes and thought that at last we had a worthwhile Australian thriller on our hands, complete with Nordic Noir undertones. The build up of tension was managed competently and, given that character development isn't a strong feature of thrillers as a rule, the actors did well. However, the impetus couldn't be maintained to the end.
That last episode was a let-down: It was as if someone had realised a conclusion must be reached and ends tied up. It was a mess. How everyone could be brought together for the last ten minutes was simply implausible, and the final shots were cringeworthy.
If only this series could have lived up to its initial promise. -
Frankie_angel20 October 2014Wow, what a promising start to a series. I've seen some really good quality coming out of Australia lately and wonderful to see a political thriller now. Absolutely outstanding acting from Ashley Zukerman. I can see him moving on to films in the states, with that talent.
The pilot is gripping from the very initial scene where the accident takes place. I love the way Jesse's mental health issue is portrayed, it's delicate but raw. There should be more programs showing what life is like for those with mental health issues. Portraying such issues in a positive way helps others to understand that they are people first.
This is a first for me, giving a ten out of ten but this is well worth it. I look forward to watching the rest of the series. -
It took me several episodes to get intrigued enough to continue watching this Australian TV series based on political control within the Australian government which is reminiscent of the Dick Chaney "Whitehouse" cover up years regarding WMDs.
The first few episodes were extremely slow due to plot development, but forgivable as it is probably indicative of what life is really like Down Under in Canberra and the outbacks of Australia. It was not until I saw episode 3 when I decided to invest more time in this better than average production.
The plot is strong enough to gain interest early in the episodes, but started to wain in the latter parts of the series.
The show was well cast and many of the actors gave strong performances including the leads Spielman and Zukerman . However, having said this, I felt that Zukerman's character, Jessie, was over the top irritating. Zukerman did an admirable job in developing his character early on in the series, but one has to wonder if he had to chronically snort chili peppers during each scene in order to personify this character who was mildly autistic (constant tearing, with chronic red eyes and runny nose). His performance became progressively grating and contrived, which made it difficult to watch the scenes he was in without wanting to slap him over the head. I understand Zukerman won the Australian best actor TV award for this role, so perhaps I was the only one that felt this way.
I gave this show a 7 because it has merit early on and is well worth seeing until you get bored or just tired. -
pamelatfuller20 April 2015I thoroughly enjoyed all the episodes of this show. The fast pace was dizzyingly fun - like riding a roller coaster. The massive amount of information packed into each episode (fact or not) was impressive. The wide range of characters allowed for a full understanding of how one action or inaction can impact so many. The honest portrayal of relationships (Ned & Jessie's, Hani and her parents) was totally endearing to me - made me want to keep cheering them on to the truth. I really appreciated the development of the character Jesse. In the beginning of the first episode I was concerned he would be marginalized or 'cartooned'. I am pleased this was not the case. I am mother to a special needs child. To see real feelings and emotions from both Jesse and Ned in reference to Jesse's 'condition' was awesome!
In this day of a gazillion reality shows, it is such a joy to find good, intelligent fiction. I have enough reality in my life, TV is for escaping a bit of the craziness in my life.
Well done to the entire crew and cast for their efforts! I look forward to all of your future works... -
pfgpowell-131 October 2014There's a lot to be admired in Shelley Birse The Code, not least the convincing, often quite touched, relationship between journalist Ned Banks and his autistic brother Jesse. And the final scene of one of the 'baddies' leaving Australia with - well, I shan't tell you here - does end it all on an unexpected note and set Ms Birse et al up for a second series. And that's no bad thing because if nothing else The Code is hugely entertaining.
But there's also room for niggles, however, not least that the computer hacking abilities is to flawless and results are obtained far, far too quickly to allow us to suspend disbelief. Yes, I know cyber nerds can do a lot you, but this quickly? This efficiently? From a cybercafe in the outback?
And to be honest I really wasn't too sure what was going on, not even when the final credits were rolling. I could attempt some kind of explanation here, but it doesn't really add up: so some of the bad guys were actually good guys, though a tad brutal? I am always rather disappointed in some drama productions which don't have the mega-bucks budgets of Hollywood - which is all of them made outside Hollywood, then - that there are so few characters of any consequence. Yes, I know it comes down to nothing more than budget restraints but . . .
Overall, though, The Code was refreshingly different and, for this Brit at least, it was good not to suffer from the usual range of 'cutting edge' TV drama clichés which are apt to pepper our homegrown - Brit - product (an obligatory gay character, the alcoholic who can still keep it together, the single-mum cop who juggles motherhood and career with an Avon Lady business - no, I think I've got that wrong, but you get the picture. I can honestly say I shall look forward to the second series if there is to be one. -
ThaliaDavies25 October 2014Like many Australians I have been let down by the calibre of television in this country. Never did I think I would award 10 stars to an Australian show. That was under I started "The Code". I didn't expect much from this show, in fact I thought a "Samson & Delilah" esque plot would evolve from the synopsis. How wrong I was.
There are several plot lines running concurrently. One is set in the bush in a remote town where Alex (a VERY unrecognisable Lucy Lawless) has set up shop as a bleeding heart teacher. Two of her students take her car for a joyride. Cut to Canberra where we get a glimpse into the surprisingly thrilling world of Australian politics. My personal favourite is watching the complex relationship between brothers Ned & Jessie unfold, Ned being an internet journalist who uncovers the story of the missing teens & Jessie being a brilliant but troubled computer geek. This is all tied together beautifully with the Australian version of the NSA on the trail of our would be heroes. Gripping stuff.
This is every bit as slick & well developed as its Hollywood counterparts, in particular Homeland (before it went weird). Give it a go, you will not be disappointed. -
dgjones-622582 September 2020Both seasons are worthy of your time if you like quality drama that unfolds over several episodes.
The writing, acting, and production are top quality, with no 'as if' moments. As someone else has mentioned, the first season does borrow from 'Edge of Darkness' but it is used for inspiration and not a copy - the story develops in a different direction.
The brother with Asperger's/autism is a great part that any actor would have loved to play. His part is written into the story and is NOT the story - inclusiveness for the sake of it really pi**ses me off, so I was impressed with how his character developed as part of the story.
The BBC are crap at developing stories that include diversity and always seem to thrust it down your throat, so I liked how this production (not BBC) portrayed the autistic character. I write that to encourage you to watch this show as I am usually put off by any 'inclusiveness' being central to the story. 'The Bridge' (Nordic version) did it better, but this is comparable and I write that as a compliment.
Watch and enjoy. -
SPOILERS * * * * * *
How many times is Ned going to leave Jessie alone to get into dangerous mischief until he realizes Jessie shouldn't be left alone?
Why does NO ONE tell Sheyna's dad that Clarence didn't kill her? Even the sheriff keeps quiet.
How many times is Sophie going to trust Randall, only to get screwed over again?
Why does Lyndon let Andy King walk when he's a known killer?
All of that is lazy writing in order to create conflict. Good writing is when conflict arises from things that make logical sense. -
Tweekums26 October 2014This six part Australian drama opens with an accident in the Outback; one teenager is killed another is injured. It would probably have been written of a tragic accident if a journalist didn't find the name of the town in a dossier given to him by a government press officer. The journalist, Ned Banks, starts investigating and, with the help of his autistic brother, a hacker, he accesses data on the surviving teenagers phone which shows that what happened wasn't an accident somebody is doing something in the Outback and they will kill to protect their secret. It isn't long before sinister government agents are after them; desperate to prevent the secret from being exposed not only because it is embarrassing but because in the wrong hands it could be dangerous.
The 9pm slot on Saturday on BBC4 has been dedicated to Euro-drama for some time but the fact that this was from Australia, and thus in English, didn't make it feel out of place. Like the many Scandinavian dramas shown in the time-slot this was dark and gripping. The story gets the viewer hooked fairly quickly and there is the sense that people are in real danger; including the protagonists. This leads to some uncomfortable, but not gratuitous, scenes; most notably while brother Jesse is mistreated in custody. There is violence, swearing and nudity so if you don't like that sort of thing this won't be for you but if you don't mind and like good grown up drama then this is well worth watching. The cast does a fine job and the director manages to maintain a good sense of tension; even making a building as well known as the Australian Parliament in Canberra look sinister thanks to the way it is shot. -
leos_monkey26 September 2014This is ABC TV's most ambitious political tense thriller about a Government cover up involving two teenagers (Aaron Grath; Clarence Boyd & Madeleine Madden; Sheyna Smith) in a car accident that collided with a truck- one dies set in the fictitious country town of Lindara ( filmed in Broken Hill). Journalist Ned Banks ( Dan Spielman) comes across this story when he is given a file by a Government worker Sophie Walsh (Chelsie Preston-Crayford) who he gets his brother Jesse (Ashley Zuckerman) who has autism but smart to hack into the computer to retrieve the full video the teens left on their phone. The Code is full of A grade talented actors like Lucy Lawless (Alex Wisham) a school teacher in Lindara who contacted Ned and Aaron Pedersen plays Lindara's police officer Tim Simons, Steve Rogers & Dan Wylie play AFP officers, Aden Young and David Wenham play powerful Government officials desperate to keep the accident a secret.
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BeneCumb1 June 2023Being a fan of Scandinavian and UK thrillers in the main, I sometimes widen my horizons and ascertain what other countries tend to offer. The Code is no first Australian drama thriller for me, but I can´t recall that I´ve seen events happening in the capital Canberra (usually it is Sydney...) As for potential conspiracy, Australia is a big country enough for this and so the benchmark seemed realistic (sometimes producers from small and "boring" countries tend to create a deep and far-fetched story).
Most actors-actress were unfamiliar to me (apart from Anthony LaPaglia and Robyn Malcolm), but often it is no disadvantage as overexposed performers tend to appear in similar roles... Still, in my opition, LaPaglia and Ashley Zukerman give the best performances and/or have the most versatile characters to play; Ned and Hani, for instance, did not impress me too much.
With "too Australian" I mean that some issues-events seem very far-incomprehensible for an outsider, e.g. Papua-related ones. But on the other hand, it provides additional knowledge of the area and the topics Australia as a regional leader has to address.
All in all, strong 7 points from me - was no waste of time, but there are AUS series for more "general" viewers... -
cartman_usaf14 April 2015I enjoy too much the gripping story line and show how real terrorist are treated in some way. I think Jesse is the character you root for for the whole story. They could do a movie and it will be very successful. I enjoy the show now that is in Netflix. Hopefully they could continue the story and expand more they could start with how Jesse got caught and was sentenced not to touch a computer ever again. And the story of his brother with a member of th PM CHAMBER. I'm becoming more addicted to all Aussie and New Zealand TV series. They are becoming a big powerhouse in TV series. Netflix and the USA audience should start give a chance to all the series that I'm glad you can see thru my iPad,Xbox and PS3. I hope Netflix continue to bring more and even cinema from the Australia, New Zealand.
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fredit-4300423 September 2021How many times will Ned leave Jesse alone? As often as the plot dictates. The first three hours were terrific, as we were treated to mystifying pieces of the puzzle. But then there came a need for some explanations, and the story seemed (to me) to fall into a torture-fest, with competing gangs of torturers. The motivations of virtually everyone seemed to be lost in the torture. Granted, there are no all-good heroes nor all-bad villains, but six hours is a long time to wait for clues as to motivation, especially as there was no character functioning as an investigator. Ned's discoveries (for an investigative reporter) seemed almost fortuitous, depending on how unhinged Jesse was at that moment.
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jsrtheta14 January 2018If you have trouble hanging with a show, if you start to fade around Episode 3, if your mind easily wanders, this show is the cure.
This show has run two seasons, and I have no idea if there will be a third. We can only hope. But this story (two stories, really) of two brothers, one a reporter, one an autistic computer genius (and no, that's not horrible, it works) grabs you by the collar and does with you what it will.
Dan Spielman and Ashley Zukerman are stunning as brothers Ned and Jesse. Their sibling relationship arrives fully fleshed out, complicated and nuanced, one we accept immediately. Not that we have the time to examine it at our leisure, because the plot arrives like a freight train, and we are have to hang on, waving in the slipstream as it tears down the track. This is true for each season, by the way, though the stories are mostly self-contained. There is government corruption, business corruption, nasty heavies as well as the morally conflicted and the less brave.
You can watch both seasons over two nights, and you very well might. And, boy, will you be glad you did. Unmissable. -
jcchfinn-6184718 January 2021It is well acted but the script, in my opinion, was poor. I would certainly not sit through a third series. Sorry to disappoint those who actually liked it. We will just have to agree to disagree.
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calorne1 September 2017This is a good tale which kept me watching to the end of the series. The acting and the pace of the drama are both well pitched. However, there is a stand out factor in this drama in my view. I could be wrong, but I believe that the Australian film company may have plied Hugh Grant with Pommiegranite causing him to become rejuvenated, accept a role in the series and assume the name of another actor. If you have seen the series you may well have noticed this too. If not, it's worth watching the series for the HG factor alone.
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matjaz-pihler-939-7279064 May 2018Excellent acting, smart scripts, reality. You must brush aside the stereotypes, some small absurdities, but even for a computer programmer this is an enjoyable series to watch.
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cinemagick23 April 2021It's a pretty decent drama and well acted. The autistic brother character is kind of cringe. It's so difficult conveying the subtleties of mental illness (or disabilities) on screen and often comes off as stereotypical. My other complaint is that many male characters look very similar. I honestly had a hard time figuring out who was who for the first episode. Alas, I'm a fan of computer/tech conspiracy stories so I give it a thumbs-up.
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qui_j21 October 2016This ABC produced TV series started off well but began to deteriorate rapidly after the first couple of episodes. While I understand the need for fantasy in escapist TV series, this one really depended on that aspect far too much. Although it was advertised as Australia's response to Scandinavian Noir films, it does not even come close. By the start of season two, one started to get tired of the computer screen displays constantly appearing on screen, a plot that had weakened significantly, and acting that was becoming very tiresome. The plot began to go all over the place with sub-plots developed but went nowhere. The actor who played the Autistic brother seemed to go in and out of character too often, and the story line began to wrap up very quickly as if they suspected the series might be cancelled.....or maybe the writers just ran out of ideas.
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kane-7210315 February 2019I only started watching this because of my teenage crush on Lucy Lawless, but the show got me hooked from the start. The acting is brilliant from the top, Jesse and Ned are played exquisitely, but basically every actor in The Code deserves praise. The show lacks dramatic car chases, explosions, gore, but manages to keep your heart rate up through well paced action. Love the 6-episode per season approach, it helps to keep the each episode top notch.