Les Norton is a thrilling Australian television series developed by Morgan O'Neill and directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse. The show premiered on ABC and centers on a country bloke and amateur boxer, Les Norton, who moves to the city to make a better life for himself. The show is an adaptation of Robert G. Barrett's popular book series of the same name.
The story is set in the 1980s and follows the misadventures of Les Norton (Alexander Bertrand), a simple and lovable character from the small town of Dubbo. However, when a corrupt cop intercepts him before his first big fight, Les finds himself indebted to a notorious backroom criminal named Price Galese (David Wenham). Les must now work as Galese's muscle and assist him in various illegal activities around the city.
Despite the dangerous nature of the work he does for Galese, Les is an inherently likeable character who always seems to land on his feet. He is a charismatic and witty character, and his approachable demeanor often lands him in hilarious situations that showcase his quick thinking and street smarts. Les is not your typical hard-boiled TV private investigator, but his charm and humor make him an instant fan favorite.
The show's plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, including love triangles and allies who turn out to be foes, and vice versa. Les is an endearing character, and the audience will find themselves rooting for him throughout his journey. He is taken under the wing of several characters, including Detective Sergeant Bill McCoy (David Hoflin), who becomes Les's closest friend and ally in the police force.
The supporting cast of characters is fantastic, and the show's writing makes them feel real and fully formed. Kate Box plays Les's love interest, Karen, a young and ambitious journalist who assists Les in various ways throughout the series. Hunter Page-Lochard plays Eddie, Les's loyal Aboriginal friend, who is always willing to lend a hand when he needs it most.
The setting of Sydney in the 1980s is the perfect backdrop for the gritty and grimy world of organized crime portrayed in the show. The city's vivid nightlife scenes are captured in all their colorful glory, from the neon lights of Kings Cross to the seedy alleyways of Surry Hills. The show does an excellent job of immersing the audience in this world, depicting a gritty and raw picture of the city during this era.
Les Norton is a gripping, entertaining show that combines drama and comedy in a way that is rare in television. The series features well-drawn characters, gripping episodes, and a distinct sense of humor that will leave the audience hooked from the first episode.
In conclusion, Les Norton is a must-watch TV show for anyone who loves a good drama series with a touch of humor. With a standout breakout performance from Alexander Bertrand as the lead character, Les Norton tells a story that's both gripping and light-hearted. It's a tale of redemption and hope in a world where the odds are stacked against you. The setting and characters are well-crafted, and the attention to detail is impressive. It's a show that's easy to binge-watch, and the audience will find themselves eager to see what happens next.
Les Norton is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between August 4, 2019 and on 101 Films