Big Sky

Big Sky is an Australian television drama that aired from 1997 to 1999. It was developed by John Edwards for the Network Ten and produced by Southern Star Xanadu. Set in the mysterious beauty of the Australian outback, the show explores the lives and relationships of the town's residents, interweaving compelling human drama with exciting adventure stories.

The setting for Big Sky is a small Australian town titled "Broken Hill", a community of people with uniquely Australian spirit, grit, and humor. The town's primary industries are farming and aviation. To the rest of the world, the vast, diverse landscape surrounding Broken Hill is known as the 'big sky', hence the name of the show.

This gripping series centers around the people working at 'Big Sky Aviation', a small airline charter company operating from an airport in the heart of the outback. It follows the lives of the employees - pilots, engineers, and office staff - as they navigate the trials and triumphs of living and working in such a unique, harsh environment. Intense day-to-day operations, including stressful emergency flights and search and rescue missions, are part and parcel of life at Big Sky Aviation.

The series has a strong ensemble cast that breathes life into a wide range of characters, each with their own elaborate backstories, making Big Sky a character-driven show. Headlining the cast is charismatic pilot Chris Manning, played by Gary Sweet, a man with a mysterious past and a strong moral compass. He is accompanied by business partner Jimbo James, played by Martin Henderson, a man who is just getting the hang of running the business in the male-dominated aviation industry.

Another notable character is the smart, dedicated Lauren Allen, portrayed by Rhys Muldoon, who manages the office with ease, despite the rampant chauvinism. She provides a feminist voice throughout the series and her strong character contrasts with the men of the outback. Meanwhile, Alexa Reed, played by Lisa Baumwol, shines as a rookie pilot who must constantly prove herself in a predominantly male field.

The series skillfully balances tension and adventure with subplot lines containing romance, heartbreak, and personal growth. Each episode comes with its own set of challenges, be it taxiing pregnant women to nearby cities, transporting dangerous cargo, or braving treacherous weather conditions. Alongside these, deeper storylines are the lives, loves, and losses of those who have chosen the outback and the sky as their home - a testament to the human spirit.

Big Sky uses the Australian outback not just as a backdrop but as a central character in the narrative. The location itself plays a vital role in each episode with its vast and isolated expanses, dramatic weather changes, and diverse natural conditions playing parts in the series’ many adventurous episodes. It doesn't shy away from highlighting the remote and harsh nature of the environment, epitomizing it in its depiction of everyday life, personal struggles and the dangerous line of work of its characters.

Lastly, Big Sky tackles numerous social issues prevalent in the late 1990s. It explores themes such as sexism, racism, homophobia, and environmental crisis through storylines that are both gritty and realistic. These daring themes, combined with the intense action and relatable characters, make Big Sky a standout in the contemporary Australian TV landscape.

In summary, Big Sky is more than just a drama series; it is an immersive experience exploring the beauty and dangers of the outback, the courage of its inhabitants, and the power of the human spirit. Whether you're in it for the thrilling adventures, captivating human drama, or simply curious about life in the Australian outback, Big Sky is a breath-taking journey worth embarking on.