Hounds

Hounds is a New Zealand situational comedy series that aired on TV3 in 2012. This unique television show, created by The Down Low Concept, is centered on the professional and personal escapades of the family of a deceased man who was once a prominent and beloved figure in the greyhound racing world.

The storyline pivots around the character of Will, a 30-year-old lawyer who is struggling to make his mark or assert his worth in the merciless world of law. However, the sudden death of his estranged father takes him out of his comfort zone and propels him into the completely unfamiliar territory of dog racing. In his father's will, he inherits a greyhound racing dog named "The Johnson", and he’s suddenly thrust into the world of greyhound racing, a world that he has no knowledge of or interest in.

As Will tries to navigate his way through this unexpected inheritance, he is confronted with the realities of this new life. He also inherits two new family members: his half-sister, Lily, a tenacious seven-year-old who embodies innocence and optimism that often clashes with the harsh realities of the greyhound racing world, and their dog training stepmother, Mrs. Joy Quinovich.

Lily is portrayed as a warm, likeable character who has a profound love for The Johnson and sees the world of dog racing through rose-tinted glasses. At the same time, the character of Joy, who is in her late-40s, is introduced as a no-nonsense character with years of experience in dog training. With a hardened exterior, Joy retains the wisdom, expertise, and a deep passion for the greyhound racing world.

Hounds beautifully drafts the intricacies of the greyhound racing society, offering a glimpse into its operations, challenges, and the community attributes. It's an equally comedic and drama-filled ride as Will, equipped with an ineptitude for dealing with dogs, fights to keep his father's legacy alive while balancing his original city life and law career.

The backdrop of Hounds is set against the raw and fierce environment of the dog racing community in New Zealand which adds an additional layer of realism and authenticity to the series. Through the show's balance of humor, drama, and unusual circumstances, viewers are given an insider view into the often invisible world of dog racing.

Throughout its run, Hounds has garnered favorable reactions for its unique concept, believable acting performances, and a well-structured script that greatly amplifies the audience's emotional investment in the characters. Toby Sharpe’s portrayal of Will presents a character grappling with substantially unfamiliar responsibilities, encapsulating the struggles of swallowing one's pride and readjusting life goals.

Furthermore, under the expert direction of The Down Low Concept, the series is imbued with an undercurrent of dry wit that is so peculiar to the Kiwi humor sensibility, alongside genuine heartfelt moments that showcase the bond between the family members, and their shared connection with The Johnson.

Along with its primary storyline, Hounds also explores subplots that delve into matters of identity, finding one's place in the world, facing fears and stepping into uncomfortable situations, and most importantly, embracing aspects of life that are completely unexpected.

Although set in the specific context of dog racing, Hounds is more broadly a tale of family and the unconventional paths life can lead us down. With its arresting humor, heartfelt connections and the trials and tribulations of the characters, Hounds promises a delightful cinematic experience. From comedy enthusiasts to dog lovers, to those who appreciate well-crafted family drama, Hounds has something to offer to a broad spectrum of viewers.