K-9

K-9 is an exciting and engaging whimsical science fiction television series produced by Screen Australia, running from 2009 to 2010, that effectively blends comedy, action, and family-friendly themes into 26 captivating episodes. Tailored to appeal to both young viewers and adult audiences who harbor a fascination for the fantastic, the show brands itself as a bold reinvention and an indirect spin-off from the long-established British franchise, Doctor Who.

Primarily driven by the exploits and adventures of the titular robot dog hero from the original Doctor Who series, the show stars Robert Moloney and Maia Mitchell, among others, and intriguingly shifts its locale from the familiar British setting to a dystopian, futuristic city in London during the year 2050. This vibrant setting opens the doors for layers of imaginative storytelling, making the scope for creativity deeply profound.

K-9 follows the adventures of Professor Gryffen, portrayed by Robert Moloney, a renowned scientist working on the mysterious Space-Time Manipulator, capable of opening up portals to any area throughout time and space. Living with him are Starkey, a rebellious teenager portrayed by Daniel Webber, and Jorjie, played by Philippa Coulthard, who embodies a shape-shifting mix of rebellion and charm. Maia Mitchell takes on the role of Georgia "Georgie" Pike — an affectionate friend, clever inventor, and trained combat specialist. Together, they form a non-traditional nucleus of a family, albeit the high-stakes chaos that permeates their lives every day.

The group's dynamics take a turn for the extraordinary when K-9, now drastically redesigned and upgraded, enters their lives. Initially saving them from hostile forces, K-9 becomes an integral part of the team, assisting them with his superior intellect, scanning capabilities, and state-of-the-art gadgetry. Voiced by John Leeson, K-9 retains his iconic charm, wit, and dedication to noble causes, all while handling an arsenal of advanced weaponry built into his sleek, metallic body.

While retaining an episodic structure, each episode of K-9 tells an individual tale. However, an overarching storyline runs throughout the series — the team's constant struggle to control the Space-Time Manipulator and their ensuing battles with the various creatures and alien forces that emerge from the unstable portals. Simultaneously, they must also navigate the hyper-supervised society overseen by the Department, a monolithic entity that exercises rigid control over the citizens, including a restriction on canine companions, making K-9's existence a clandestine affair.

K-9 cleverly injects elements of suspense, action, and even emotional scenes, creating a complex narrative that epitomizes the essence of classic science fiction. Despite the fantastical circumstances, K-9 profoundly explores themes of friendship, family, self-discovery, and the valor necessary to stand up against oppressive forces. The recurring theme throughout the series is the intricate balance between fierce independence and nurturing relationships.

While the show draws inspiration from the Doctor Who universe, it is distinctly unique, with a brand-new premises, characters, and risks. The writing is sharp and often balanced with the right touch of humor, and the visual effects, especially for K-9, are highly impressive, owing to the show's boast of being the first series produced in High Definition in Australia.

One of the main highlights is the performances by the main cast. Robert Moloney offers a fine portrayal of a troubled, yet passionate scientist, and Maia Mitchell infuses a spirited performance imbued with warmth and resolve. The young actors, Daniel Webber and Philippa Coulthard, also deliver competent performances, which, combined with K-9's ideal blend of gravitas and quirk, make for an engaging ensemble cast.

The show's inventiveness, accessibility, and the mixing of familiar elements with novel contexts make K-9 an engaging watch, particularly for science fiction enthusiasts. Whether or not a viewer is a fan of the original Doctor Who series, they're likely to find K-9 a fresh, exhilarating, and emotionally satisfying detour into the depths of science fiction filmmaking.