Mr Inbetween

Mr Inbetween is a riveting and darkly comical Australian drama series that first aired on Australia’s Showcase network and the American FX channel in 2018. It ran for three illustrious seasons, coming to an end in 2021. Originally created by Scott Ryan and based on the 2005 film "The Magician", the show captures the nuances of life's dualities through its principal character, Ray Shoesmith.

The title of the show itself encapsulates the essence of the central character and the life he leads. Ray, portrayed by creator Scott Ryan, is "Mr Inbetween" – a man living a life of stark contrasts. During the day, he's a devoted father, caring for his young daughter Brittany (Chika Yasumura), and a loving boyfriend to his paramour, Ally (Brooke Satchwell). He's loyal, has an oddly comical sense of humor, and cares deeply for his family. However, when the sun goes down, his other side kicks into gear. Ray is a criminal for hire – acting as a hitman, debt collector, and rough man when needed.

The dichotomy of Ray's life serves as the cornerstone of the series' chief narrative. It navigates the complications derived from trying to balance domestic life while entangled in the underworld's tribulations. It raises the question of how a man with such moral inconsistencies justifies the actions he takes in the name of survival, obligation, or provocation. The antihero persona of Ray resonates throughout as he walks a fine line between an ordinary man with chores and a criminal with targets.

The series stands out for its unique mix of humor, violence, and raw reality, which pervades the storytelling. The show doesn't shy away from showcasing the grim details of Ray's criminal activities. At the same time, it counterbalances these themes with moments of genuine human connection and even humor – primarily stemming from Ray's sardonic disposition. Ryan's performance has been highly praised for encapsulating Ray's complexities, painting a multi-dimensional portrait of a hitman with more than just a professional edge.

Further character richness comes through Ray's relationships throughout the series. His bond with his daughter Brittany showcases his paternal side, while his relationship with Ally, a paramedic unaware of his criminal activities, reveals his capacity to love and care. Concurrently, his amiable rapport with his confidant and friend Gary (Justin Rosniak), paints him as a loyal mate, adding further depth to his overall character makeup.

On the darker side, his professional dynamics demonstrate his resourcefulness and ruthlessness. His troubled relationship with his mentor and boss Freddy (Damon Herriman) and interactions with his clients and targets highlight the high-stakes, perilous nature of his nighttime repertoire and the constant tightrope walk his existence entails.

The show successfully juggles different tones and themes, maintaining a dark, dry humor one moment before snapping back to tension and dread with swift effectiveness. It delves into the humanistic side of a man usually relegated to one-dimensional villainy in other crime dramas, offering a fresh and candid exploration of his daily life. The series is not about explosive gang wars or high-stakes heists; its charm lies in its titular character and the riveting tale of balancing his 'in-between' life.

Mr Inbetween is directed by Nash Edgerton, blending genres seamlessly to present a thrilling, dramatic, and humor-filled story. Each episode running approximately 30 minutes, it is digestible, packed, and leaves you wanting more. With accolades including an AACTA award for Best Drama series, this seemingly quiet Australian drama has made an undeniable impact during its run on television.

In conclusion, Mr Inbetween is a brilliant, understated exploration of a hitman's uncelebrated life, a character-driven drama that humanizes an antihero via an engaging narrative and numerous real-world themes. It oscillates between absurdity and grim reality, eliciting laughs as often as it induces tension. The total of three seasons offer a succinct and impactful journey into the life of Ray Shoesmith – the father, the friend, the lover, and the felon – living his unlikely, in-between life.