Outrageous Fortune

Outrageous Fortune, a New Zealand-based television series that aired from 2005-2010, was a pinnacle of comedy-drama television on TV3. The series was an unprecedented success, captivating audiences with its compelling narrative and characters that were so well envisioned and crafted that they were both relatable and entertaining.

The show was built around the fast-paced, thrilling lives of the West family - a disreputable group trying to navigate life after the family patriarch, Wolf, gets jailed. Robyn Malcolm brilliantly played the role of Cheryl West, the matriarch, who, stunned by this sudden turn of events, decides it's time for her family to make a drastic change - to renounce their criminal ways and go straight.

Antony Starr, in a dual role, depicted twins Van and Jethro West. Van, the kind-hearted yet naive member of the complex family, contrasts sharply with his cynical, lawyer brother, Jethro. This contrasting portrayal by Starr will leave you transfixed by the stark individuality of both characters - a mere glimpse of the calibre of acting embraced by this series.

The West children also include Pascalle and Loretta, played by Siobhan Marshall and Antonia Prebble respectively. Pascalle, the beauty of the family, is a seemingly superficial character who, however, comes of age, revealing her layers with each episode. Loretta, the youngest, is a startlingly candid and brilliantly acerbic character whose wit and intelligence make for an engaging viewing experience.

The cast gets more versatile with Frank Whitten as granddad Ted West and Grant Bowler as the police officer Wayne Judd. Ted, with his old-school, criminal wisdom and Wayne, with his commitment to law, added fascinating character dynamics to the narrative. Kirk Torrance played a steady character, Detective Sergeant Mark Reynolds, who was consistently torn between his obvious affection for the West family and his obligations to law enforcement.

The backbone of Outrageous Fortune was its evocative storytelling, which was anything but typical. Developed by James Griffin and Rachel Lang, it was a tale of a family battling societal and personal contradictions in their commitment to turn their life around. Each episode masterfully showcased their struggles, morally dubious choices, and a lengthy, humorous, and heartfelt transition from a family of criminals to ordinary citizens. This change was not simply window-dressing but was rather depicted with a focused emphasis on the implications of this transition on each character. This series was about transformation, growth, and maturity, set against a background that was as entertaining as it was profound.

In its six-season run, the show created a unique identity with its inventive narrative and unforgettable characters. Despite their inherently flawed nature, they were so perfectly cast and skilfully written that you wouldn't help but root for them. The way the show painted the characters' lives was a perfect blend of comedy, drama, romance, and crime go hand in hand.

Outrageous Fortune beautifully combined sharp, witty writing with exemplary performances by the cast. It was genuinely hilarious when it meant to be, and deeply moving when needed. The show did not shy away from the realities and consequences of crime, providing its viewers with a realistic yet nuanced perspective into the lives of these extraordinary characters.

The series was laced with a distinctive blend of humour and drama, carefully balancing the severity of the situation with elements of lightheartedness to ensure that the viewing experience was both entertaining and contemplative. This shifting tone contributed to the series' charm and meant viewing it was like being on a roller-coaster ride - full of unexpected twists, turns, and emotion-filled narratives.

In conclusion, Outrageous Fortune was an extraordinary achievement in television. It served up a hefty dose of real human emotions roguishly tangled with constant comedy. This unique combination was delivered by a company of versatile actors who seemed as devoted to their roles as the viewers were. As a result, Outrageous Fortune has left an indelible mark on television history, testament to its unique plotline, lovable characters, and heartfelt storytelling. It is a series that will continue to be watched, analysed, and enjoyed for years to come.