Satisfaction

Satisfaction is a provocative drama series from Fremantle Media that takes viewers behind the scenes of a high-end Australian brothel for a revealing look at the personal and professional lives of five women working in this highly controversial field. The show aired from 2007 to 2010, gaining significant attention for its bold storytelling approach, nuanced characters and excellent performances by its talented ensemble cast.

Kestie Morassi leads the talented ensemble cast portraying Heather, a receptionist who provides a sense of stability and control amidst the chaotic lifestyle of her colleagues. She becomes the central figure of the series who struggles with her own issues while keeping the brothel, "232", running smoothly.

Madeleine West plays the ambitious Mel, who uses the business to fund her law school studies. She is smart, articulate and quick-witted – traits that also make her popular among clients. Her character explores the trials of balancing a double life of law student by day and sex worker by night, a constant dance between her ambition for something greater and the practicalities of her current circumstances.

Diana Glenn brings to life the character of Chloe, a caring and sensitive woman who genuinely enjoys her work. Chloe is seen as the 'heart' of the brothel, often acting as a counsel for other girls. Nevertheless, her character continually wrestles with discerning the limits between her professional engagement with clients and her personal desire for romantic love.

Peta Sergeant plays Tippi, a free-spirited individual who revels in the fast life, sex, drugs, and all the trappings that come with the job. On the surface, Tippi exudes a confrontational and extroverted personality that masks a much painful personal history, which gradually unfolds as the series develops.

Bojana Novakovic’s character, Tanya, is the most mysterious of the bunch. She is a Russian immigrant whose reticent demeanor often belies her calculating nature. The series gradually unravels Tanya's past, revealing a complex character who uses her work as an escape from her troubled past.

Then there's Dustin Clare's Sean - Heather's boyfriend and a personal trainer by trade. Sean presents a different perspective about life outside the brothel. Camille Keenan plays Amy and Renai Caruso plays Tess, two different characters whose storied pasts and futures intersect in unconventional ways with the lives of the women of "232".

One of the key triumphs of Satisfaction is its ability to approach the topic of sex work with both sensitivity and realism, refusing to place simple moral judgments or stereotypes on its characters. It treats sex work as a profession, providing a nuanced look into the lives of its characters, their motivations, and the struggles they face. There's an intricate mix of comedy, drama, and gritty realism that pervades the series - it is at times humorous, tragic, and heartwarming.

Each character’s story presents a different perspective on life in the industry, from the fresh-faced newbie learning the ropes, the pragmatist using the profession as a means to an end, to the older veteran questioning when to call it a day. They each face personal dilemmas such as unfulfilled relationships, overbearing families, and the constant struggle to maintain a normal life outside work.

The exploration of these themes is set against a backdrop of a society that often stigmatizes sex workers, demonstrating the challenges these individuals face in their day-to-day lives. The series embraces the complexities and contradictions inherent in the world of sex work, recognizing the resilience of these women who constantly navigate societal prejudice and the blurred lines between personal engagement and business transactions.

The world of Satisfaction is one that veers between glamour and grit, exploring the humanity of its characters within the luridly exotic allure of their chosen profession. With each episode, the series deftly unravels the characters' struggles, delving deep into their lives to explore issues of family, identity, sexuality, and self-determination. Each woman's story unfolds in satisfying layers, often delivering the unexpected, but always tethered to a strong sense of authenticity and empathy.

From the luxurious inner sanctuary of "232" to the grittier streets of Melbourne, the series paints a captivating picture of life within this clandestine profession. The series offers a heady mix of drama, emotion, and humor that will keep viewers engrossed to the end. The success of Satisfaction lies in its complex and refreshing depiction of sex work, delivered through well-crafted storylines and unforgettable characters. With a style that effectively balances social realism with melodrama, the series stands out as a remarkably nuanced and thought-provoking show.