More Chandon Reviews!

Champagne comedy
Author: Ruth RitchieDate: 28/02/2009Words: 669Source: SMH

Publication: Sydney Morning HeraldSection: SpectrumPage: 10

The best local drama on TV is a satire in disguise.

Chandon Pictures ABC, Wednesday, 9pm
The Cut ABC, Monday, 9.35pm

...

Digging a little deeper, the excellent Chandon Pictures is a comedy disguised as a drama full of wry smiles. Tom Chandon's (Rob Carlton) delusions of grandeur are funny and tragic.

He is never going to make a good documentary but don't tell him that. As this series has developed, the arc of Chandon's dismal failure has become obvious and complete. Of course he is going to sleep with a much older woman with a dead dog so that she'll invest in his film.

The pathos and humour work in equal measures because Penne Hackforth-Jones is wonderful and the script is believable. All the guest roles are plums. Jessica Napier was never better. Rob Carlton is a real talent and this ensemble deserves more air time for delivering something very fresh. The ABC needs to just keep repeating this until a critical mass has seen it.

TV programs, Pages 50-51.