Editorial Reviews
Two half sisters, separated at childhood, are reunited 20 years later in the wake of their cattle-rancher father's death. Claire (Lisa Chappell) grew up on the ranch and is now determined to save the financially struggling family business. Tess (Bridie Carter), from the city, wants to sell her share of the property to realize her dream of running a café. But sisterhood wins out, as Tess develops a bond with her long-lost sibling as well as with the majestic landscape. She also becomes involved in the personal lives of the all-female crew, including Becky (Jessica Napier), a wild girl who takes refuge on the ranch after she is raped (off-screen); Meg (Sonia Todd), the maternal housekeeper with some scandalous family secrets in her closet; and Jodi (Rachael Carpani), her coltish 18-year-old daughter. This box set corrals all the first season episodes from this enormously popular Australian series that originated with a 1996 made-for-TV movie (included in this collection) that was something of a phenomenon in its native country. The colorful characters are admirably independent and self-sufficient. When Claire catches the male ranch hands stealing in the first episode, she fires them all. "You can't run this place without us," they proclaim. "Watch me," she replies. Tess may initially be something of a fish out of water (upon her arrival, she unwittingly leaves a gate open, allowing cattle to escape), but she is hardly a superficial city slicker. The charismatic cast and beautiful scenery are appealing enough, but it's the soap opera developments, ranging from the illness of beloved animals to apparent murder, that make this empowering series instantly addictive. Becky's unfolding drama is the most compelling subplot. Two brothers from a neighboring ranch provide some romantic sparks. Parental advisory: McLeod's Daughters is not The Saddle Club -- there is some down to earth talk about sex and some mild innuendo. Donald Liebenson, Barnes & Noble
This set contains DVDs which may be available separately:
- McLeod's Daughters: Welcome Home
- McLeod's Daughters: Ducks on the Pond
- McLeod's Daughters: Don't Mess With the Girls
- McLeod's Daughters: Who's the Boss?
- McLeod's Daughters: Taking the Reins
- McLeod's Daughters: Reality Bites
- McLeod's Daughters: Pride and Joy
- McLeod's Daughters: Stir Crazy
- McLeod's Daughters: Into the Woods
- McLeod's Daughters: Haunted
- McLeod's Daughters: Who's a Big Girl Now?
- McLeod's Daughters: Pandora's Box
- McLeod's Daughters: True Love and Consequences
- McLeod's Daughters: Dirty Pool
- McLeod's Daughters: If the Boot Fits
- McLeod's Daughters: Playing to Win
- McLeod's Daughters: Girls' Night Out
- McLeod's Daughters: More Than One Way
- McLeod's Daughters: The Italian Stallion
- McLeod's Daughters: Lover Come Back
- McLeod's Daughters: Friends Like These
- McLeod's Daughters: Deep Water
Features:
All 22 first season episodes presented in their original widescreen format; Original "McLeod's Daughters" tv movie starring Jack Thompson; "Inside Story" behind-the-scenes making-of featurette; Interviews with producer/creator Posie Graeme-Evans, co-producer Andrew Blaxland and director Karl Zwicky
