The biggest difference between an average American and British television series could be seen in the fact that the latter is usually composed of fewer episodes, resulting in increased quality at the expense of quantity. This is most evident in the realm of crime detective shows, where British crime shows are most likely to consist of two of three TV films (or even mini-series) rather than 20 or more 42-minute episodes. The formula has apparently been adopted by Australian television, resulting in Halifax f.p., one of the most popular television products from Down Under. From its beginning in 1994, this series about forensic psychiatrist Jane Halifax (with the role specifically designed for actress Rebecca Gibney) resulted in 21 TV films. Perhaps not the best, but one of the more interesting among them is The Feeding, directed in 1995 by Steve Jodrell.
The plot of the film deals with a nasty serial killer who has terrorised Melbourne for months. Police is desperate and under political pressure, so the detectives agree to explore various avenues of investigation. Jane Halifax is called by the task force to help by providing psychological profile of the killer. Another addition to the investigative team comes in the form of Sydney homicide detective Jonah Cole (played by Steve Bisley), maverick who relies more on his instinct and thinks little of Halifax's scientific methods. Two of them constantly clash before investigation reaching the big break. Young woman named Frances (played by Frances O'Connor) is arrested and circumstances point out that she could have been connected to the killer. During the interrogation Frances turns out to be psychopathic liar and expert manipulator, so Cole and Halifax must use of all their professional skills in order to find valuable clues.
Format of the series not only allows each episode to have well- constructed plots but also leaves room for character development. This also allowed Gibney to play with great actors in each new instalment. Many of those actors are quite recognisable faces to people accustomed to 1990s Hollywood. In case of The Feeding Gibney was overshadowed by not one, but three great actors. First and the most memorable is Steve Bisley (best known for the character of Mel Gibson's unfortunate partner in first Mad Max movie) who shines in the role of eccentric, seemingly tough but vulnerable policeman. The other is young Frances O'Connor in one her first major screen appearance. She plays young psychopathic woman with gusto, creating both fascinating and menacing character. Finally, Deborra Lee-Furness gives extra dose of humanity to the story by playing female equivalent of Bisley's character. There is also an interesting subplot about the influence of media and politics on law enforcement in the modern world.
For the first hour of the film, The Feeding benefits from the good characterisation, intriguing plot and superb acting. But in the last thirty minutes or so, Mac Gudgeon's script almost self-destructs by trying to wrap up the story in the worst possible way. The result is series of cliches, including the now infamous final conflict in abandoned warehouse. Because of it The Feeding in the end resembles cheap B movie rather than realistic crime drama. However, those flaws aren't so severe to change generally impression of the film, so The Feeding should be recommended to all those who want to be introduced to the series.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on October 22nd 2002)
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Movie URL: https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/15158-halifax-f-p?language=en-US
Critic: AA
