The Newsreader, an Australian drama set in the 1980s, has returned for its third and final season. The show, which follows rival newscasters Helen Norville (Anna Torv) and Dale Jennings (Sam Reid), has been praised for its blend of soapy drama and period detail. The series has covered major events like the Challenger disaster, the Aids crisis, and the Lockerbie bombing, while exploring themes such as workplace sexism, homophobia, and mental illness.
The third season begins with Helen and Dale reuniting at the Logie awards, alongside Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan via archive footage. Helen has been offered a new TV gig that puts her in direct competition with her old team. Torv portrays a woman torn between guilt and ambition, while Reid excels as Dale, now the country's 'King of News', struggling with his newfound popularity and the pressure of being a closeted gay man.
Despite strong performances, the season has been criticised for its final episode, which sees Dale descend into a catatonic state before delivering a news bulletin. Some viewers may find the ending bland or absurd. Additionally, supporting characters like Noelene (Michelle Lim Davidson), a producer and working mother, could have been given more screen time to explore her struggles as a Korean Australian woman.
Overall, The Newsreader remains a compelling watch, though it may not be the strongest season. The show has been praised for its reflection on both past and present societal issues, and for its powerful central performances.
