Classic TV Series: Rake
Available for streaming on ABC iview, Netflix, Prime Video, and Stan, the classic Australian television series “Rake” has remained a source of enjoyment for many, including those who have relocated abroad. The show offers a glimpse of Sydney, primarily centered around a popular café in Kings Cross and the vicinity of Martin Place, the Supreme Court, and St Mary’s Cathedral. This charming portrayal of the city continues to resonate with viewers today.
The series follows the life of Cleaver Greene, a charismatic and loquacious criminal defense barrister who often finds himself in chaotic situations. Loosely based on the real-life barrister Charles Waterstreet, “Rake” aired for six seasons from 2010 to 2018. In its earlier episodes, Cleaver tackles a range of bizarre cases, defending clients including cannibals, shock jocks played by Rachel Griffiths, and high-profile embezzlers like Don Hany. Throughout the series, Cleaver, alongside his son Fuzz, navigates a landscape filled with romantic entanglements and rivalries, ultimately leading him to a new chapter in Canberra.
Beneath the humor and petty conflicts, the show explores themes of friendship, particularly between Cleaver and his loyal best friend Barney, his confused ex-wife Wendy, and his dedicated assistant Nicole. For those who find themselves drawn to flawed characters, Cleaver Greene is an irresistible figure.
Album: Creature Of Habit by Courtney Barnett
With her signature blend of scruffy guitar riffs and witty lyrics, Courtney Barnett has solidified her status as a key player in the Australian indie rock scene. Her latest album reflects over a decade of personal growth and experience, showcasing a matured perspective while maintaining her introspective style. While her anxieties remain, Barnett is gradually finding healthier ways to cope, offering lessons that resonate with many listeners.
In a world that can often feel overwhelming, Barnett’s ability to find beauty in the ordinary provides a comforting presence. Her music is infused with humor and charm, making her a unique voice in contemporary music.
Podcast: Expanse: The Nannup Four
In July 2007, a mysterious disappearance occurred in Nannup, Western Australia, involving four individuals: Simon Kadwill, Chantelle McDougall, their six-year-old daughter Leela, and friend Tony Popic. A note found at the scene indicated their intention to flee to Brazil to escape perceived harm from electromagnetic fields, adding layers to the enigma of their vanishing. Despite this clue, there was no evidence to confirm they left the country, leaving their ultimate fate shrouded in uncertainty. Questions remain: Did they succumb to a suicide pact, or was foul play involved?
In the podcast “Expanse: The Nannup Four,” reporter Dominique Bayens delves into this two-decade-old case. She chronicles Chantelle’s transformation from a lively teenager in Wodonga to a withdrawn young mother in a challenging relationship with Kadwill, who is revealed to be a conspiracy theorist with a questionable identity. The investigation unearths unsettling truths about manipulation and deceit, providing a deeper understanding of the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.
ABC News: Juliette Steen, Hetty Lui McKinnon
If you’re searching for a new, economical, and healthy dish that is also delightful and fulfilling, look no further than Hetty Lui McKinnon’s easy vegetarian kimchi jjigae. This soondubu jjigae recipe offers a simple way to prepare a beloved Korean dish that is rich in flavor and entirely vegetarian, using just a few ingredients that create a surprisingly complex meal.
With the option to modify spice levels to cater to different taste preferences, a concise shopping list, and only ten minutes of preparation time, this exquisite Korean stew is bound to become a regular feature in your cooking repertoire.
