Watch Mother And Son
- 1984
- 6 Seasons
-
8.3 (820)
Mother and Son is a classic Australian sitcom that aired on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) from 1984 to 1994. It was created and written by Geoffrey Atherden and stars Ruth Cracknell as Maggie Beare, a stubborn, domineering matriarch, and Garry McDonald as her long-suffering and put-upon son, Arthur. The show also features Henri Szeps as Robert Beare, the absent husband of Maggie and father of Arthur, and Judy Morris as Robert's glamorous wife, Liz.
Throughout the series, the relationship dynamic between Maggie and Arthur is explored in hilarious and poignant ways. Maggie is an opinionated and overbearing woman, who loves to have control over everything, including her grown-up son's life. Arthur, on the other hand, is a timid and neurotic man who is constantly trying to please his mother, despite her many demands and snide comments. They live in a small house in suburban Sydney, and the show often takes a comedic look at their daily lives and the struggles they face.
Despite Maggie's many flaws, the show is also about love, and the bond between mother and son. Maggie and Arthur may argue and bicker, but they always ultimately come back to each other. Their relationship can be both funny and touching, and this is what gives the show its enduring appeal.
One of the key elements of the show's success is its incredible cast. Ruth Cracknell is a tour-de-force as Maggie Beare, bringing the character to life with her impeccable comedic timing and ability to portray nuanced emotion. Garry McDonald is also fantastic as Arthur Beare, the perfect foil to Maggie's overbearing personality. Henri Szeps and Judy Morris provide strong supporting roles, adding to the comedic and dramatic tension of the show.
The show is also notable for its strong writing. Geoffrey Atherden is a talented writer who expertly balances the humour and pathos of the show. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the characters are fully realized and multi-dimensional.
Another factor that sets Mother and Son apart is its focus on the lives of middle-aged and elderly characters. Maggie and Arthur are not young and sexy, but rather, they are ordinary people dealing with the everyday problems of aging and family dynamics. This was a departure from many other sitcoms of the time, which tended to focus on the lives of younger, more attractive characters.
Overall, Mother and Son is a beloved Australian sitcom that has stood the test of time. Its unique blend of comedy and drama, coupled with its strong cast and writing, make it a show that is both heartwarming and entertaining. Whether you're a fan of classic sitcoms or just looking for a good laugh, Mother and Son is definitely worth watching.