*Mr Inbetween* grabs you immediately, eliciting laughter, heartbreak, and a strange sense of disorientation, as if someone just offered you something unexpected while you’re trying to process everything. It isn’t an exaggeration to describe it this way; experiencing Scott Ryan’s Australian crime drama feels like witnessing something truly exceptional, prompting comparisons to *Breaking Bad* that aren't entirely unwarranted. Created by and starring Scott Ryan, the series centers on Ray Shoesmith, a Sydney-based hitman and “fixer” navigating life between being a dedicated father, a supportive brother, and a cold-blooded killer. Across three seasons of episodes lasting 20 to 30 minutes, it accomplishes what few shows manage: every moment feels deliberate, nothing is wasted, and the conclusion arrives precisely when it should. **What Sets It Apart** The character of Ray Shoesmith stands out immediately. Ryan’s performance is remarkably understated – a man who approaches disposing of a body with the same calm he uses to order lunch. He possesses a “sharklike smile” that foreshadows danger, yet also reads bedtime stories and patiently cares for his brother Bruce, who suffers from motor neurone disease. This contrast isn't intended as irony; it’s fundamental to the show's core. Ray genuinely loves his daughter and brother, but he doesn’t lose sleep over those he eliminates. The series trusts viewers to grapple with this contradiction. The writing and tone create a delicate balance. One moment you might find yourself laughing at Ray’s dry responses during anger management; the next, you're confronted by a scene of such profound sadness that it lingers long after it ends. As others have noted, it’s “wickedly funny” and “brutally dark,” often simultaneously. The humor is distinctly Australian – unpretentious, self-deprecating, and frequently delivered with a straight face that amplifies its impact. The authenticity of *Mr Inbetween* distinguishes it from many Australian productions that either strive for Hollywood polish or rely too heavily on caricature. The settings feel genuine, the minor characters seem like people you know, and the dialogue reflects how Australians actually speak. This realism makes the violence, when it occurs, genuinely shocking rather than cartoonish. Nicholas Cassim’s portrayal of Ray's brother Bruce is among the most heartbreaking performances imaginable; his depiction of a man trapped in a failing body facing mortality with dark humor and quiet dignity deserves recognition. Chika Yasumura as Ray's daughter Brittany provides a natural, unaffected presence who becomes the show’s moral compass without feeling like an accessory. Damon Herriman and Justin Rosniak complete the ensemble cast. The series evolves noticeably across its seasons. While the first season establishes the world effectively, some felt it hesitated between celebrating and condemning Ray’s actions. Season Two marks a turning point; episodes such as "Monsters" and "Socks Are Important" explore the destructive consequences of Ray's work. We witness his relationship with Ally (Brooke Satchwell) unravel after violence disrupts her family vacation, and we see the emotional toll on Brittany. The show shifts from questioning whether Ray is good or bad to asking a more compelling question: what does this kind of life truly demand? The final season concludes with a euthanasia scene that ranks among television’s most devastating moments and an ending that is both heartbreaking and perfectly fitting. **Why Not a Perfect Score?** The only minor drawback is that the initial episodes take a little while to find their footing. The six-episode first season is strong, but it's the 11-episode second season where *Mr Inbetween* truly becomes essential viewing. *Mr Inbetween* is an exceptional and relatively undiscovered series. It has cultivated a devoted following for good reason; it’s funny, tragic, lean, and deeply human. The show respects its audience’s intelligence, avoids simplistic explanations of its themes, and concludes with such quiet devastation that silence descends as the credits roll. It stands among the finest Australian television productions and crime dramas of recent years. **Recommended if:** You enjoy character-driven crime stories, dark comedy, or are seeking a hidden masterpiece. **Not recommended if:** You prefer clear moral distinctions, happy endings, or struggle with depictions of violence against unsavory characters and the resulting consequences. This show will challenge you—and that’s precisely its purpose.

Source on TMDB