Watch Bastard Boys
- Not Rated
- 2007
- 1 Season
-
8.4 (123)
Bastard Boys is a powerful and thought-provoking four-part series that tells the story of one of the most controversial events in Australian industrial history. It explores the lives and actions of the men at the centre of the 1998 waterfront dispute and the extraordinary power struggle that led to the biggest confrontation on Australian shores since the Second World War.
The cast of Bastard Boys is a veritable who's who of Australian acting talent. Jack Thompson plays John Coombs, the leader of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), while Daniel Frederiksen plays the role of the head of the stevedoring company, Chris Corrigan. Justin Smith plays MUA member John Cummins, and Anthony Hayes plays the role of PM John Howard. Others in the cast include Geoff Morrell, Rhys Muldoon, Francis Greenslade, Anna Lise Phillips, Helen Thomson, Kevin Harrington, Jeremy Kewley, Justine Clarke, Caroline Craig, Steady Eddy, Deborah Kennedy, Colin Friels, Lucy Bell, and Daniel Wyllie.
The series begins with the MUA meeting to discuss the new workplace agreement proposed by Patrick Stevedores, the company owned by Chris Corrigan. The MUA members are outraged by the proposed agreement, which they believe is an attempt to crush the union and reduce their wages and conditions. Shortly after, a dispute breaks out between the MUA and Patrick Stevedores, leading to a 24-hour sit-in at the docks.
As tensions escalate, both sides begin making inflammatory statements, and the dispute quickly becomes a national issue. The series explores the way in which the media covers the story, highlighting the role of the Herald Sun's editorial stance in creating a hostile public atmosphere towards the MUA. It also examines the political context in which the dispute is taking place, with the Howard government taking a hard line against the MUA and implementing a range of legislative measures to break the union's power.
The episodes follow the main players on both sides of the dispute, showing how they navigate the increasingly tense situation. The series explores the personal relationships between the characters, including Coombs' relationship with his wife, and the strained relationship between Cummins and his brother, who works for Patrick Stevedores. The series also touches on the complex issues of class and privilege, with the wealthy, powerful Corrigan pitted against the working-class MUA members.
Bastard Boys is an emotionally charged series that asks important questions about the nature of power and conflict in modern Australia. It portrays the real-life events of the 1998 waterfront dispute with honesty and sensitivity, challenging viewers to think deeply about the implications of the conflict. The performances are excellent, and the writing is taut and compelling. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in Australian history or industrial relations, and indeed anyone who appreciates quality television drama.
Bastard Boys is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (4 episodes). The series first aired on May 13, 2007.