Watch Marking Time

Marking Time is an Australian television drama series produced by Southern Star in 2003. It is a coming-of-age story that focuses on the lives of two teenage boys, Hal and Mark, living in a small town in New South Wales. The series explores themes of family, friendship, love, truth, and the effects of war.

The first episode begins with the aftermath of a horrific car accident. Hal's father is killed, and Hal is left battling serious injuries. The accident sets the stage for the rest of the show, which follows Hal as he tries to come to terms with his father's death and navigate the turbulent waters of adolescence.

The first few episodes of the show are fairly slow-paced, with a lot of focus on character development and setting the scene. Hal is dealing with physical and emotional pain, and he is struggling to connect with his mother, who has turned to alcohol to cope with her grief. Mark, on the other hand, is dealing with family issues of his own. His father is a Vietnam war veteran who suffers from PTSD, and Mark is torn between loyalty to his father and his love for his girlfriend, who is vehemently anti-war.

As the series unfolds, the characters face a variety of challenges and dilemmas. Hal becomes involved with a girl named Lillie, who is dealing with her own family secrets. Mark's relationship with his girlfriend, Annie, becomes increasingly complex as they both struggle to deal with their conflicting beliefs about the war. Meanwhile, the town is rocked by the news that local boy Andy has been killed while serving in Afghanistan, and Hal is forced to confront the brutal reality of war.

The show is anchored by strong performances from its core cast. Hal is played by Bryan Brown's son, Matthew Brown, who brings a raw vulnerability to the role. He's supported by an impressive ensemble, including Rodger Corser as Mark's father, Abi Tucker as Lillie, and Justine Clarke as Hal's mother.

Notably, Marking Time was one of the first Australian dramas to extensively explore the issue of PTSD and its impact on both veterans and their families. The show deals with the topic sensitively and realistically, highlighting the devastating effects of war on the mental health of those who serve.

Another key aspect of the show is its exploration of the idea of truth. Characters are constantly forced to grapple with questions of honesty and transparency, whether it be Mark struggling to reconcile his love for Annie with his father's past, or Hal questioning the stories his father told him about his own childhood. The show is a powerful reminder that the truth is often complicated and multilayered, and that it can be difficult to confront our own biases and preconceptions.

Overall, Marking Time is a poignant and thought-provoking drama that tackles big issues with both sensitivity and depth. It's a show that proves that Australian television is capable of producing powerful and impactful storytelling, and one that will stay with you long after the credits roll.