Always Greener

Always Greener is an Australian television drama/comedy series which aired on the Seven Network from 2001 to 2003. The show centers on two families who decide to switch lives in an attempt to escape their own life pressures and pursue what they assume to be a better lifestyle. The name 'Always Greener' is a reference to the idiom "the grass is always greener on the other side," suggesting that other people's lives always appear to be better than our own.

The series showcases two lead characters, John Sullivan (John Howard) and Sandra Todd (Anne Tenney). John is a prison officer living in Sydney with his dysfunctional family, including his second wife Liz (Michala Banas), and his teenage children Marissa (Caitlin McDougall) and Jason (Abe Forsythe). Despite the city's bustling energy, the Sullivan family is overwhelmed by the stress of urban living.

On the flip side, Sandra is leading an unhurried life in the fictional rural town of Inverness in New South Wales. She resides with her two children, Campbell (Scott Major) and Kimberly (Bree Walters). However, underneath the serene exterior, Sandra feels isolated and trembles at the thought of impending old age and loneliness.

Always Greener begins when the Terry and Todd families - old friends but now step relations, decide to swap their city and rural lives for a year. As the series progresses, the two families discover that 'the grass isn't always greener,' as both face challenges in their new surroundings and struggle to adjust to their new life settings.

John Howard excels in his portrayal as John Sullivan, a man torn between his love for his family and the ever-increasing demands of city living. In a stark contrast, Anne Tenney's character Sandra Todd represents a matriarch intent on seeking a new lease on life despite fearing what change might bring. The younger cast members, including Michala Banas, Caitlin McDougall, Abe Forsythe, Scott Major, and Bree Walters, add layers of complexity as their characters each navigate their own personal issues, relationships and the changes being thrust upon them.

The series was not just a family drama, but it also wove in elements of humor, shaping it as a dramedy. The narrative delivered a blend of lighthearted moments with serious life themes, such as relationships, identity, and the cultural contrast between city and country life.

One of the trademarks of Always Greener was its mixture of conventional drama with surreal and quirky elements. This unique blend made the series memorable and was critically acclaimed for its balanced representation of Australia's city and country lifestyles. Elsewhere in the cast were Andrew Clarke, Denise Roberts, Bree Desborough, Clayton Watson, Grant Bowler, Nathaniel Dean, and Steven Rooke whose characters also played integral parts in exploring these lifestyle themes.

Always Greener sadly saw its cancellation in 2003, though not without a fight from its passionate fanbase. The show captured the hearts of viewers with its interesting premise, well-drawn characters, and a balanced narrative that mixed heartwarming family drama with moments of comedy and surrealism. The series was not afraid to tackle complex and compelling storylines, giving it an enduring popularity and ensuring its place as an iconic staple of Australian television.

The series is a testament to the age-old idea that the grass is not always greener on the other side, emphasizing the importance of being content with what you have and valuing the beauty in everyday life. Throughout its span, Always Greener emphasized how no lifestyle is perfect, and each comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. The moving narratives, sublime performances and the beautiful Australian backdrop come together to make this a truly memorable and laudable series.