Jump to content

Water Rats (TV series)

From Alfawiki
Water Rats
Company typeTelevision series
IndustryTelevision
FoundedFebruary 12, 1996; 30 years ago (1996-02-12)
FounderJohn Hugginson, Tony Morphett
DefunctAugust 7, 2001 (2001-08-07)
FateEnded after six seasons
Area served
Australia
Key people
Colin Friels, Catherine McClements, Steve Bisley, Aaron Pedersen, Dee Smart
ProductsTelevision drama series
Number of employees
Cast and crew of 177 episodes

Water Rats is an Australian police procedural crime drama television series developed by John Hugginson and Tony Morphett for the Nine Network. The narrative focuses on the Sydney Water Police as they tackle criminal activity around Sydney Harbour, predominantly set on Goat Island.

Debuting on 12 February 1996, Water Rats spanned six seasons with a total of 177 episodes. The initial success was largely driven by original stars Colin Friels and Catherine McClements, who exited the series in 1999. Later seasons introduced main cast members such as Steve Bisley, Aaron Pedersen, and Dee Smart.

In its sixth and concluding season in 2001, the series expanded its emphasis to explore the personal lives of the officers alongside crime investigations. The Nine Network discontinued the show after six seasons, attributing the decision to escalating production expenses and a drop in viewership following Friels' and McClements' departures. The final episode was broadcast on 7 August 2001.

Production

The budget allocated for producing the first season was $16 million.

Main

Supporting

Recurring

  • Peter Mochrie took on Detective Senior Sergeant John 'Knocker' Harrison in 22 episodes during 1996
  • Jeremy Callaghan featured as Detective Senior Constable Kevin Holloway across 10 episodes in 1996
  • Richard Healy portrayed Inspector Tony Brady in 14 episodes between 1996 and 1997
  • Treffyn Koreshoff appeared as David Goldstein, spanning 17 episodes from 1996 to 1999
  • John Walton played John Walton over 26 episodes from 1997 to 1999
  • Anthony Martin acted as Colin "Chopper" Lewis in 44 episodes between 1997 and 2001
  • Mouche Phillips appeared as Eva Minton in eight episodes during 2000–2001
  • Brooke Satchwell portrayed Sophie Ferguson in 20 episodes from 2000 to 2001
  • Joss McWilliam took on Sergeant Lance Rorke across 29 episodes during 2000–2001
  • Kelly Dale appeared as Senior Constable Sam Bailey in season two, 1997
  • John Adam played Michael Jefferies during season two, 1997
  • Anne Tenney featured as Gail Hawker in five episodes during season two, 1997
  • Betty Lucas portrayed Sybil Graham in a single episode in 2006
  • Rebecca Hobbs acted as Liz Robinson in season three, 1998
  • Robert Mammone appeared as Detective Agi Fatseas in five episodes in 2001
  • Sonia Todd played Detective Sergeant Louise Bradshaw throughout thirteen episodes in season three, 1998
  • Ritchie Singer took on Terry Madigan during season three, 1998
  • Roxane Wilson featured as Suzi Abromavich across seasons three and four, from 1998 to 1999
  • Liz Burch portrayed Gillian Swain in five episodes during season four, 1999
  • Josephine Byrnes appeared as Acting Inspector Julia Goodwin for three episodes in season six, 2001
  • Bill Hunter played Tom Christey during season six, 2001
  • Ingrid Ruz took on Sergeant Vanessa Simmons in season six, 2001
  • Rodger Corser portrayed Detective George Newhouse across four episodes in season six, 2001
  • Rohan Nichol appeared as Shane Green in season five, episode two: "Reunion," in 2000
  • Kelly Dingwall featured as Sam Bailey over nine episodes
  • Marshall Napier acted as Joe De Silva across five episodes

Pilot

The Water Rats pilot premiered in Australia on Monday, 12 February 1996, at 8:30 pm. Named "Dead in the Water," this two-part story centered on a divorced man who commandeers a Sydney Harbour ferry to threaten the city. The episode introduced viewers to Detective Senior Constables Frank Holloway (portrayed by Colin Friels) and Rachel Goldstein (played by Catherine McClements).

Additional characters

  • Chief Inspector Clarke Webb (Bill Young)
  • Senior Sergeant Jeff Hawker (Peter Bensley)
  • Sergeant Helen Blakemore (Toni Scanlan)
  • Senior Sergeant Dave McCall (Scott Burgess)
  • Senior Constable Gavin Sykes (Brett Partridge)
  • Senior Constable Tommy Tavita (Jay Laga'aia)
  • Senior Constable Fiona Cassidy (Sophie Heathcote)
  • Senior Constable Terry Watson (Aaron Jeffery)
  • Detective Senior Sergeant John "Knocker" Harrison (Peter Mochrie)
  • Detective Senior Constable Kevin Holloway (Jeremy Callaghan)
  • David Goldstein (Treffyn Koreshoff)
  • Jonathon Goldstein (Steven Grivies)
  • Inspector Tony Brady (Richard Healy)
  • Prison Warden (Christopher Barry)

Season one

The inaugural season consisted of 26 episodes.

Key story arcs

  • Jonathon Goldstein (Steven Grivies) preventing Rachel (Catherine McClements) from seeing their son, David.
  • Frank's (Colin Friels) romantic involvement with crime scene officer Caroline Cox.
  • Helen's (Toni Scanlan) sexual orientation being disclosed, particularly to Rachel.
  • The inquiry into the death of Frank's brother, Kevin (Jeremy Callaghan).
  • Rachel's relationship with Knocker (Peter Mochrie), which ended in tragedy.
  • Clarke's (Bill Young) extramarital affair leading to his resignation.
  • Frank undergoing two separate Internal Affairs investigations.

Season two

Also comprising 26 episodes, season two debuted on Monday, 10 February 1997. The series broadened its scope to include Melbourne and introduced new characters such as Constable Tayler Johnson (Raelee Hill).

Introduced characters

  • Colin "Chopper" Lewis (Anthony Martin)
  • Senior Constable Sam Bailey (Kelly Dale)
  • Michael Jefferies (John Adam)
  • Gail Hawker (Anne Tenney)

Primary storylines

  • Rachel’s relationship with wealthy Michael Jefferies.
  • Jeff (Peter Bensley) receiving a promotion to Chief Inspector.
  • Frank being investigated by Internal Affairs on murder allegations.
  • Tayler revealed as Helen’s niece.
  • Terry (Aaron Jeffery) sustaining a stabbing injury and leaving Water Police.
  • Dave (Scott Burgess) suffering an injury that ends his diving role.
  • Jeff and his wife undergoing separation.

Season three

Season three featured 31 episodes, launching on Monday, 9 February 1998, before shifting to Tuesday evenings. Near the season’s conclusion, Steve Bisley was added to the main cast credits for several episodes.

New cast members

Key plot developments featured

Season four

The fourth season premiered on Tuesday, 16 February 1999, spanning 32 episodes. This season brought considerable shifts, notably the exits of both Colin Friels and Catherine McClements within the first 18 episodes.

Introduced characters

Significant story arcs

  • Helen develops a relationship with attorney Gillian Swain.
  • Michael Reilly, formerly of VIP security, joins as the third detective.
  • Frank leaves the Water Police to sail to Venezuela.
  • Jack (Steve Bisley) takes over Frank’s position; his initial interactions with Rachel are tense.
  • Jack earns a promotion to Detective Sergeant.
  • David is abducted.
  • Rachel and Jack renew their relationship.
  • Rachel is fatally stabbed, dying in Jack’s arms.
  • Jeff (Peter Bensley) finalizes his divorce.
  • Tayler transitions from Water Police to Pol-Air.
  • Alex St Clare steps in as Rachel’s replacement.

Season five

Season five launched on Tuesday, 22 February 2000, featuring 36 episodes—the longest season. Following Catherine McClements' departure, ratings saw a slight decline. Several main cast members also left, including Jay Laga'aia and Scott Burgess, whose character was absent this season and addressed later in season six.

Newly added characters

  • Senior Constable Matthew Quinn (Diarmid Heidenreich)
  • Constable Donna Janevski (Rebecca Smart)
  • Sergeant Lance Rorke (Joss McWilliam)
  • Sophie Ferguson (Brooke Satchwell)
  • Eva Minton (Mouche Phillips)

Prominent plotlines

  • Tommy (Jay Laga'aia) takes extended leave from Water Police.
  • Jack (Steve Bisley) discovers he has an 18-year-old daughter, Sophie (Brooke Satchwell).
  • Mick invites Alex (Dee Smart) on a date.
  • Gavin (Brett Partridge) encounters Eva (Mouche Phillips).
  • Jack reflects on Rachel’s (Catherine McClements) memory on the anniversary of her death.

Season six

The sixth and concluding season of Water Rats debuted on 6 February 2001, comprising 26 episodes. Early in this season, the broadcast time shifted from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The Nine Network ended the series due to escalating production costs and declining viewership, exacerbated by the departures of lead actors Steve Bisley and Dee Smart.

Significant new cast members

  • Acting Inspector Julia Goodwin (Josephine Byrnes)
  • Tom Christey (Bill Hunter)
  • Sergeant Vanessa Simmons (Ingrid Ruz)
  • Detective George Newhouse (Rodger Corser)

Key plotlines featured

  • Jack (portrayed by Steve Bisley) engages in a short-lived romance with Julia Goodwin.
  • Lance (played by Joss McWilliam) tragically loses his life in an accident.
  • Sophie embarks on her journey through police training.
  • The Water Police receive news of Senior Sergeant Dave McCall’s passing.
  • Gavin and Eva tie the knot and welcome a child by the conclusion of the series.
  • In the finale, Jack is shot and is assumed dead, coinciding with Steve Bisley’s departure from the show.

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Nominee(s) Outcome
1997 Logie Award Most Outstanding Actor Colin Friels Template:Won
Most Outstanding Achievement in a Drama Production Water Rats Template:Won
1998 Logie Award Most Outstanding Actor Colin Friels Template:Nom
Most Popular Actor Colin Friels Template:Nom
Most Popular Actress Catherine McClements Template:Nom
Most Outstanding Actress Catherine McClements Template:Won
Most Popular Program Water Rats Template:Nom
Most Outstanding Drama Series Water Rats Template:Nom
AFI Awards Young Actor's Award Paul Pantano (episode Romeo is Bleeding) Template:Won
1999 Logie Awards Most Popular Actor Colin Friels Template:Nom
Most Outstanding Actor Colin Friels Template:Nom
People's Choice Award Favourite Actor in a Drama or Serial Colin Friels Template:Won
Favourite Actress in a Drama or Serial Catherine McClements Template:Nom
Favourite TV Star Colin Friels Template:Nom
Favourite Drama or Serial Water Rats Template:Nom
AFI Awards Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Television Drama Catherine McClements (episode I'm Home) Template:Nom
AWGIE Awards Television - Series Peter Gawler (episode Six Hundred Clear a Week) Template:Won
2000 Logie Award Most Outstanding Actor in a Series Colin Friels Template:Nom
Most Outstanding Actor in a Series Steve Bisley Template:Nom
Most Outstanding Actress in a Series Catherine McClements Template:Nom
Most Popular Actor Colin Friels Template:Nom
Most Outstanding Drama Series Water Rats Template:Nom
2001 AWGIE Awards Television - Series John Banas (episode Domino) Template:Won
Television - Series Peter Gawler (episode Hungry Bear Blues) Template:Won
Logie Awards Most Outstanding Drama Series Water Rats Template:Nom
Most Outstanding Actor in a Series Steve Bisley Template:Nom

Filming locations

The principal filming for Water Rats took place on and around Goat Island situated within Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour). Other notable sites included:

Fictional locations

The headquarters of the Sydney Water Police depicted in the series was set at 48/50 Harbour Drive on Goat Island, a fictional location differing from the actual base situated in Pyrmont. Significant invented places featured in the show included:

  • Frank's House − Exterior scenes were captured in The Rocks, while interior shots took place on Goat Island.
  • The Cutter Bar − Introduced in the second season, this fictional pub served as a communal gathering spot for the Water Police team.
  • The Sydney Police Centre − Used for detaining suspects, as the Water Police did not have dedicated holding cells.
  • The Hospital
  • The Morgue − Early filming occurred in actual morgues; later, a set was built on Goat Island for these scenes.
  • Rachel's house − Exterior shots were filmed at various locations throughout Balmain, Birchgrove, and Glebe.

Home media

Water Rats initially became available on DVD in 2004 through Shock Entertainment. The first releases, titled Series 1 and Series 2, actually comprised the first season divided into two parts. Subsequent seasons were released by Warner Vision Australia under the series numbering starting from three. On 7 August 2017, Via Vision Entertainment announced a full six-season DVD reissue planned for release on 22 November 2017. It is important to note that some episodes within the Via Vision set and those on Amazon Prime are presented out of their original broadcast sequence.

DVDs

Title Format Number of
episodes 		Discs Region 4 (Australia) DVD special features DVD distributors
Season One DVD Series 1, Episodes 1-13 3 8 March 2004 Selected Episodes Commentaries Shock Entertainment
Season Two DVD Series 1, Episodes 14-26 3 21 February 2005 Photo Gallery Shock Entertainment
Season Three Part 1 DVD Series 2, Episodes 1-14 4 Photo gallery Warner Vision Australia
Season Three Part 2 DVD Series 2, Episodes 15-26 3 None Warner Vision Australia
Season Four Part 1 DVD Series 3, Episodes 1-17 4 None Warner Vision Australia
Season Four Part 2 DVD Series 3, Episode 18-31 4 Photo gallery Warner Vision Australia
Season Five Part 1 DVD Series 4, Episodes 1-16 4 9 September 2006 None Warner Vision Australia
Season Five Part 2 DVD Series 4, Episodes 17-32 4 9 September 2006 Photo Gallery Warner Vision Australia
Season Six Part 1 DVD Series 5, Episodes 1-21 5 28 October 2006 None Warner Vision Australia
Season Six Part 2 DVD Series 5, Episodes 22-36 4 28 October 2006 Photo Gallery Warner Vision Australia
Season Seven Part 1 DVD Series 6, Episodes 1-12 3 28 October 2006 Photo Gallery Warner Vision Australia
Season Seven Part 2 DVD Series 6, Episodes 13-26 4 28 October 2006 None Warner Vision Australia

Online streaming availability

Title Format Number of
episodes 		Discs Region 4 (Australia) DVD special features DVD distributors
'The Complete Series 1–6' 'DVD' 'style="text-align:center;"' All 177 Episodes '45' '22 November 2017' 'Commentaries On Selected Episodes. Photo Galleries' 'Via Vision Entertainment'
'Water Rats: Collection One' 'DVD' 'style="text-align:center;"' Seasons 01–04 (Episodes 1–115) '24' '11 April 2018' 'Commentaries On Selected Episodes. Photo Galleries' 'Via Vision Entertainment'
'Water Rats: Collection Two' 'DVD' 'style="text-align:center;"' Seasons 05–06 (Episodes 116–177) '21' '5 December 2018' 'Photo Galleries' 'Via Vision Entertainment'
'Water Rats: The Complete Collection' 'DVD' 'style="text-align:center;"' All 177 Episodes '45' '13 September 2023' 'Audio commentaries on selected episodes. Photo Galleries' 'Via Vision Entertainment'
Title Format Number of Episodes Airing Period Streaming Status Distributors
Water Rats Season One Streaming Episodes 01-26 2019–2020 Previously Available / Currently Streaming 9Now, 7plus
Water Rats Season Two Streaming Episodes 01-26 2019–2020 Previously Available / Currently Streaming 9Now, 7plus
Water Rats Season Three Streaming Episodes 01-31 2019–2020 Previously Available / Currently Streaming 9Now, 7plus
Water Rats Season Four Streaming Episodes 01-32 2019–2020 Previously Available / Currently Streaming 9Now, 7plus
Water Rats Season Five Streaming Episodes 01-36 2019–2020 Previously Available / Currently Streaming 9Now, 7plus
Water Rats Season Six Streaming Episodes 01-26 2019–2020 Previously Available / Currently Streaming 9Now, 7plus

In Australia, the entire series can be accessed on Amazon Prime.

Soundtrack

Released in 1999 and produced by Les Gock, the Water Rats soundtrack includes several tracks featured in the show such as "Goldie's Theme" by Cathi Ogden and "I'll Dream of You" by Hugh Wilson. It also showcases performances by cast members like "Breathe" with Raelee Hill and "Let's Party" featuring Jay Laga'aia. The song "Breathe" was penned and partially sung by James Freud. The production firm Song Zu has since distanced itself from this album. Occasionally, copies surface through secondhand sellers.

International broadcasting

As of October 2018, reruns of the series have been broadcast internationally on the following channels:

  • Foxtel's Hallmark Channel
  • RTÉ One (Sunday and Monday mornings)
  • Kanal9; aired from June 2013 on DR1
  • FX
  • City 7
  • ICTV
  • France 2
  • Freevee

Notes

  • In 2003, the National Film and Sound Archive showcased scripts and props from the series in an exhibition.
  • Exterior shots of Frank's residence were filmed near the Agar Steps located in The Rocks, NSW; interior scenes took place on Goat Island.
  • Catherine McClements had previously worked with principal cast members and creator Tony Morphett on multiple projects.
  • Although season three was intended to consist of 32 episodes, only 31 were broadcast due to Colin Friels' health issues.

See also

External links

Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=Water_Rats_(TV_series)&oldid=57753"