Young Lions (TV series)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Police drama television series |
Young Lions is an Australian police drama that was broadcast on the Nine Network in 2002 and also aired on RTÉ Two in Ireland. The narrative centers around four novice detectives, collectively referred to as the Young Lions, working at South West 101, a police station located in inner-city Sydney, exploring both their professional duties and personal challenges.
Although the series featured a talented ensemble and an engaging concept, it encountered low viewership and frequent schedule shifts, which ultimately resulted in its cancellation after just one season.
Main
- Alex Dimitriades portraying Det Snr Constable Eddie Mercia
- Alexandra Davies as Det Snr Constable Donna Parry
- Tom Long playing Det Snr Constable Guy 'Guido' Martin
- Anna Lise Phillips in the role of Det Snr Constable Cameron Smart
- Penny Cook as Chief Inspector Sharon Kostas
- Katherine Slattery portraying Madeleine Delaney
- Alan Cinis as Phil Emerson
Recurring/guests
| Actor | Role | Episodes |
|---|---|---|
| Socratis Otto | Justin Carmody | 15 |
| Anna Torv | Irena Nedov | 13 |
| John Waters | Snr Det Bill Martin | 7 |
| Maya Stange | Sophie Rinaldi | 6 |
| John Noble | Adam Gallagher | 4 |
| John Gregg | George Quinlan QC / Magistrate | 4 |
| Victoria Longley | Police Psychiatrist | 4 |
| Jeremy Sims | Rob Carne | 3 |
| Simon Burke | Rob Watson | 3 |
| Rhys Muldoon | Justice Paul Bergan | 3 |
| Terry Serio | Det Shane Wesson | 3 |
| Anna Torv | Irena Nedov | 13 |
Broadcast
The show was broadcast from 17 July through 18 December 2002, comprising a total of 23 episodes.
Critical reception
Critic Ross Warneke from The Age remarked that the series struggled to escape common police drama tropes, describing it as more visually striking but lacking depth. Amanda Meade of The Australian likened it to another Michael Jenkins creation, calling it a "polished urban police drama featuring flawed officers and shadowy city environments," though sometimes repetitive. Jackie Sinnerton from The Courier-Mail commended the series for being "edgy, stylish, and sophisticated," emphasizing Jenkins' creative influence.
Episode List
| No. | Episode Title | Synopsis | Premiered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot | Donna's initial day is disrupted when a convicted cop-killer seeks vengeance. | 17 July 2002 |
| 2 | Mardi Gras | Guido faces conflicts between his career ambitions and personal desires. | 24 July 2002 |
| 3 | Lick Me Baby | Cameron's new partner accuses Guido of theft during his undercover assignment. | 31 July 2002 |
| 4 | Boy School Bullies | Donna confronts elitism and discrimination. | 7 August 2002 |
| 5 | Fruit Market Underworld | Guido's undercover history places his position at risk. | 14 August 2002 |
| 6 | Asylum Seekers | The detectives probe a riot at a detention center and a refugee's escape. | 21 August 2002 |
| 7 | The City and the Taxi Driver | Officers patrol a tense urban night; Cameron forms a connection with a murderer. | 18 September 2002 |
| 8 | Kickboxer Kills Rapist | Donna defends a woman accused of murder after killing her attacker. | 25 September 2002 |
| 9 | Arson Case | An arson investigation reopens amid claims of police cover-up; Guido confronts family secrets. | 2 October 2002 |
| 10 | The Priest | Eddie’s beliefs are challenged during a missing person case involving foul play. | 9 October 2002 |
| 11 | China Town | Cameron is caught between Guido and his father as integrity and a boy’s life are at stake. | 16 October 2002 |
| 12 | Nursing Home | Eddie reconnects with an old neighbor while investigating a suspicious death. | 23 October 2002 |
| 13 | Kickboxer on Trial | Cameron faces personal conflicts involving Guido and his father. | 6 November 2002 |
| 14 | 'The Navy: Part 1' | ' Guido’s naval brother returns amid investigations into murder and gangs. | '13 November 2002' |
| '15' | 'The Navy: Part 2' | ' Family suspicions arise as Guido and Cameron face personal challenges. | '13 November 2002' |
| '16' | 'Lone Star Blues' | ' Eddie’s morals are tested over issues surrounding family reunification. | '20 November 2002' |
| '17' | 'Drag Racing' | ' Donna balances her dedication to policing with her relationship during a fatal crash inquiry. | '27 November 2002' |
| '18' | 'Grand Prix' | ' Guido’s father assists in targeting a gang leader; Cameron seeks justice for a hotel death. | '11 December 2002' |
| '19' | 'Bill's Death' | ' Guido’s father confronts terminal illness and murder accusations; friends offer support. | '11 December 2002' |
| '20' | 'Serial Killer: Part 1' | ' A suicide investigation intensifies as related fatalities occur. | '18 December 2002' |
| '21' | 'Serial Killer: Part 2' | ' The pursuit continues; Donna faces peril in a hostage crisis; Guido reevaluates his future. | '18 December 2002' |
External links
- Articles with short description
- Australian television series debuts in 2002
- Australian television series conclusions in 2002
- Australian drama series of the 2000s
- Australian crime drama series from the 2000s
- English-language Australian television programs
- Nine Network original series
- Television programs set in Sydney
- Television productions by Endemol Shine Australia
- Nine Network original programming