Acorn TV has released Newton’s Law: Season 1 on DVD. This 3 disc set is available now from Amazon or streaming from Acorn TV. Is it worth checking out? Read on to find out.
Newton’s Law: Season 1 comes on 3 discs with all 8 episodes for about 442 minutes of entertainment. The show is from the producers of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (Deb Cox and Fiona Eagger) and stars Australian actress Claudia Karvan (Jack Irish, Aquamarine, Daybreakers) as Josephine Newton. The show takes a bit of a breather away from the dark, gloomy and violent atmosphere modern crime shows have and works with more of a light, charming approach to the subject.
The premise is pretty straightforward but gives room for nice character moments. Josephine Newton’s office is destroyed by an angry client and so she is forced to work at the same place her old university chum Lewis (Toby Schmitz) is practicing law. This high powered law firm is all glitz and glamour but Josephine feels like she can’t leave her old co-workers out to dry so she quietly sets up her own legal team in the basement for Johnny (Sean Keenan), an ex-car thief, and Helena (Georgina Naidu), a fantastic lawyer with one problem, she has a crippling fear of courtrooms. Of course, it’s not just work, and bouncing between the offices, that Josephine has to worry about when she also has a growing teenage daughter and a rocky relationship with her current husband (Brett Tucker).
The show is fairly family friendly and seems to be more in line with Acorn’s other PG-rated material. The shorter seasons make the episodes feel more like mini-movies and there didn’t seem to be as much filler as many American shows have in full seasons. The Australian setting gives a bit of a different look that separates itself from other shows but also the subject matter does too. This isn’t the kind of story to challenge you with morally grey characters filled with questionable decision making and hiding who they really are. Newton’s Law is refreshing in that it shows a normal lead, a working mother who is trying to balance her home life with her work life. She is responsible and enjoys her work. It’s sort of a throwback to classic wholesome television from Nick at Night reruns back in the day.
I’m glad that every show isn’t the same thing and there is room for this kind of entertainment on modern television as well. It’s a relaxing show, that should at least bring warm feelings and a smile to your face. The show is not a sitcom but there are elements of it dancing against the fringe of that genre. If you enjoy that type of show then I think you really should check out Newton’s Law for yourself as it may be just what you are looking for.
Special Features:
- The Look of Newton’s World (4 min.)- The crew describes how they brought to life the lavish “upstairs” office of Knox Chambers and the dingy “downstairs” office.
- Having It All? (3 min.)- The cast and crew talk about women juggling family, careers, and other stresses in life.
- Meet the Ensemble (4 min.)- Cast and crew describe the large ensemble cast of characters.
- In Court with Newton’s Law (2 min.)- Legal consultant Hilary Bonney gives a tour of a courtroom.
- Claudia Karvan as Josephine (3 min.)- Actress Claudia Karvan talks about her role in the show.
- Toby Schmitz as Lewis (3 min.)- Actor Toby Schmitz talks about his role.
- Sean Keenan as Johnny (2 min)- Actor Sean Keenan talks about his role.
- Georgina Naidu as Helena (3 min.) Actress Georgina Naidu talks about her role.
- Jennifer Leacey, Set-up Director (2min.)- Set-up Director Jennifer Leacey discusses the series.
- Legal Lessons from Newton’s Law (3 min.)- Cast and crew describe what they learned about the law while working on Newton’s Law.
- Inspiring Women on Screen (3 min.)- Producers Fiona Eagger and Deb Cox talk about creating a series about an intelligent, relatable woman.
- Set Tour with Jane Hall (3 min.)- Actress Jane Hall hosts a tour of Knox Chambers.
- Introducing Makwaya Masudi (2 min.)- Actor Makwaya Masudi talks about his refugee background and the similarities between him and his character.
Newton’s Law Final Thoughts:
Newton’s Law presents a softer comedic touch to legal proceedings that will have many viewers laughing and getting emotionally involved with the characters and their lives. The episodes are split between a legal case and dramatic interludes in Newton’s personal life which seem to be balanced well for a show the whole family can enjoy. If you think a lighthearted, charming comedic look at the legal proceedings of a working mother is the show for you then I suggest checking out Newton’s Law today. You can purchase a copy of the first season on DVD from Amazon, and other fine retailers or stream it on Acorn TV.
Note: This DVD was sent to us for review. This has not affected our judgment or editorial process in any way. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this process.
