Puberty Blues (Season 2) Review

Everything Aussie in a show! Puberty Blues is the rare Australian television show that comes not so often that showcases pure talent as well as writing and filming. Australian television is usually bombarded with American shows with very few quality ones of our own such as Underbelly. However less gruesome yet accurate, is the story of Deb and Sue of Cronulla in the 1970's. Right in the midst of their teenage years, the inseparable pair undergo the trials and tribulations any teen experiences of sex, romance, family, friendship, and in their cases, gender politics.

Debbie Vickers is a bright and intelligent student who comes from a very studious family. Her father being a research scientist and mother who is the local primary school's principal. She also has a younger brother, David, enjoys annoying her to no end.
Sue Knight on the other hand, is more free spirited and adventure seeking than Deb. She is the youngest daughter of Roger and Pam who are high school sweethearts, still madly in love as ever.

The Greenhills Gang

Throughout season one, we have watch Deb and Sue struggle to become accepted into the Greenhills gang, the 'coolest' gang of the area that is consisted of surfer dudes and chicks. They eventually are accepted, by conforming to the pressures of the gang such as sex, drinking, and drugs. They also start dating boys of the gang which ultimately prove disastrous for both girls as they were forced into their gender stereotypes and are only seen as sexual objects. Deb slowly starts to develop genuine feelings for Gary Hennessy, a promising surfer and the most desired of school. From the start, the audience can immediately sense that Gary is unlike the rest, with a kind heart for others he is noticeably more sensitive and caring. Deb and Gary's relationship by the end of season one is promising and full hope, their characters blend well together, both offering love and support to each other.

Season two focuses on the aftermath of Deb and Sue's official acceptance into the gang and the impact it has on their relationships to others, with emphasis on their families. Debbie's new friends and their influence on her puts a large strain with her mother, who expects her to become accomplished in academia and in life. The lifestyle of the Greenhills gang forces Judy to send Debbie to a prestigious boarding school in Sydney's CBD, hoping that the 'old' Debbie will return. Without her best friend, Sue feels isolated in Cronulla, "why does every girl in suburb have to be an untrustworthy bitch?". Finding no comfort in the gang, Sue develops an unlikely friendship as a result of a science project with the school 'nerd', Woody. Sue is surprised by his interest in her personality and opinions rather than her body. She at first holds reservations about becoming a couple with him, keeping in mind her status as a Greenhill member and his social status at the bottom.

Sue visiting Debbie at her new boarding school

The parents of the Greenhills gang have a noticeable more screen time, with their own complex dilemmas rather than just a touch and go in season one. Martin and Judy start to have serious marriage problems as seen in season one which resulted them in attending marriage counselling sessions. This is mainly caused by Martin's short fling with one of his research assistants at work, that Judy discovers after her sudden death. Feeling betrayed, by now her husband and daughter, she feels as if she is loosing control of her family life.

Roger and Pam Knight's problems are less drastic with only financial problems being their main concern. After being miserable at his job as a graphic designer at a city firm, Roger decides to start a new business of making bikinis with the full support of Pam. Throughout season two, their love for each other is just as strong since the first season. Their feelings for one another is proof that it is possible for the other characters to find genuine love and happiness, whether the circumstances seems like it or not.

Debbie and Gary

Puberty Blues is an amazing show and this review does not do it justice! There are many more issues in which this shows explores and really puts light on the Australian lifestyle in the 70s. The writing perfectly portrays the struggle young women face while growing up, not only in the past, but also in today's society. The fact that Deb and Sue's struggles are real today, really wakes the audience up and make them take notice. This is television show falls perfectly under the category of coming of age, just like The Breakfast Club and The Perks of Being a Wallflower, with a great message to send to both young and mature adults. I highly recommend you watch this show!


Rating:
4/5


Trailer:

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