Rush (2008–2011) User Reviews

Follows the drama of a Melbourne-based police tactical squad.

[mike_cable · 7/10 · 8 August 2010]

Rush is a high-energy, dramatic police drama filmed in Melbourne, Australia, that follows the jobs of a tactical response group made up of various individuals. Each episode has self-contained stories while ongoing character development and personal drama for each individual unfolds throughout the series.

It isn't afraid to show that the members of the group are only human and can make bad decisions, with repercussions. By 2010, the writers have appeared to have dropped the various "office relationships" that seemed to plague the show in its early stages, although the two young guys seem to have some awkward moments still.

The overly shaky camera work can be a bit annoying to some, but you can get used to it, however the music is modern, diverse and works well with most scenes. It often draws comparisons to City Homicide, but they are two very different animals.

It often feels like each character is going to have their downfall and you never know when or how it's going to happen, and I think that's what draws me to watch the series.

Try not to think too much about the silliness of the actions or dialogue by some of the "professional police officers" in Rush and you'll be rewarded with some good, if sometimes a little anticipated, action sequences by a good group of television stars.

One of the best Aussie shows I've seen.

[rhyscooper82 · 9/10 · 10 December 2008]

It is surprisingly impressive. I would expect something of this caliber from a higher budget American studio (everyone knows America has the best technically inclined staff at their disposal).

When I watched the first episode I was in awe, this show was much better then next to anything I'd expect from Australia. It has so many things you just wouldn't expect from an Aussie show, and it's on so many more levels. The technical skills and creativity are much better then most other shows on the same budget.

I went to the 24 Hour Film making festival of 2008, and I was surprised to find the lead actress of the first episode there (Aurora). The directors make the actors look great.

It is better then most other cop shows. The stories are a lot more complex and things are done more interestingly. It's not just "find the evidence, yell at the killer", it is visually entertaining and more intellectual. They characters aren't just run off the mill killers, there are large stories behind them all.

It obviously doesn't have the budget of CSI, but it is certainly more interesting (I mean, who wants to watch a monotonous guy wearing sunglasses indoors?). It's more like Law and Order, but even then, the technical skills are better and it makes it visually more entertaining.

I do have to admit, watching it for the second time around it's not as shocking as the first time around, but lightening doesn't strike in the same place twice. I am glad it has been brought back for an encore series. I'll finally get to watch the episodes I missed!

i can't believe this show has only one review

[ilya-20 · 9/10 · 5 February 2009]

It's good and it deserves better.

I don't want to spoil it and talk about what happens. I would like however to mention how Aussie shows manage to capture real life better than American shows - who just lose themselves in unnatural drama. I don't know if that's because Aussie life is more down-to-earth than American life since I haven't been to any of those countries, but somehow I can relate to Rush much more than to any American cop show i've seen lately.

The characters are believable and real. And yeah, some ideas might not be the most original out there, but they don't feel fake while watching, and when watching this show I don't get that odd sensation I sometimes get when watching other shows - that feeling that someone's really trying hard to come up with a good story and it just doesn't get out. The story flows naturally.

Let's hope they don't lose it. I hope they go as long as Water Rats - maybe longer.

Thoroughly enjoyable at all levels

[Hoods77 · 10/10 · 27 October 2011]

I absolutely loathe most American shows of this broad genre (Bones and CSIs spring to mind) because the characters are often so stereotyped, plastic and generally uninteresting that I want to puke. (Most HBO shows stand excepted.) Aussie shows often get slammed for various reasons I honestly can't fathom - Rush, City Homicide, Wildside and East West 101, to name a few, are all excellent shows. They were/are all populated by real people with personality and flaws galore, so that the viewer readily becomes involved with and can easily empathise (or not) with them. In Rush, the dialog is entertaining and natural, the relationships are complex and believable.

I have taken off one star for the weapons handling as commented on elsewhere by someone who says he knows about these things. However, for me, this is a minor detail because my knowledge of procedures and weapons is superficial and what I see (99% of the time) is plausible enough for me as a general viewer. I am more than happy to suspend belief in those areas - I just want to watch a show with the right mix of drama, action, characterisation and dialog. I LOVE all those aspects of Rush. And needless to say the acting is of the usual extremely high Australian standard - Catherine McClements is a standout in a generally superb lineup of talent.

One of the best cop shows on TV.

[TomBowler · 10/10 · 14 July 2010]

Rush isn't just a great cop show, it's a great drama as well, with characters who stay true to themselves and each episode outdoing the last. Instead of overloading the viewers with meaningless action, Rush prefers to spend a lot more time on its characters, adding depth to each one of them every episode. Each character is well developed throughout the course of the series and, despite the lack of meaninglessness, the action contained in a single episode rivals any cop show any American television. ANY cop show.

Each line of the perfectly restrained script flows naturally from the characters, never feeling forced and never feeling scripted. The actors themselves help to create this feeling, each of them seeming to know their character inside out and instinctively know how to portray; a welcome change from the soap opera actors which usually back up the lead in todays cop shows.

The writers also seem to realize that drama doesn't only manifest itself in the killing off of characters, creating twisted character arcs with forbidden love, delusions of grandeur, the whole shebang. They also are incredibly inventive, thinking up new and interesting, though never unfeasible, ways to test the team's abilities. And they're far too smart to, 1) always let them win and 2)let them get away with a clean conscience.

The direction is fantastic. It looks like a constant Bourne film, but if that puts you off, don't worry, each and every shot is perfectly chosen for maximum effectiveness and won't impair your view exorbitantly.

And yes, I know what you're thinking, it's an Australian show, they probably constantly introduce themselves with a g'day and throw in phrases like strewth or fair shake of the sauce bottle (what does that even mean??), but Rush (kindly) eschews this cultural stereotype, focusing instead on the actual plot/technical-aspects-in-general of the show (hint to all other Aussie shows out there, get you're acts together!).

If you haven't found this Aussie gem yet, find it, buy it, watch it and then watch it again. I guarantee you'll love it.

Awesome

[lynnemcdermott99 · 10/10 · 13 March 2019]

Great Aussie series, well acted great story's.just being repeated on uk tv now my third time watching this series. Australia really has some of the best actors and series.

Best TV show I've ever watched

[mapddias · 10/10 · 20 April 2018]

First I watched this drama on TV around 2010 and I loved it. Because it depicts the true picture of its characters. It's totally realistic. Literary It's the whole life of them. I was schooling when I first saw this drama. Almost 8 years passed and Now I'm in my graduation year. I still love this drama. Now I'm working hard to come to Australia from Sri Lanka. This drama motivated me a lot to do that. I want to thank the director and the crew for creating such a great drama. GREAT DRAMA!!!

Why only 4 seasons??

[shelby_c · 7/10 · 31 January 2020]

This show had everything - Politics, relationships, blood, and action. I loved every episode and can't believe it didn't continue. There are so many inferior shows that have lasted longer and it's just not right.

Good show

[rgbilbrey · 8/10 · 15 April 2020]

I really enjoyed this series. It's interesting watching shows from other countries. It's not the greatest show ever but it was entertaining.

close but no cigar

[edumacated · 6/10 · 29 July 2010]

when i first started watching, i started enjoying. the dialog and interactions were more than i'm used to viewing from the us jj programming. i liked the characters, i liked the dialog. i liked the show.

that is until they hit a tactical situation. after that the show turned into amateurish drivel. i'm an old pro, and if this is the kind of respect a major Australian network pays to shows that hinge on gun play, then they should stick to soaps.

the tactics and weapons handling were a joke, when one swat officer tells another she knows her scoped weapon shoots low and to the right i about crapped my pants--that is why they have a range to zero weapons and adjustments to get it right. a swat sniper should be able to hit a one inch spot at one hundred yards, no matter the angle.

now i know i'm not alone. there must be, at least, some Australian, Afghani vets that are cringing at this show.

this is the 21st century, and there is a global audience. get a decent technical adviser and listen to him.

i was hoping to enjoy this show, but instead i ended up laughing at it.

Robert.

EXCELLENT, What Can I Say?

[jaza20032000 · 10/10 · 2 December 2009]

I just finished up watching Rush Season 2 and wow, just wow. With So many American cop shows out these days all seem to be utter junk. Although there are some good ones. What stands out about Rush the most is (not to mention its filmed in Australia, Victoria) is that unlike other Police Dramas it has Realism aspect to it. I mean how many cop shows do you watch and they kill someone and its like oh well. Although I do understand that it was an innocent man that was shot the realism each of the Police officer face, not knowing which one actually shot Him, I believe really captivates the Audience and gives that extra bit of realism. The cast is excellent, Not any bad acting or poorly preformed scene with crutty lines, I Think its has got to be one of the best cop shows, if not one of the best show in Aus. I would recommend this show to anyone.

EXCELLENT 10/10

Entertaining and Ridiculous

[kylecurry · 6/10 · 18 March 2023]

This show is entertaining because it has some nice action scenes, and very good actors.

But like most of these action cop shows, these are the worst cops ever.

They always break protocol, have sexual relationships with each other even though it's against the rules, get kidnapped, repeatedly drop their guns, let criminals escape, miss obvious clues. Also, they run very slowly when chasing criminals, or at least they appear to run quickly, but they never catch the criminals. They also spend a lot of time yelling, "drop your gun, or I'll shoot," but they never shoot. They just let the criminals get away. And somehow criminals are always able to sneak up behind these cops and whack them on the head. Really poor situational awareness.

I guess screenwriters in every country have to follow the same rules and write the same kinds of scenes over and over again.

Watch to enjoy the actors and the shaky steadycam chase scenes. Try to suspend your disbelief. Insomnia requires shows like this.

Missed! Due to Camera Work.

[vintagegeek · 5/10 · 31 May 2018]

We so wanted to watch and like this given some of our favorite actors are in it. However, the camera work is like a first person shooter game. And it's constantly flipping back and forth. It actually makes you nauseous. It reminded me of the chase scenes in the Jason Bourne movies but worse. We watched beyond the pilot (which starts with a 4 min 30 sec chase scene and future episodes were filmed the same way. Too bad.

Compared To Some US TV Shows - This Was Pretty Damn Good or Better - Re up Season 5 Maybe...!!??

[bondiform · 10/10 · 14 February 2020]

Aussie At It's Best, Never A Bore & Always Asking For More!!

Too bad that some of the characters/actors were taken out as this could have gone at least 2-4 more seasons by stepping up their game of suspense, action, and twists with planting so much seeds to use later on. Too bad (Use TV Names) Dom was taken out and especially Michael. The relationship twists and jumping from one another kept it interesting. Josh, Lawson, Stella, Shannon & crew. No idea if it was the money, actors, or the the production crew that just ended it at Episode 13 (If I'm Correct?) and should have at least gone on to at least 19 episodes or so for that final season 4. They could bring back Michael and say it was pulled from the medical room and pronounced dead at kept in the dark for a while for protection. Then bring him back into the Tactical Team. More play could have been added. Maybe even the RUSH Season 5 coming back for at least 2 -5 Seasons and bounce all over Australia in different states. RUSH - Statewide.

The acting and scenarios that some of these team actors went through while staying in tact was damn good!! Bring it back - For Another RUSH (Head Rush).

Loved this

[annehazell · 9/10 · 2 August 2019]

Great acting. Believable storylines and characters you care about. I loved it and miss watching it.

One of the greatest shows I've ever seen

[boomers-18861 · 10/10 · 12 September 2019]

I want a lot of binge-watching shows and this is definitely top 5

Great high action TV

[selah-90783 · 9/10 · 15 May 2019]

I love this show! I found it streaming and was stunned it got cancelled. It was a great high action episodic series and the shows theme song was perfect it has been playing in my head constantly..lol. I wish there were more shows like this one. I binged the whole series and was quit disappointed in the final episode though. It was a let down. In fact it was the worst episode over the entire series. I highly recommend watching this show. It keeps you on the edge of your seat making you want to binge on this series til the very end.

A pretty good Aussie cop drama

[foghorn_clj · 6/10 · 21 April 2019]

An all-round great Aussie cop drama. Plenty of actions and well-rounded plotlines, it's an easy watch.

Two downsides:

• really bad CGI that has not aged well
• the characters of Michael and Josh are total assholes and in real life would not get that much action from women. The characters are totally unlikeable but the rest of the cast makes up for it.

Worth your time.

Best police show ever

[eloperena · 10/10 · 10 November 2021]

Show got better and better. Loved the technology and excitement. Great plots and acting. Binged several episodes every night! Too bad it came to an end.

One of The Greats!

[kgoldsmith-90029 · 8/10 · 8 July 2020]

Fantastic Show! Watched it in 2008 and recently watched again in 2020 still as good as the day it was released. Shows characters that aren't 'perfect', they have issues and personal lives that are explored!

The only downfall would be the death in S4. That character brought in humour, and a whole will they, won't they edge that everyone loves!

Love how it has a lot of 'Aussie' humour!

Started good, went downhill

[jimvandemoter-50236 · 5/10 · 16 February 2021]

The first couple seasons were really good, but after that it got increasingly stupid. By season three the characters got more and more childish. None of these people would ever even be a real street cop let alone an elite unit member. That and the firearm handling were amateurish at best. I gave it five stars because of the first two seasons, if they would've kept up the quality I'd have given it much more.

Started very good.

[chriskoczka-64473 · 8/10 · 10 November 2019]

What started out as an exceptional TV police drama, went down hill by season 4. The character of senior Sargent Lawson screwing the help was a big let down. Stella a damn good cop is a coke monkey by season 4. Cops showing up for work with more emotional baggage than many psych patients is a sad turn for what was a great team... Shannon was too bottled up after her attack...to where it interfered with her abilities. What happens when writers go sour, they just keep putting emotional hardships in the way of effective character. It started out as one of the best cop dramas, then is hit the dirt like a Boeing plan made in the Carolinas.

Excellent Australian drama

[kimberlayton · 10/10 · 3 February 2021]

Loved this series on Amazon. Upset that can't watch it in the states anymore. Not sure why? It's an excellent police series and thoroughly got engrossed in it. Hope it comes back to amazon soon!

Recently watched Rush again

[Intriguer · 8/10 · 10 March 2024]

I'd forgotten about this show for a little while after having watched it about 8 or 9 years ago. And then I read a fanfic on it and it sparked my interest to watch it again. Unfortunately Rush is only (currently) available to stream on 10Play here in Australia-with ads-but as someone who doesn't have the DVDs, at least it's available so I shouldn't complain.

Season one is definitely my favourite. It was my favourite season when I first watched and it still is. I'm not quite sure why. Maybe it's because the characters are all new and exciting, and they haven't yet been ruined by the writing (thanks seasons three and four, in particular). I often wonder what could have happened in terms of storylines and the characters if Claire van der Boom hadn't left. Who would have replaced the character who was actually meant to die instead? I guess that's something for fanfictions now.

I am the kind of person who sometimes ships characters who never get together or it's only implied etc (basically non-canon I guess!). And I found myself shipping Kerry and Lawson, even though I know nothing happens, at least on screen. I don't know whether it was intentional or not but there is something to be said about the great chemistry between those two actors and the tension they brought which came to life when they shared scenes, and that's something I enjoyed on the rewatch.

The shaky cam was a little annoying (I don't remember being annoyed by it so much the first time I watched) but something I did gradually get used to. Some of the characters do start to get annoying as the seasons go on, and some, in the end, become really out of character to me. It's a shame because I think seasons one and two were (mostly) really great.

Too much nudity

[bloomsandbirdhouses · 1/10 · 3 March 2020]

Trashy show. Could be good without the nudity and foul language.