I agree with others who have praised this series. I watched it on TV when it was first screened and when it was rerun I fortunately caught most episodes.Unfortunately at the time I did not have a VCR to tape them and include in my collection. I bought an episode from the ABC but it cost over a hundred bucks, so I didn't buy any more. I wish they would rerun it again so I can record them all however I fear the PC brigade from the Left are firmly in charge at the ABC now so I doubt that will happen.The script, acting & camera work were spot on and I still recall how enjoyable it was, watching it for the first time each week. If anyone made or has copies my email is: [email protected]

This series is edgy, gritty and above all real. There are no magic answers. Resolution doesn't happen in 48 short minutes. The plot, the character development, the acting - all are first rate. Perhaps the best comparison is something like "Hill St Blues". Although "Phoenix" is something unique, make no mistake. I saw this as it was first broadcast. The wait for each week's new episode was interminable. Simply outstanding! This is as good as Australian television - heck, television anywhere - gets!. I've not seen anything quite like it since. Save, perhaps, "Cracker". Lookout also for the follow up series "Janus".

I have only seen 'Phoenix' as a repeat (currently been shown @ 11pm Monday nights on ABC). I thought that the first series was brilliant, but on Monday, the second series premiered. I noticed that Paul Sonkila and Andy Anderson were among the notable absentees - obviously as officers-in-charge of the Major Crime Squad, they were held accountable for the many complaints regarding the bomb investigation. It now seems that Phoenix has lost its first series quality. Am I reading to much into the first episode, or were Sonkila, Anderson and others smart enough to get off a sinking ship?

Based on a true story, this Australian mini-series is one of the few police dramas I've ever seen which conveys how complicated, frustrating and slow the process of solving a murder can be... and yet manages to be a gripping drama. As an added bonus, it features one of the best depictions of real (sane!) scientists ever put on television - a husband-and-wife team of forensic experts who manage to retain their integrity as scientists despite the political demands of the job. It also boasts an excellent soundtrack, as well as strong performances from all of the cast. Catch it if you can.