The drought-stricken landscape of South Australia is a basic element, almost a 'character', of this well-written series, which I'm watching again for its 2nd run. But the dramatic tension relies on the relationship between the female leads of Rachel Ward and Victoria Thaine - sometimes tense, usually respectful. Many scenes work for their unfinished or repressed words, and awkward silences of these actors, as their characters struggle to relate to each other. Lots of good Oz wine is consumed - South Australian, no doubt ! Rachel Ward looks as sexy as ever, albeit unaided by makeup or other enhancements - which she doesn't need !With pedigreed writers like Tony Morphett involved, we expect and get fine results in this ABC TV production.

I obtained this DVD from my local library because I was curious as to what Rachel Ward has been doing since I saw her in "The Thorn Birds." I was delighted to see that this fine actress is as at home in Paringa as she was in Dragheda. It would appear that the occupants of both Australian locations dealt with a similar problem- drought. There are impressive performances by both Rachel Ward and Victoria Thaine as a pair of veterinarians serving a dreary landscape. They carry this film and their chemistry is obvious after a rocky introduction. Some will contend that the premise of a young girl from the big city having any interest in establishing a practice in such a dreary location strains credulity. However, this talented pair manage to make that unlikely premise believable. Unfortunately, the male characters are not as clearly defined and are upstaged by the two feminine leads. The film lags when the ladies are absent. We never learn what the mysterious Larry is up to and some will miss the fact that there is little or no sexual magnetism between the two ladies and any of the men in this story. It is hard to visualize Rachel Ward being celibate for 15 years. The film is overlong and the camera dwells too long on the the barren surroundings. We get the message, they need rain. However, I found the film educational and informative especially for Americans who don't recognize the Australia beyond Sydney harbor and Bondi Beach. While not as diverse and entertaining as the Thorn Birds, the brilliant performances of Rachel Ward and Victoria Thaine make it well worth watching. Go see it.

Perhaps I am a bit biased as my family participated in the filming of the series. I found it to be quite realistic as we live in the area the series was filmed in. Life is very slow here especially compared to the area in New York we originated from. It is also very different in comparison to Adelaide which is 50 km from here. Lack of rain in our area is very devastating for the farmers as I am sure it is through out Australia. It is about time someone shows the true impact that perhaps everyday people and corporations take it seriously enough to do their best to conserve water. Rachel Ward is a lovely woman that took the time to speak to my daughter Amanda who played Pam the "puppy girl" in episode 2. We may be from NY but we are naturalized and take quite seriously the issues facing this country. Keep watching and see what life is like for those that supply our crops and meat. Its a great series !!!

I may be jumping in here, having only seen the first episode, but even at this early stage, my most overwhelming response is one of disappointment. I really, really wanted to like this series, having grown up in a remote and perpetually dry farming area, but no matter how much I try, I can't.Firstly, the concept of a young and eager vet from the city moving to a rural region in the grip of a long dry to assist the resident (female, middle-aged, complex, crusty) vet - played by Rachel Ward - is a worthy one, but somehow it just isn't enough. It feels clichéd and corny, and as I watched, I couldn't help but think that the vet from 'A Country Practice' was almost more believable!!! Having said that, I feel that Rachel Ward holds this whole thing together. She's a trooper of many years, and the camera loves her.My real problem with this is the way the locals are portrayed, with names like Fred and Harry (although Shane Withington as Harry looks the real deal!)and most of the men wearing Akubras or a cheaper version of it. For the 1997-ish film 'Road To Nhill' the writer spent a number of months living in the area about which she later wrote, so her perspective was an informed one. In 'Rain Shadow' the locals - so far at least - are treated as one-dimensional cardboard cutouts. Strange as this may seem to city dwellers, country folk are quite complex, and their lives and choices can provide great stories for astute and observant writers. I hope my pessimism about this series will prove to be unfounded.