Young Lions is an Australian TV police drama shown on the Nine Network in 2002 and in Ireland on RTÉ Two. The storyline of the series revolved around the professional and private lives of four rookie detectives, the Young Lions, of South West 101, an inner city Sydney police station.
The program rated poorly and was not renewed after its first season. Competition from other new drama series and several timeslot changes also contributed to the show's demise.
Cast
Main Alex Dimitriades as Det Snr Constable Eddie Mercia Alexandra Davies as Det Snr Constable Donna Parry Tom Long as Det Snr Constable Guy 'Guido' Martin Anna Lise Phillips as Det Snr Constable Cameron Smart Penny Cook as Chief Inspector Sharon Kostas Katherine Slattery as Madeleine Delaney Alan Cinis as Phil Emerson
Recurring/guests Year Title Ep. Count Socratis Otto Justin Carmody 15 Anna Torv Irena Nedov 13 Betty Lucas Grace Beaumont 1 Brendan Cowell Jason Doone 2 Caroline Brazier Gabrielle Hall 1 Chris Lilley Mick Dwyer 1 Damien Garvey William Solomons 2 Daniel Frederiksen Chris Doone 2 Daniel Roberts Ross Kennedy 1 David Campbell Grant Fisher 1 Essie Davis Julie Morgan 2 Genevieve O’Reilly Kimberly Oswald 1 Hayley McElhinney Mel Gilham 2 Jack Finsterer Tony Kennedy 1 Jeremy Sims Rob Carne 3 John Gregg George Quinlan QC / Magistrate 4 John Noble Adam Gallagher 4 John Waters Snr Det Bill Martin 7 Jonny Pasvolsky Daniel Crane 2 Josef Ber Officer Craig Simons 1 Josh Quong Tart Dr Martin 1 Justin Rosniak Noel Jarvine 2 Kate Beahan Emma Greer 2 Kick Gurry Danny 1 Kieran Darcy-Smith Marty Charlton 2 Leeanna Walsman Freda Larsen 2 Leon Ford Josef Pozinak 1 Loene Carmen Sarah 1 Marta Dusseldorp Catherine McGregor 1 Maya Stange Sophie Rinaldi 6 Michael Denkha Paco 2 Nadine Garner Rebecca Ann Sharpe 2 Oliver Ackland Liam Quinlan 1 Peter Kowitz Alan Destin 1 Peter O'Brien Daryll Flynn 1 Rhys Muldoon Justice Paul Bergan 3 Ryan Johnson Alex Brooks 1 Simon Burke Rob Watson 3 Steve Le Marquand SPG Officer Stevens 1 Steven Vidler Sgt Brian Graham 1 Susan Prior Christine Malouf 1 Terry Serio Det Shane Wesson 3 Victoria Longley Police Psychiatrist 4 Zac Drayson Jay Stubbings 1
Release
Broadcast The series ran from 17 July through 18 December 2002, and consisted of 23 episodes.
Critical reception The Age television critic Ross Warneke criticised the show, writing, "it seems unable—or perhaps unwilling—to break the shackles of copshow cliche. ... It may be flashier, faster and more crowded than the cop shows of yore, but there's not much else." Comparing it to another Michael Jenkins show, Wildside, Amanda Meade of The Australian called Young Lions "another slick urban police drama with flawed cops, dark beautifully filmed cityscapes and, occasionally, characters who repeat their lines". The Courier-Mails Jackie Sinnerton found the series to be "edgy, sexy and urbane, the 22-part drama has Jenkins written all over it".
Episode list +No.Episode TitleSynopsisPremiered 1 Pilot Donna's first day on the job is challenged when the station is rocked to its core by a convicted cop-killer intent on exacting revenge. 17 July 20022 Mardi Gras Guido is forced to deal with his yearnings: for his job, and the woman he loves. 24 July 2002 3Lick Me Baby Cameron's new lover accuses her partner, Guido Martin, of stealing money while he is working undercover. 31 July 2002 4 Boy School Bullies Donna's positive outlook is challenged as she deals with elitism and prejudice. 7 August 2002 5Fruit Market Underworld Guido's undercover past threatens his job at South West police station.14 August 2002 6 Asylum Seekers Eddie, Donna and Madeleine investigate a riot at a detention centre and the escape of a teenage refugee. 21 August 2002 7 The City and the Taxi Driver The detectives spend a night on the streets amid simmering tensions, while Cameron plumbs the depths of her own soul to connect with a killer. 18 September 2002 8Kickboxer Kills Rapist Donna defends a woman who is charged with murder after she kills a rapist. 25 September 2002 9 Arson Case An arson case is reopened, because an alleged police cover-up sent the wrong man to prison. Guido is forced to confront the truth about his detective father and his role in the conviction. 2 October 2002 10 The Priest Eddie's faith and his friendship with Father Paul Moran are tested when Irena's sister goes missing and foul play is suspected. 9 October 2002 11China Town Cameron is torn between Guido and his father, Senior Detective Bill Martin, and she soon finds her integrity and a boy's life are on the line.16 October 2002 12 Nursing Home Eddie finds himself in contact with a former neighbour during an investigation into a suspicious death at a nursing home. 23 October 2002 13 Kickboxer on Trial Cameron is torn between Guido and his father, Senior Detective Bill Martin, and she soon finds her integrity and a boy's life are in the line. 6 November 2002 14The Navy: Part 1 Guido's Naval Captain brother returns home a hero, and tensions surface as a female naval officer is found murdered. Cameron works with Bill to nab a Chinese gang leader. 13 November 2002 15 The Navy: Part 2 Guido and Cameron each face a personal crisis-and their friendship is tested-as Guido's father and brother come under suspicion. 13 November 2002 16 Lone Star Blues Eddie's integrity is tested as the father of Irena's son is released from prison. Eddie wants to reunite the boy with his father-but could lose Irena. 20 November 2002 17Drag Racing Donna loves the police force and Crime Scene Examiner, Justin Carmody. Her feelings for both are tested as she investigates a fatal car smash involving police. 27 November 2002 18 Grand Prix Paul Bergin asks Guido's father for help to bring down a Chinese gang boss. Cameron seeks justice for a girl found dead in a hotel because of the indifference shown by the partygoers and investigators. 11 December 2002 19 Bill's Death Guido's friends rally to his side as his father faces a terminal illness - and a murder charge. 11 December 2002 20 Serial Killer: Part 1 The investigation into the suicide of an Olympic swimming hopeful escalates when those around the investigation begin to be killed off. 18 December 2002 21 Serial Killer: Part 2 The search for the serial killer continues. Donna's life is put on the line when she becomes involved in a hostage situation. Guido has to decide his future with Sophie.18 December 2002
List of Australian television series List of Nine Network programs
References
External links
Young Lions at the National Film and Sound Archive