Redfern Now: Nov 28

It’s another heavy subject on Redfern Now this week, triggered by the consequences of gambling addiction.

Performances are again strong, especially Ursula Yovich, but while conflict drives drama, it’s unfortunate the series hasn’t been able to give more light and shade to its subjects this year.

Nic Shields (Ursula Yovich) spends her lunch hour in a daily ritual at her local club: a little lunch, a couple of games of Keno and then play the pokies. But what started out as a bit of fun has slowly become a problem. Her bank balance is evaporating, and to hide the true extent of her gambling from her husband Eddie (Marley Sharp), she has re-directed her credit card statements to her cousin Grace’s (Leah Purcell) house. This places a strain on their relationship, but Nic assures Grace she will sort it out soon.

But Nic’s preoccupation with gambling intensifies as she tries to find the money to pay for Eddie’s fortieth birthday party, her son Joel’s (Aaron McGrath) school excursion, and a major landscape improvement being undertaken in the family backyard.

A few days later, on her way to bank her employer’s takings, Nic is robbed. The police are called, and friends and family are sympathetic to her ordeal. Although she wants to go back to work immediately, Nic accepts a break from work, but spends her free time playing the pokies. The police turn up during Eddie’s birthday party with the good news that the perpetrator has been caught. But why is Nic so nervous when asked to accompany them to the station?

8:30pm Thursday ABC1.