''MDA'' is an Australian television series that aired between 2002 and 2005 on the
Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is the national broadcaster of Australia. It is principally funded by direct grants from the Australian Government and is administered by a government-appointed board. The ABC is a publicly-owned ...
. It concerned the day-to-day operation of legal firm MDA, which specialised in medical defence.
Synopsis
The title refers to the firm Medical Defence Australia, a team of lawyers and doctors who defend doctors charged with
malpractice
In the law of torts, malpractice, also known as professional negligence, is an "instance of negligence or incompetence on the part of a professional".Malpractice definition,
Professionals who may become the subject of malpractice actions inc ...
, ranging from
Botox
Botulinum toxin, or botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium '' Clostridium botulinum'' and related species. It prevents the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from axon endings at the neuromus ...
injections gone wrong to
spinal cord
The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular structure made up of nervous tissue, which extends from the medulla oblongata in the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column (backbone). The backbone encloses the central canal of the spi ...
injuries. The firm operates by collecting annual subscriptions from doctors, rather than on a case-by-case fee basis.
The main characters in the
pilot episode included Dr. Louella "Ella" Davis, the moral centre of the firm whose passion lies equally distributed between her work at St Albans Hospital Emergency Ward, and defending doctors; "Happy" Henderson, a lawyer whose nickname can be greatly misleading; Dr. Jamie Lawless, an optimistic young doctor whose passion for helping others often leads him to inner conflict; Caitlin King, the new law recruit at MDA whose ambitions far exceed what she can do at the firm; Layla Young of the
Bahá'í faith, the friendly receptionist; Dr. Tony McKinnon, a doctor who works with Ella at the hospital; and Richard Savage – the cutthroat plaintiff's advocate who often does battles with MDA.
''MDA'' premiered in 2002 during a downturn in the making of Australian television. Despite critical acclaim and a number of awards, initially no renewal was made after the second season (2003). A year later, the ABC ordered another 12 episodes for 2005, but by this time several key actors had moved on. More multi-episode story arcs were used and critical response was lukewarm. Although sentiment eventually warmed, the series was not renewed after the third season.
Season 1
In the opening episodes, Ella faced personal problems when her lover Nick wished to move out of the country, and she often discussed these with her sister Edwina, but those characters quickly faded into the background. Edwina did return, for one episode, in the second season.
The first episodes did not draw impressive ratings, and the critics were ambivalent, but by the eighth episode – "Bowels, Bosch and the Whole Damn Thing", in which Happy faced health problems – Jamie fell for Wendy Rossi, a doctor facing manslaughter, and Caitlin began to consider working with Richard instead of MDA – the show began to gain attention.
Other notable characters of the first season were Helena, a prosecutor whose lack of ability often led to comic relief moments; Claudia, Richard's sardonic barrister; Giles, the amiable old barrister contracted to MDA; Dr Vince Phillips, a doctor on the MDA board whose desire to take over led to a legal battle; and Dr Mark Matthews, the head of the MDA board.
In the final episodes of the season, Ella and Tony became victims of a civil suit which led to them facing considerable press exposure. They were found not guilty, but in the final moments of the season finale, ''Divine intervention'', angry plaintiff Debbie Shanahan drove her car directly at Jamie, Tony and Ella, and the audience was left to wonder who had survived.
Season 2
Although the ratings had been average, ''MDA'' was granted a second season.
The second season improved markedly from the first season, tightening storylines and scripts. The season opened with the episode "Eternity" in which Tony died on the operating table, and Caitlin moved to Richard Savage's firm. Caitlin gets off to a bumpy start with the MDA when she becomes involved with Justin Harris (a man secretly under investigation for murder, played by
Jeremy Callaghan
Jeremy Callaghan (born 22 July 1967 in Papua New Guinea) is an Australians, Australian actor whose portrayal of the cute and shy Constable Brian Morley on the popular TV drama ''Police Rescue'' ensured international attention. Callaghan is also ...
). After Justin is cleared he feels that there is no trust in their relationship and leaves Caitlin.
Two new characters joined: Amanda McKay, a legal case manager; and Simon Lloyd, a doctor joining MDA. Amanda and Simon's relationship evolves as a will-they-or-won't-they? couple of the show, with the risk increased due to his wife who worked abroad. By season's end they were a couple, but were still easing into it.
Significant season two storylines included the destruction of Jamie and Wendy's relationship, Dr Phillips' increasing efforts to become head of MDA, and the potential destruction of MDA itself as he attempts to incite a revolution against the firm, Caitlin and Richard's personal and professional fighting, Layla's grandmother getting closer to death, and Happy dealing with his son Jason.
In the second half of the season, Caitlin was written out of the show, as the producers decided her character had run its course. Kerry Armstrong also decided to leave – because the low Government funding for the arts in Australia under the Howard conservative government (often criticised within the industry) meant that appearing on one television show was not a sustainable income. Ella, subsequently, took a full-time posting at St. Albans' as Head of Emergency and only appeared occasionally during the latter half of season 2, making her final appearance in the penultimate episode "Pas de deux".
Despite increased audience size, critical response, and award nominations, the ABC made no official announcement of the show's renewal. The final episode, "Memento Mori", aired on 17 December 2003.
While it was no surprise that the ABC did not make an immediate announcement about the show's fate – many Australian television series will often miss a year due to actor's schedules and production demands – it was eight months before an announcement was made. During this time, Jason Donovan and Felix Nobis both moved on to other projects.
Season 3
In August 2004, the ABC finally announced its new commitment: a 12-episode order, which would air as three four-hour miniseries in 2005. While the order was small, the renewal meant that ''MDA'' was the only series to have started in 2002 which was still on the air as of 2005.
The third season began on 30 June 2005, and was greeted with lacklustre ratings, despite an impressive guest cast. Critical response, initially negative, warmed as the season progressed, to the point where it was largely positive.
* Episodes 1–4: ''Second chance.'' Facing a separation from his wife, Happy becomes enamored of a brilliant
geneticist
A geneticist is a biologist or physician who studies genetics, the science of genes, heredity, and variation of organisms. A geneticist can be employed as a scientist or a lecturer. Geneticists may perform general research on genetic processe ...
, Dr Robyn Masterson (
Sigrid Thornton
Sigrid Madeline Thornton (born 12 February 1959) is an Australian film and television actress. Her television work includes '' Prisoner'' (1979–80), '' All the Rivers Run'' (1983), '' SeaChange'' (1998–2019) and '' Wentworth'' (2016–2018 ...
) whose controversial experiments are in danger of being shut down. While Happy's personal feelings lead him to champion her cause, he begins to discover that all is not as it seems. Meanwhile, Amanda investigates a separate case regarding Dr Masterson's lab assistant Julia (
Anita Hegh); and Layla, Mark and Jamie fear for Happy's wellbeing.
Aaron Blabey
Aaron Blabey (born January 1, 1974) is an Australian author of children's books.
He is the creator of three best-selling children's series; ''Pig the Pug'' – a picture book series about a rude, selfish, mean-spirited little dog, ''The Bad Gu ...
also stars as Dr. Masterson's assistant. As incident after incident befalls Robyn's team, she blames outside forces but some suspect that she herself isn't being honest with MDA, and ultimately Happy is forced to make the choice between his relationship with Robyn and the good of the company.
Nicholas Hammond
Nicholas Hammond (born May 15, 1950) is an American-born Australian actor and writer who is best known for his roles as Friedrich von Trapp in the film ''The Sound of Music'' and as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the 1970s television series ''The A ...
also guest stars in this episode.
* Episodes 5–8: ''Departure lounge.'' With Jamie on holiday, MDA take on a temporary case manager, Dr Andrew Morello (
Vince Colosimo
Vincenzo Colosimo (born 11 November 1966) is an Australian AFI Award winning stage, television and screen actor. He has worked in both Australia and the United States. He is of Italian descent and lives in Melbourne, Australia. He was previousl ...
), an anaesthetist with strong suspicions about the high rate of infant deaths at his hospital. So when he and Amanda assist Ted Walsh (Terry Brady), a prominent doctor with similar suspicions, Morello begins to investigate – which leads him to suspect prominent
cardiologist
Cardiology () is a branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the heart and the cardiovascular system. The field includes medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular ...
Rupert Carr (
Frank Gallacher
Frank Gallacher (7 April 1943 – 23 February 2009) was a Scottish-Australian actor.
Gallacher was born in Glasgow in 1943. In 1962, aged 19, he was working in London when his parents and younger sister decided to emigrate to Australia. Gallac ...
). As Morello confides in Happy, he begins attempting to stop Carr's practices without coming out and speaking his mind, which will ultimately result in the end of both their careers. When Andrew goes up on his own charges, Happy recalls Jamie back to MDA so that Andrew can be dismissed. As everyone including MDA turns against him, news about his wife Lucy (
Jane Allsop
Jane Claire Allsop is an Australian actress, best known for her role as Jo Parrish on ''Blue Heelers''.
Personal life
Allsop was born in the United Kingdom, and only a few months after her birth moved to the United States with her father, Joh ...
) ultimately compels Andrew to make a final decision. Meanwhile, Amanda goes up against Gabrielle Bromley (
Wendy Hughes
Wendy Hughes (29 July 19528 March 2014) was an Australian actress known for her work in theatre, film and television. Her career spanned more than forty years and established her reputation as one of Australia's finest and most prolific actors. ...
), a fierce prosecuting attorney.
* Episodes 9–12: ''A human cost.'' Happy has a sudden
angina attack, and while in an outer suburban hospital befriends
intern
An internship is a period of work experience offered by an organization for a limited period of time. Once confined to medical graduates, internship is used practice for a wide range of placements in businesses, non-profit organizations and gover ...
Dr Liz Gibson (
Lisa McCune
Lisa McCune (born 19 February 1971) is an Australian actress, known for her role in TV series ''Blue Heelers'' as Senior Constable Maggie Doyle, and in '' Sea Patrol'' as Lieutenant Kate McGregor RAN. She has won four Gold Logie Awards.
McCun ...
). The next day, Gibson becomes the subject of a medical negligence writ. Concerned that her boss, Meg Morrison (
Louise Siversen
Louise Siversen is an Australian actress. She is known for her television roles, including Lou Kelly in ''Prisoner'' (1984–1986), Debbie in ''The Flying Doctors'' (1986–1990), and 2012-2017 Heather Looby in '' House Husbands''. She has al ...
), and her nemesis, nurse Chloe Davis (
Jacinta Stapleton) are teaming up against her, Liz seeks Happy's assistance. Even though both Amanda and Liz herself have doubts about her competence, Happy stands by her. However, when Jamie and Layla discover just how understaffed and incompetently run Prospect Valley Hospital is, they realise that someone might be making Liz a scapegoat to cover up greater crimes. Elsewhere, Amanda goes up against a Health Review Board manager, David Simpson (
Erik Thomson
Erik Thomson is a Scottish-born New Zealand-Australian actor. He is known for playing Hades in the television series ''Hercules: The Legendary Journeys'', ''Xena Warrior Princess'' and '' Young Hercules'', Dr. Mitch Stevens in '' All Saints'' a ...
) in court, only to find herself in a passionate relationship with him outside of work. But when she learns that he may be behind the plot to convict Liz, Amanda is put into a devastating
conflict of interest
A conflict of interest (COI) is a situation in which a person or organization is involved in multiple interests, financial or otherwise, and serving one interest could involve working against another. Typically, this relates to situations i ...
. Things come to a head when Liz and her boyfriend – fellow intern Dr Tim Whitney (
Paul Bishop) – must both be protected against the schemes at the hospital, and as Happy fights with Amanda over the case, his health takes a serious turn for the worse.
Cast
Main cast
*
Shane Bourne
Shane Bourne (born 24 November 1949 in Melbourne, Victoria) is an Australian stand-up comedian, actor, musician, and television host.
Career
1970s
Co-founded Australian band Bandicoot with Mick Fettes (formerly of the band Madder Lake). The ...
as Bill "Happy" Henderson
*
Angus Grant as Dr Jamie Lawless
*
Petra Jared as Layla Young
*
Angie Milliken
Angie Milliken is an Australian actress.
Life
Milliken was born and raised in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. She completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology then turned to acting.
Milliken first became noticed when she starred in the 1 ...
as Amanda McKay (2003–05)
*
Kerry Armstrong
Kerry Michelle Armstrong (born 12 September 1958) is an Australian actress and author. She is one of only two actresses to win two Australian Film Institute Awards in the same year, winning Best Actress in a Leading Role for ''Lantana'' and Be ...
as Dr Louella "Ella" Davis (2002–03)
*
Jason Donovan as Richard Savage (2002–03)
*
Alice McConnell
Alice McConnell is an Australian actress. For her performance in ''The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant'' she was nominated for the 2005 Australian Film Institute Award for Best Guest or Supporting Actress in a Television Drama.
McConnell ...
as Caitlin King (2002–03)
*
Aaron Pedersen
Aaron Pedersen is an Aboriginal Australian television and film actor. He is known for many film and television roles, in particular as Detective Jay Swan in the film '' Mystery Road'', its sequel '' Goldstone'', and spin-off television series. ...
as Dr Tony McKinnon (2002 + first episode of season 2)
*
Felix Nobis as Dr Simon Lloyd (2003)
Guest cast
*
Michael Carman as Dr Mark Matthews
*
Jeremy Callaghan
Jeremy Callaghan (born 22 July 1967 in Papua New Guinea) is an Australians, Australian actor whose portrayal of the cute and shy Constable Brian Morley on the popular TV drama ''Police Rescue'' ensured international attention. Callaghan is also ...
as Justin Harris (2003)
*
Terence Donovan as Eric Savage (2003)
*
Rhys McConnochie
Rhys or Rhŷs is a popular Welsh given name (usually male) that is famous in Welsh history and is also used as a surname. It originates from Deheubarth, an old region of South West Wales, with famous kings such as Rhys ap Tewdwr.
It is pronounced ...
as Giles Jones, QC (2002–03)
*
Nina Landis
Nina Landis is an Australian stage and screen actress, who trained in Australia and New York. Her feature film credits include the title role (Rikky) in ''Rikky and Pete'', '' Komodo'', '' Four of a Kind'', '' Handle with Care'', and '' Blackj ...
as Claudia Monserrat (2002–03)
*
Stephen Kearney (actor) as Dr Vince Phillips (2002–03)
*
Mandy McElhinney as Helena (2002–03)
*
Simon Stone
Simon Stone (born 19 August 1984) is an Australian film and theatre director, writer and actor.
Early life
Stone is Australian, but was born in Basel and grew up in Cambridge and Melbourne. His father, Stuart Stone, was a biochemist and his mot ...
as Jason Henderson (2002–03)
*
Suzi Dougherty as Debbie Shanahan (2002–03)
*
Daniella Farinacci
Daniela Farinacci (also credited as Daniella Farinaci) is an Australian actress of Italian descent, who has many television, film and theatre credits.
Farinacci is perhaps best known for her role in the Australian movie ''Lantana'' as Paula, alo ...
as Dr Wendy Rossi (2002–03)
*
Alexandra Schepisi
Alexandra Schepisi ( ) is an Australian actress.
Early life
Schepisi was born and raised in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. She is the daughter of filmmaker Fred Schepisi and Australian Casting director Rhonda (nee Finlayson) Schepisi]. She ob ...
as Edwina "Ed" Davis (2002–03)
*
Tim Burns (actor, born 1977), Tim Burns (actor) as Tom Cusack (2002)
*
Ailsa Piper
Ailsa Mary-Ellen Piper (born 1959) is an Australian writer, director and performer.
Career
Acting
Ailsa Piper worked as an actress in theatre in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne from the early 1980s until 2000. She made her first appearance on TV i ...
as Dr Carol Westerman (2003)
*
André De Vanny as Joshua Tranter (2003)
*
Robert Taylor as Paul Bennett (2002)
*
Jacinta Stapleton as Nurse Chloe Davis (2005)
*
Jack Phillpotts
Jack may refer to:
Places
* Jack, Alabama, US, an unincorporated community
* Jack, Missouri, US, an unincorporated community
* Jack County, Texas, a county in Texas, USA
People and fictional characters
* Jack (given name), a male given name, ...
as Eddie Delaney (2003)
Awards
* 2002 – Nominee –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industry, ...
– Best Drama Series
* 2002 – Nominee –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industry, ...
– Best Actor – Shane Bourne
* 2002 – Nominee –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industry, ...
– Best Supporting Actor – Angus Grant
* 2002 – Nominee –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industry, ...
– Best Actress – Kerry Armstrong
* 2003 – Nominee –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industry, ...
– Best Screenplay –
Bill Garner, ''episode: "Crossing the Line"''
* 2003 – Nominee –
International Emmy Awards – Best Drama Series
* 2003 – Winner –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industry, ...
– Best Drama Series
* 2003 – Winner –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industry, ...
– Best Actor – Shane Bourne
* 2003 – Winner –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industry, ...
– Best Actress – Angie Milliken
* 2004 – Winner – Australian Cinematographers Society – Award of Distinction –
Graham Brumley
Graham and Graeme may refer to:
People
* Graham (given name), an English-language given name
* Graham (surname), an English-language surname
* Graeme (surname), an English-language surname
* Graham (musician) (born 1979), Burmese singer
* Clan Gr ...
– ''episode: "A Bird in the Hand"''
* 2005 – Winner –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industry, ...
– Best Actor in Television – Shane Bourne
* 2005 – Winner –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industry, ...
– Best Supporting Actress in Television – Anita Hegh
Releases
The ABC released online seven-day rental copies of series one and two under its ABC Digital label.
[ABC Shop Search for MDA](_blank)
/ref>
See also
* List of Australian television series
References
External links
*
Official Website
''MDA'' – "Second Chance"
at Australian Screen Online
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA), known as ScreenSound Australia from 1999 to 2004, is Australia's audiovisual archive, responsible for developing, preserving, maintaining, promoting and providing access to a national c ...
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mda (Tv Series)
APRA Award winners
Australian Broadcasting Corporation original programming
Australian medical television series
2002 Australian television series debuts
2005 Australian television series endings
Television shows set in Melbourne
Television series by Screentime