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For Sale Apr 18, 2026 at 8:17 AM

Is Mr Inbetween good?

Posted by Background_Bid_6228

(Personal thoughts and spoiler free review) There's so much to unpack, because it's a great show but I have a bias towards it because it explores fatherhood, sibling care, dealing with heartbreak, being a working class man and just, navigating juggling all these different aspects of life- something a lot of people can relate to. The through line of all of this is that the main character Ray (ex-military) is a hitman-for-hire. The show carefully curates how his experience and profression impacts his psycology juggling all these roles and it's impactful nature on his social and interpersonal relations. It's this tension that's at the core of what makes this show amazing. Although the premise is simple, the show isn't afraid to touch on sensitive topics (Drug use, violence, trafficking, suicide and much more), the writing handled all these issues with care. The closest show I can compare this to is Breaking Bad, but it’s shorter (3 seasons), just as impactful...and it's unapologeticaly Australian.
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NotQuiteACasanova Apr 18, 2026 +218
I think it's one of the greatest TV shows of all time
218
Past_Tough2443 Apr 18, 2026 +56
best australian show i've seen in years tbh, ray's character development is incredible and they don't waste single episode. way more grounded than breaking bad too, like the violence feels real instead of over the top
56
instasquid Apr 18, 2026 +31
The way Ray uses sudden, unexpected violence to his advantage is so exactly like a lot of dodgy blokes that I used to know and work with. Seeing it in real life is shocking and disarming for many people.
31
swentech Apr 18, 2026 +16
As someone that lived in Australia for a few years, I thought the depiction of middle class life, beyond the crime and violence of course, was quite accurate.
16
LUBE__UP Apr 18, 2026 +5
Can't recall the number of times the scrubber popped up at the end of the ep and I'm like 'holy shit was that only 25 minutes' or whatever, because he manages to pack what feels like an hour of more of story into it every time
5
PornoPaul Apr 18, 2026 +1
Is scrubber another word for end credits? Or is that a spoiler I should avoid?
1
Meatman99 Apr 18, 2026 +2
The scrubber is the little slider that tells you how far through you are. The bit you can move manually to fast forward.
2
frezz Apr 19, 2026 +4
It's amazing in that it's a very non-judgemental character study. The show is mainly about analysing Ray and his way of thinking, and it never tries to tell you whether its right or wrong. It's very refreshing to watch a show that really respects you as a viewer
4
moss_field_journal Apr 18, 2026 +20
Totally agree. It’s like if Breaking Bad had a dry Aussie sense of humor and less filler. The rewatch value is insane too, those short episodes make it dangerously easy to binge.
20
TheRealEpstein2019 Apr 18, 2026 +9
All about the dimmies
9
ViciousNakedMoleRat Apr 18, 2026 +7
I randomly stumbled upon it a few weeks ago and binged it. Man, after reading the premise, I was not prepared for how REAL that show is. The emotional depth is crazy. Must watch!
7
boomboxwithturbobass Apr 18, 2026 +6
It really is. And it’s infinitely rewatchable. I don’t have one complaint, one thing that could be different. It’s perfect.
6
real_nice_guy 6 days ago +3
> I don’t have one complaint I do I wanted just one more season 😭😭 it ended perfectly but it could've easily gone on as well.
3
Goku420overlord 6 days ago +2
Agreed. Best thing I have watched in the last ten years
2
Background_Bid_6228 Apr 18, 2026 +3
Agreed and is Australian which is great!
3
perplexedtv Apr 18, 2026 +58
No. It's great.
58
Background_Bid_6228 Apr 18, 2026 +3
Agreed 👍👍
3
ahuangb Apr 18, 2026 -2
And they live in a universe where the police don't exist, lucky fuckers
-2
snowlock27 6 days ago +3
I don't answer questions.
3
oversoul00 Apr 18, 2026 +29
The title of this post shouldn't have been a question but a statement, you've already decided it's great so make the claim and back it up like you just did.  I agree BTW, it's a great show. 
29
Background_Bid_6228 Apr 18, 2026 -4
Noted, thank you 🙏
-4
Nahs1l Apr 19, 2026 +2
AI vibes woohoo
2
carnefarious Apr 18, 2026 +12
I binged watched it. Amazing show.
12
apollocandy Apr 18, 2026 +34
The most under seen gem you’ll ever come across. There are 2 episodes in series 2, both tackling similar themes, that are some of the most intense and heartbreaking stories you’ve seen in TV.
34
Dualmilion Apr 18, 2026 +5
Which 2? I think the kidnap one is one of the best eps of TV out there, the tension is crazy
5
ViciousNakedMoleRat Apr 18, 2026 +13
Since the content mentions similar themes, I assume it's the one with the tunnel.
13
shutthefukuppdonny Apr 18, 2026 +5
he means the kidnap one and the pedo who hid the body in the train tunnel one
5
SaltyShawarma 5 days ago
JUST watched that yesterday. Oof.
0
Leftrightback Apr 18, 2026 +9
It’s perfect. Not a minute or line of dialogue wasted. Switches between violence, comedy, romance, and family so seamlessly.
9
DarkAnnihilator Apr 18, 2026 +8
All time top 5 drama. Top 1 "small" production show It has phenomenal dialogue. The dialogue reminds me of the Wire and Deadwood. It feels natural. All the characters are flawed and you meet people like em in your local bars and restaurants. Its full of big feelings and it even makes you question societal norms.
8
Pickupyoheel Apr 18, 2026 +8
This dude acted and directed this as his first Tv show, besides his homemade version of Mr. inbetween titled The Magician. And he hasn’t done anything since which sucks cause this dude is talented as heck. Yes this show is amazing.
8
Firvulag Apr 18, 2026 +3
Actually insane he has done nothing else
3
hukep Apr 18, 2026 +8
It's fun !
8
Apprehensive_War173 Apr 18, 2026 +6
Yeah, I went in expecting something more straightforward, crime focused, but it ended up feeling way more personal than that. Ray, as a character, kind of sneaks up on you. One minute, he’s doing something brutal, then the next, he’s just trying to be a decent dad or brother, and it feels weirdly grounded.
6
CaravelClerihew Apr 18, 2026 +5
Yes, it's very good. People will come in and say it's underated or a hidden gem, but it gets recommended so much (rightfully so) that it's hardly that anymore.
5
forkandspoon2011 Apr 18, 2026 +5
The show is a masterclass in pacing, that alone makes it one of the best shows of the last few decades.
5
freeipods-zoy-org Apr 18, 2026 +9
“I don’t answer questions.” (Yes, it’s outstanding!)
9
whiteb8917 Apr 18, 2026 +4
Post this over in r/MrInbetween :)
4
Background_Bid_6228 Apr 18, 2026 +1
Cheerio mate 😁
1
AhhsoleCnut Apr 18, 2026 +3
I think the show's attempts at making the main character look heroic, with these once-a-season "Punisher" episodes where he's still a murderer, but this time for a good cause, were to its detriment.
3
frezz Apr 19, 2026 +3
None of Ray's views hold up to any real scrutiny, but that's the point. The show isnt interested in moral grandstanding, its a character study of a family man working in that world.
3
Africa_versus_NASA Apr 18, 2026 +2
It's a mixed bag. I think it could have worked better if Ray used his more "heroic" moments (helping the father get the guy who murdered his daughter, etc...) to try to justify his actions to himself, but ultimately the show could have more clearly demonstrated that it was bullshit. But I think the starting point is already that's he's almost completely amoral and never had the illusion in the first place.
2
moal09 Apr 18, 2026 +2
He's not though. He's trying to convince himself that he's just a professional doing a job. But killing that friendly acquaintance along with the older merc definitely haunts him to the point where he makes the decision that he does.
2
oldboy_413 Apr 18, 2026 +10
honestly one of the most underrated shows ever in my eyes
10
Xinixiat Apr 18, 2026 +7
It's a phenomenally written and acted show, with a rather huge flaw in my opinion. The contrasts between his life as a murderer and trying to raise his daughter and do what's best for her, as well as looking after his brother and dealing with the issues he has with his dad are wonderful, and really interesting to watch. The relationships he has with his friends and colleagues, and the humour some of them bring are also extremely good and give the show a nice balance of levity and seriousness. However. Ray is obviously an anti-hero, and is shown at multiple points to not be what you'd call a "good guy" through his actions and attitudes. Generally, the show leaves it up to the viewer to draw their own conclusions and opinions on Ray, but I feel like a lot of the time they lean a bit too much into glorifying his vigilantism and mildly sovereign citizen attitude. The scenes where he metes out his own form of "justice" to blatantly awful individuals can be quite satisfying, but it leans into this oddly hyper-masculine ideology that "if I don't like a thing, I should be able to hit/shoot/kill the thing" without ever really stepping back to analyse it. One scene I particularly dislike (and there aren't many, to be fair), which I know resonates with a lot of people who watch the show, is when he's in mandated therapy, and explains that he believes it's ok to beat the shit out of people because they were rude to him. In the real world, this is an absolutely insane mentality to hold. While I can absolutely understand the logic and reasoning that brings you to the conclusion that "punching people stops them being dickheads", the therapist being portrayed as this weak, (for want of a better word) "beta" man, and not really confronting Ray in any meaningful way, really lends the idea that this is the message the show wants to put across. It fits Rays character perfectly, but I would've liked to see more pushback on this mindset. This is also further solidified by the very last scene of the show, where we return to this idea of people who need to be "taught a lesson" in Ray's eyes, although in a far, far more reasonable case, given they were the instigators. I agree with the Breaking Bad parallel as well, although we don't quite go on as much of a journey with Ray - he's more or less the same person at the start of season 1 as he is at the end of season 3. That's another part of why the show feels more like it's preaching Ray's way of life to us, rather than observing and critiquing it - though he certainly does get some flak on the fatherhood front from time to time. I think what the show needed was some sort of Skyler type character to help challenge the idea that the protagonist is a hero, rather than a villain. You'll possibly remember the level of hatred Anna Gunn got in real life from deranged people who idolised Walter and just wanted her to let him do his evil shit. Those are the people that need some sort of counterweight to the mega-violent evil b****** the show is following, because it's too easy to just assume the protagonist is always the good guy for a lot of people. All this to say, it's a fantastic show that I'd recommend to anyone, but I just wish they hadn't quite gone so hard into the alpha male vigilante stuff without a more critical eye. See you in your dreams. P.s. Also a fun Breaking Bad parallel - the actor who plays Freddy is the same guy who plays the meth head that Jessie speaks to when he's out with Mike. After he gets the first guy to dig a hole in the front yard, it's the guy inside who just yells "Tucker!" a lot.
7
Teknostrich Apr 18, 2026 +4
I don't think he is portrayed as a hero, anti hero, villain etc. He is in-between hence the name, the alpha male c*** is the driving factor in so many of his problems but that is what his world relies on, so much so with his dad and brother. He is a broken person trying to raise a decent kid.
4
Xinixiat Apr 18, 2026 +3
Absolutely agree that his alpha male c*** is what drives his life, and that he's broken trying to raise a decent kid. I take the In-Between to be more of how he's in-between his two lives as a father and a killer though, rather than his portrayal from a moral standpoint. I just feel like he's rewarded for his bullshit more often than punished, and any actual consequences, outside of his love life of course, tend to be resolved pretty quickly by more of his aforementioned bullshit. I definitely think anti-hero fits him though, given he is the central character, but also isn't particularly heroic in a traditional sense.
3
anthonyg1500 Apr 18, 2026 +3
Yeah to me it starts a conversation that it doesn’t really finish or completely stick with, almost evidenced by the way the therapy sessions kind of go away over the course of the show. I would’ve preferred they stayed and challenged him more like you said. Where something like Barry I find consistently sticks to it’s guns so to speak in the realities of violence and violent men, Mr Inbetween (while still great) does the same thing but more than a few times the show leans over and says “it is pretty cool and satisfying when Ray fucks these guys up tho, right?”. I found ending the show on this kind of feeling to be particularly egregious. All that said it’s very good and entertaining and I’d recommend it.
3
Xinixiat Apr 18, 2026 +2
Yeah that's pretty much exactly where I fall. Wonderful show, but yeah, kind of swings around with its discussions of violence.
2
ViciousNakedMoleRat Apr 18, 2026 +2
I understand what you're saying, but for me personally it's the exact opposite. The fact that there isn't someone who explains how this behavior is bad is absolutely vital for the show to work. The viewer can find out for themselves how dysfunctional this kind of behavior is, even if it may seem satisfying in the moment. In the end, Ray loses pretty much everything worth having in his life. The only thing that still manages to make him smile is another round of violence. This last smile makes us viewers satisfied for the moment, but it also leaves us with the knowledge that he will be empty again after and that he isn't on some kind of redemption arc. He will remain lonely and lost, because he cannot overcome his demons. It's a master class in "show, don't tell." The concern that some people might not understand this is valid, but we shouldn't demand from art that it needs to be graspable for absolutely everyone. Otherwise we're left with lots and lots of mediocre stuff that requires no reflection or thought.
2
Xinixiat Apr 18, 2026 +3
I think I'm on board with the majority of what you're saying, and I do agree that in places it's aiming for that "look at how this guy is ruining his own life" - I think the scene where he pushes the guy through a window because he won't give the unicorn thing back (or whatever it was, it's been a while) is a particularly good example of him being petty and looking like a dickhead. I also do completely agree that audiences should be left to draw their own conclusions and not be spoon fed, I just think that in a lot of cases with the writing here, it could've benefited from a bit more friction as a direct result of Ray's behaviour. Ally does a great job with this in Season 2, but outside of that it's almost all praise and yes men who think Ray is the greatest. I don't have a really good, clear example of how I would've liked this friction to look exactly, which isn't helpful, but I think a lot of how things are staged feels like the show itself is trying to promote the 'virtues' of Ray's mentality, like with the therapy scene I mentioned, and I would've liked that, and the other things like that, to have been a bit less one-sided. Very much like your interpretation of the final scene though. I took it more of a nod to how he hasn't really changed and that he's feeling vindicated in his lifestyle. I am due for a rewatch though, so I'll need to keep this in mind.
3
presty60 Apr 18, 2026 +2
Yeah I agree with you. It's also why I think the tunnel episode in season 2 is one of the weakest of the whole show. Its way darker tonally than the rest of the series and goes really hard into the alpha male vigilantism stuff. It's not a very comedic episode, even though imo comedy is one of the shows greatest strength.
2
Xinixiat Apr 18, 2026 +1
Yeah that whole episode does feel very different from the rest, and interestingly it's one of the ones that gets shared around in clips the most, which also kind of supports my point about what some people take from the show (which isn't necessarily the creators' fault of course, just look at the Starship Troopers movie).
1
hiswittlewip Apr 18, 2026 +3
Thanks to the comments, adding this to my list
3
decidedlyindecisive Apr 18, 2026 +3
Gotta watch it and eat dimmies
3
real_nice_guy 6 days ago +2
don't forget the soy sauce
2
thewavefixation Apr 18, 2026 +3
Epic. Watch it. Now
3
InfiernoDante Apr 18, 2026 +3
It is exceptional, should be sitting at the top of the IMDB top 250 list imo.
3
No_Grape_388 Apr 18, 2026 +3
One of my favourite series ever.
3
ekim_101 Apr 18, 2026 +3
I don't answer questions :)
3
Pleasant-Alps9171 Apr 18, 2026 +3
I stopped watching when he found out he killed an innocent person.
3
OzVader Apr 18, 2026 +2
Some of the best television I have seen in a long time. Watched on a recommendation and ended up bingeing all three seasons. Superb writing, acting (every cast member), and directing
2
findrea Apr 18, 2026 +2
Best ending ever!
2
victormoses Apr 18, 2026 +2
So f****** good.
2
steph314 Apr 18, 2026 +2
Husband and I discovered it a couple months ago. Every episode I laughed hard, and more than a couple made me cry. It packed so much into thirty min episodes. It got to the point where we were enjoying it so much, we had to keep it at an episode a day because we were sad there were only three seasons and we wanted to keep it going as long as possible. Makes me want to check out more Australian shows.
2
deuxbulot Apr 18, 2026 +2
Among one of the best shows you will ever watch.
2
amo1337 Apr 18, 2026 +2
It's top notch
2
subrhythm Apr 18, 2026 +2
I watched it after youtube shorts kept showing me intruiging clips from it. I think I watched all of it in less than a week and was blown away by it.
2
Mollygrubber Apr 18, 2026 +2
Loved it, twice. Check out Deadloch too if you want something funny.
2
ThePurpleCookies Apr 18, 2026 +2
It’s very good but also very real feeling and violent. I enjoyed it but struggled with some of the violence. To be fair I’ve gone a bit soft in this department since having kids.
2
TheButcherOfLuverne Apr 18, 2026 +2
It's great.
2
henry_tbags Apr 18, 2026 +1
As someone who's seen it exclusively through YouTube Shorts, it's pretty good.
1
SaltyShawarma 5 days ago
That is where I started. Finally broke down and I am on season 2. The shorts don't so it justice.
0
blue0231 Apr 18, 2026 +1
I accidentally found it one day and binged it within a week (I hate binge culture). And just wish I hadn’t. Because the main actor just doesn’t do much work. But man is he brilliant in this. The story arcs are just very flushed out and don’t ever feel like filler episodes.
1
DerKyhe Apr 18, 2026 +4
”Doesn’t do much work”, understatement of the century. He hasn’t done basically anything else than this show, and the preceeding movie.
4
blue0231 Apr 18, 2026 +2
I feel like 3 seasons and that movie are exactly the equivalent of not much work bud.
2
rhunter99 Apr 18, 2026 +1
I enjoyed the show. It needs another season!
1
Hechtic Apr 18, 2026 +1
I mean, I love it and think so
1
jn2010 Apr 18, 2026 +1
The only negative thing I can say about it is that it's kind of a tired trope. The hitman with a heart of gold. But I don't really care. I enjoyed the hell out of it.
1
Jakoby707 Apr 18, 2026 +1
Socks are Important! Don't be a Dickhead!
1
bluecheese2040 Apr 18, 2026 +1
Nah...its utter c***. The fact that it's so heavily rated and people that have seen it are just coincidences. I'm being sarcastic....its amazing. Personally i love it.
1
Away-Otter Apr 18, 2026 +1
It sounds great, but I’m wondering if it might be too violent for me? I don’t like watching people get killed on TV shows, although if a show is really good I can deal with it.
1
Devilofchaos108070 4 days ago +1
It’s definitely got some pretty violent and fucked up scenes. Great show tho
1
frezz Apr 19, 2026 +1
It's a shame this show was never on any popular streaming services..It really should be as popular as the big prestige shows.
1
hsh1976 Apr 19, 2026 +1
That last scene of the last episode.....man, I need to do a rewatch
1
MaeronTargaryen 6 days ago +1
It’s a hidden gem which I hope will be fully recognized as a cult classic in 20 years
1
KennyKatsu 6 days ago +1
Seen it three times. In my top 10 shows.
1
Monkeyspazum 5 days ago +1
I enjoyed it. It took a little bit to get over the main character supposed to be a real bad ass scary character, but looks a bit weak compared to other shows of this type. But he does pull it off well and I prefer it a casting of some muscle bound stereotypical dude.
1
PunkMeWillYa 4 days ago +1
Long answer, YES. Short answer... YES!
1
meridius55 Apr 18, 2026 +1
Barry was a bit like it until Bill Hader disappeared up his own a******
1
cholotariat Apr 18, 2026 +1
It really is the best. This series easily beats out breaking bad and Sopranos. And manages to do more with half the run time. not mentioned often enough is the music for the series.
1
TacticalTurtleNeck_ Apr 18, 2026 +1
It’s f****** phenomenal. Thank you for attending my TED talk.
1
RMRdesign 6 days ago +1
What the f*** are you talking about? The show is awesome.
1
zeroxray Apr 18, 2026 -1
Excellent show though i always didn't like the last 15 min of the show. Are we to believe he abandoned his daughter to live in a trailer in the woods? I never liked that part of the finale
-1
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