Mr Inbetween (2018)

Overview

Mr Inbetween is a crime series written by and starring Australian director and screenwriter Scott Ryan, skillfully blending dark humor with dramatic elements. The production, which premiered in 2018, was made for FX and stands out for its short episode runtimes and minimalist storytelling style. The show's foundations actually trace back to Scott Ryan's 2005 film "The Magician"; the character and world from that cinematic work were later expanded and adapted for television years later.

The series follows the life of a man named Ray Shoesmith living in Sydney. Although Ray appears, from the outside, to be an ordinary father, boyfriend, and friend, he is actually a hitman who does paid work in the organized crime world. The most distinctive aspect of Mr Inbetween is how it presents these two worlds — family life and a violence-filled criminal life — side by side in an ordinary flow, without resorting to dramatic exaggeration.

Alongside Scott Ryan, the cast includes names such as Brooke Satchwell, Damon Herriman, and Aaron Glenane. Glenane contributes to the story as someone from Ray's inner circle, and his natural performance supports the series' realistic atmosphere.

Plot

Ray Shoesmith is, on the surface, a loving father sharing custody of his daughter and a boyfriend trying to maintain a balanced relationship, living an apparently normal life. However, he makes his living through contract killings and intimidation operations for criminal organizations. The series focuses on the practical difficulties Ray experiences while moving between these two lives — not on moral dilemmas, but on how violence has become a part of his everyday routine.

The narrative approach is quite different from classic crime series. Mr Inbetween is not built around grand conspiracies or complex criminal organization hierarchies. Instead, it conveys the small moments of Ray's daily life — the time he spends with his daughter, his relationship with his disabled brother, his friendships, his love life — with the same naturalness and calm as the brutal moments required by his job. This contrast is the series' most striking and memorable aspect.

Why Watch It?

Mr Inbetween stands out for offering a character-driven narrative that moves away from the clichés of the crime genre. Thanks to the short episode lengths (usually 25-30 minutes), the series never resorts to unnecessary padding; every scene serves a purpose. The depth Scott Ryan brings to the character of Ray allows viewers to form a strange empathy with this dangerous man.

The dialogue flows extremely naturally and realistically; Australia's distinctive sense of dark humor is felt throughout the series. Violence scenes are not exaggerated or flashy — on the contrary, they are handled in a cold-blooded and realistic manner, leaving a more disturbing yet impactful impression on the viewer. The supporting cast, including Aaron Glenane, is integrated organically into the main story, with each character contributing a distinct personality to the narrative.

Who Is It For?

This series is ideal for viewers who prefer character-driven, slow-paced, and realistic storytelling. Those who enjoy productions focused on an already complex and contradictory character, rather than grand transformation stories in the style of Breaking Bad, can enjoy Mr Inbetween thoroughly. It's also a good choice for those who love dark humor and are drawn to productions that handle violence realistically rather than sensationally.

On the other hand, the pace may feel slow for those expecting fast-paced, action-packed crime series driven by grand intrigue. The series focuses more on character interactions and everyday life details than on action sequences.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Scott Ryan's consistent and original vision as both writer and actor clearly establishes the series' character.

2. The short episode runtimes provide a dense, uncompressed narrative where every scene carries meaning.

3. The contrast between violence and family life is handled realistically, far from clichés.

Cons:

1. The slow pace and minimalist storytelling may not satisfy viewers expecting fast action.

2. Some subplot threads may remain less developed compared to the main character.

Genre and Tone

Mr Inbetween has a hybrid tone that combines crime drama with dark humor. The series' atmosphere is generally calm and realistic; even major dramatic moments are not underscored with exaggerated music or visual effects. Instead, silence and natural dialogue take center stage. The visual language, reflecting Australian suburban life, strengthens the series' sense of realism. The dark humor that occasionally emerges at unexpected moments eases tension while creating a balance that surprises the viewer.

Runtime and Viewing Experience

The series ran for three seasons, with each season consisting of about six episodes, making it a fairly compact viewing experience. The short episode length allows the series to be finished in one sitting or in a short amount of time. However, this brevity doesn't reduce content density; on the contrary, every episode is carefully crafted. As viewers get used to the series' calm pace, they can better appreciate the depth of the characters and the fine details of the story.

Similar Productions

Viewers who enjoy Mr Inbetween may also enjoy the following productions:

• Breaking Bad - Another classic with great character depth, exploring an ordinary life becoming intertwined with the criminal world.

• Ozark - An atmospheric crime drama exploring the tension between family life and organized crime.

• Barry - A similarly themed production blending a hitman's attempt to build a normal life with dark humor.

• The Sopranos - A reference work for the genre, exploring the balance between the criminal world and family life.

• Animal Kingdom - Another strong example set in the Australian criminal underworld, combining family ties and violence.

Final Assessment

Mr Inbetween is a valuable production that brings an original and minimalist approach to the crime series genre, steering viewers away from clichés. Scott Ryan's writing and acting skills make the character of Ray Shoesmith unforgettable. The cast, enriched by the contributions of supporting actors like Aaron Glenane, makes the series' realistic world even more believable. With its short yet dense episodes, Mr Inbetween offers a calm but compelling television experience that deserves to be discovered by fans of both crime drama and dark humor alike.