Based on 3 seasons, 26 episodes · through July 13, 2021
Mr Inbetween is a dark comedy and crime show about Ray Shoesmith, a father and bouncer who works as a hitman. The series shows his daily life as he balances his family duties with his dangerous job. A minor female-empowerment trope occurs when a young girl knocks Ray out in a friendly jiu-jitsu match. A brief scene in the final season shows a gay couple who want to hire a main character to film a private tape.
Why 14%? See the score breakdownBreakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Mr Inbetween.
Woke representation / casting
The casting is highly traditional and fits the gritty Australian setting perfectly. There are no DEI-style checkboxes. However, a brief background element in Season 3 involves a gay couple hiring Gary to film a private tape.
20%
Woke political dialogue
The dialogue is natural and completely avoids modern political messaging. In one scene, a therapist tries to use the word "misogyny" to lecture Ray, but Ray completely shuts him down and exposes his lack of logic. The show actively rejects modern activist talking points.
0%
Production
Identity-driven story themes
The show is a character study focusing on a hitman's personal code, family, and survival. There are no social justice narratives. A minor sparring scene where a young girl chokes Ray out using jiu-jitsu drew minor complaints of being an unrealistic "girl power" trope, but it is quickly resolved with humility and humor.
2%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The show avoids modern activist critiques of traditional masculinity or Western institutions. While it features some standard anti-authority tropes like Ray's run-ins with bad cops or bureaucratic therapists, it celebrates traditional male protective roles rather than tearing them down.
0%
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant
0%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
There is virtually no anti-woke backlash. Instead, the show is heavily praised by traditionalist and anti-woke viewers for its gritty realism and rejection of modern agendas. The only minor grumbles involve the unrealistic BJJ sparring scene, which some felt was a slight nod to modern tropes.
0%
Creator track record context
Sole writer and creator Scott Ryan has a woke score of 0/100, having no history of progressive activism. Director Nash Edgerton has a score of 40/100 due to his past support for the Australian "Yes" campaign. Producers Michele Bennett and Jason Burrows have very minor progressive profiles.
15%
