Five years after its third season concluded, the Australian crime dramedy Mr Inbetween remains a standout series, available for viewing on Hulu. The show masterfully blends dark humor, genuine heart, and intense violence, making it a must-watch.

The Unique Blend of Comedy and Crime

Created, written by, and starring Scott Ryan as the mercurial hitman Ray Shoesmith, the series is celebrated for its brutal yet funny approach to the crime genre. It stands the test of time as one of the best examples of Australian crime comedy, a genre where the country excels.

Ray Shoesmith's Dual Life

The narrative follows Ray as he navigates the complexities of his life. He functions as a pitiless enforcer while simultaneously trying to be a loving father to his daughter, Brittany, from a previous relationship.

Ray also carries responsibilities toward his ailing brother, Bruce, and manages a new relationship with Ally, a kind paramedic. This mix of professional obligation and personal care creates constant dramatic tension.

Crude Humor and Situational Irony

True to its Australian roots, Mr Inbetween is unafraid of crude, quick-witted comedy. Ray’s professional life is often complicated by his incompetent criminal associates who frequently botch assignments.

In his personal sphere, his daughter Brittany offers sharp retorts that keep him grounded amidst the violence. Moments like a hitman attending anger management classes or the universal rule of refusing to kill a huntsman spider provide ample opportunities for laughter.

The Morally Complex Anti-Hero

Despite its humor, the danger in Mr Inbetween is always palpable, especially as Ray’s criminal world spirals into morbid chaos. The action sequences are brilliantly captured within the show's tightly edited 30-minute episodes.

Ray's Unwavering Moral Code

What sets Ray apart from typical crime drama anti-heroes is his adherence to a strict, personal moral code. He is not secretly a good man forced into crime; he is an enforcer because it is what he excels at.

This code manifests in stark contradictions. Ray might violently attack someone for bumping his daughter but then take the moral high ground in therapy sessions regarding violence against women or children. He can sadistically force a man to dig his own grave yet strives to be a positive role model for Brittany.

Humanity Through Relationships

This internal dichotomy makes Ray strangely compelling, bolstered by Ryan’s dynamic performance that injects humanity into the character. While a redemption arc seems unlikely across the three fast-paced seasons, the series explores themes that foster understanding of his character.

The most crucial element cementing audience respect is the tender bond between Ray and Brittany. The relationship between Ryan and the actress playing Brittany often steals scenes, providing unexpected softness from a man who curses openly in front of his child.

Mr Inbetween ultimately endures as a cutthroat crime comedy, assured in its absurd brutality but revealing a deep, gooey center for those willing to look closely.