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Halifax f.p.

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Halifax f.p.
GenreCrime
Created byRoger Simpson
StarringRebecca Gibney
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of series6
No. of episodes21
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Roger Le Mesurier
  • Roger Simpson
Production companyBeyond Simpson Le Mesurier
Original release
NetworkNine Network
Release9 October 1994 (1994-10-09) –
  • 7 July 2002 (2002-07-07)

Halifax f.p. is an Australian television crime series produced by Nine Network from 1994 to 2002. The series stars Rebecca Gibney as Doctor Jane Halifax, a forensic psychiatrist (f.p.) investigating cases involving the mental state of suspects or victims. The series is set in Melbourne.

The producers of the film were Beyond Simpson Le Mesurier; Australian Film Finance Corporation and aired on the Nine Network Australia Pty Ltd. The budget for each episode was an average of AU$1.3 million. Funding came in part from the Australian Film Finance Corporation and Film Victoria.[1]

The show was a set of 21 stand-alone television films, spread over six series. Each was between 90 and 120 minutes long, with a new "episode" airing roughly every few months during its eight-year run. The series aired in more than 60 countries. In August–October 2020, a short weekly revival of the series, called Halifax: Retribution, was also aired.

Cast

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Main

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Recurring

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Guests

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Background

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The series follows the career of Dr. Jane Halifax (Rebecca Gibney), a forensic psychiatrist. Her qualifications in the series are listed as MBBS (Melb.) and FRANZCP. Halifax is Melbourne-based and is shown living at Jensen House on Swanston Street opposite the State Library of Victoria. Her offices are shown as located in Causeway House on Little Collins Street. An only child, her mother, Angela Halifax (Robyn Nevin), lives alone, and her deceased father, John Halifax (1935-1991), was a barrister who enjoyed magic as a hobby.

In episodes 1-7 and 9, she owns and drives a Jaguar Mark 2 (although she drives a modern convertible in episode 8 and later a Saab 900 NG). In episode 1, a book she wrote as an undergraduate (The Preppie Rapist) is mentioned in a court case where she appears as an expert. In episode 5, Halifax mentions returning from a stint in the US helping out the FBI. In episode 6, it is mentioned that she was 'burnt' by a relationship she had with a married professor while studying in the US. In episode 16, Halifax undergoes a colposcopy and a cone biopsy due do abnormal cell growth (a medical issue common in her father's family).

Episodes

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Series overview

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SeriesEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
169 November 1994 (1994-11-09)19 July 1995 (1995-07-19)
2314 February 1996 (1996-02-14)11 September 1996 (1996-09-11)
3319 October 1997 (1997-10-19)6 September 1998 (1998-09-06)
4327 June 1999 (1999-06-27)26 September 1999 (1999-09-26)
5311 June 2000 (2000-06-11)5 November 2000 (2000-11-05)
6321 October 2001 (2001-10-21)7 July 2002 (2002-07-07)

Telemovies listed chronologically by series, with release dates by the Australian Television archive.[2]

Series 1 (1994–1995)

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No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
11"Acts of Betrayal"Paul MoloneyRoger Simpson9 November 1994 (1994-11-09)
The series commences with Halifax acting as an expert witness at the State Court in the murder case of an upcoming politician. A psychology colleague and ex- boyfriend (Andrew McFarlane) becomes romantically involved with a patient (Sophie Lee) who is run over and killed by his car in front of his practice. He confesses to Halifax his affair then requests patient-client confidentiality and her help, which becomes problematic when the police begin to suspect his involvement after learning of the victim's pregnancy. However, after trying to deflect blame on his patient's boyfriend, he finally admits to the killing and suicides off a beach cliff to protect his family.
22"Words Without Music"Mike SmithDavid Boutland22 March 1995 (1995-03-22)
Halifax travels to HM Prison Campaspe to assess a prisoner on behalf of the parole board. Unconvinced by his reform and conversion to Christianity, she recommends denying him to the board who are in favour of his release. Meanwhile, at a nearby private grammar school for boys, Halifax is asked to provide grief counselling after the untimely death of a senior teacher (Adrian Wright). Halifax, aided by the local police sergeant (John Walton), uncovers the deceased's rivalry with another teacher (Nicholas Eadie) for the principal's job. The murder of a student, however, leads her to uncover an Illuminati-style student group and a troubled student willing to kill to keep their secrets safe.
33"The Feeding"Steve JodrellMac Gudgeon26 April 1995 (1995-04-26)
Halifax is called in to assist the police team set up to deal with the 'Make-up serial killer' after the death of seven women in six months. The Premier of Victoria (Peter Adams), aware of the PR implications of the case, also has a rogue cop from Sydney (Steve Bisley), brought in to apply his unorthodox approaches to the hunt too. The newcomer quickly detects an unusual lanolin smell on the victims though his instinct-based approaches soon lead to tension with the science-based Halifax. A mentally unstable suspect (Frances O'Connor) is soon apprehended and Halifax is able to uncover a sad history of incest and abuse within her family, leading to a fatal showdown at the Goldsbrough Mort Woolstore.
44"My Lovely Girl"Brendan MaherDavid Boutland26 April 1995 (1995-04-26)
A former patient of Halifax's colleague (Paul Sonkkila) brutally kills a nurse, sparking a media debate about the early release of mentally ill criminals. The spotlight then moves to Halifax's ex-patient (Ben Mendelsohn), now a music student, and his girlfriend (Amanda Douge), a fellow student at the conservatory. The presenter of City Tonight (Robert Hughes), stirs the debate and invites Halifax onto his show but ambushes her by also inviting the parents of the woman Halifax's patient killed. Halifax works to help her patient cope with the stress of the media attention and consequent relationship troubles, and exposes the victim's sister's (Radha Mitchell) scheme to unbalance him to kill again.
55"Hard Corps"Michael CarsonRoger Simpson14 June 1995 (1995-06-14)
Beneath the West Gate Bridge, an informant is fatally shot by the police. The officers involved are soon interviewed by internal investigations (Tim Robertson; Peter Hardy) nicknamed "the toecutters". One officer (Colin Friels) is quickly suspected, given his involvement in two previous shootings and connections with a known crime boss. The other, a husband and father of two, is deeply traumatised by the killing, particularly given his upcoming role as a witness against the crime boss. Halifax is called in by police PR to help IA sort the truths from deceptions. As the case develops, it is clear that both men are not telling the whole truth, and that an affair with the wife (Belinda McClory) may actually be the reason behind the shooting.
66"Lies of the Mind"Michael OfferJan Sardi19 July 1995 (1995-07-19)
Halifax is asked to analyse whether or not a suspect (Jacqueline McKenzie) is psychologically fit to stand trial in the murder of her wealthy father and stepmother - where an insanity decision would free her to claim an $80m inheritance. The suspect's psychologist (Marshall Napier) is convinced she suffers from Multiple personality disorder (MPD) with 12 visible personas. One of the detectives investigating the case (Richard Roxburgh) is an ex-patient of Halifax and their sexual attraction leads to complications. In court, the accused claims to be a victim of paternal sexual abuse, something his PA and lover (Angela Punch McGregor) vehemently denies. Despite being attacked, Halifax begins to doubt MPD in favour of False memory syndrome (FMS).

Series 2 (1996)

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Note: Episode 2 was aired after 3.

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
71"Without Consent"Michael OfferDavid Boutland14 February 1996 (1996-02-14)
Halifax is visited by an old uni friend (Brett Climo), a photographer, who stays at her apartment. Meanwhile, a convicted rapist (Steve Jacobs), released provisionally on parole, is suspected of recommencing his crime spree based on MO similarities. After being questioned by a no-nonsense detective (Gary Day), he seeks help from Halifax, who has been asked to determine his parole eligibility. One of the original rape victims (Annie Jones) becomes involved, when she tails the rapist seeking justice. The suspect is supported by a restaurant owner, though with time, he becomes increasingly abusive to both her and Halifax. A copycat rapist is caught, who is revealed as the cellmate and lover of the suspect, who then dies after attacking his former victim.
83"Sweet Dreams"Steve JodrellMac Gudgeon7 July 1996 (1996-07-07)
The rogue cop from Sydney, Jonah Cole (Steve Bisley), returns to Melbourne after fleeing south from the NSW Police. He is followed there by his ex-partner from homicide (Peter Hosking) and a detective inspector from the drug squad (Max Phipps). Cole, convinced that his drug squad partner was killed by corrupt police such as the DI, seeks out Halifax, and uses her to access his former 'gig' or informant (Beth Buchanan), who was often given drugs as payment. He is further unhinged by a child homicide, creating flashbacks to the death of his 8-year-old sister. After his ex-partner and the informant are both found dead by overdoses, even Halifax begins to suspect him of deadly paranoia. However, in the end, his continued probing in the case forces the corrupt DI to try and silence him.
92"Cradle and All"Paul MoloneyKatherine Thompson11 September 1996 (1996-09-11)
A stalker (Ian Bliss), driving a Ford pickup, runs Halifax's mother (Robyn Nevin) off the road after mistaking her for her daughter. Later, Halifax starts to receive flowers, cards, and faxes, as well as unwelcome phone-calls. Eventually, the stalker breaks into her office, assaults her PA, and stages a faked elevator rescue. Meanwhile, Halifax is asked by a lawyer (Andrew Blackman) to analyse a stressed mother who had admitted guilt to police in a complex infanticide case. Her research work is not helped given the aggressive and abusive nature of the woman's partner. However, when the partner dies in a fire, the mother retracts her confession. Halifax then learns that the baby's older sister, in a dissociative state, was responsible for both crimes.

Series 3 (1997–1998)

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No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
101"Déjà Vu"Paul MoloneySusan Hore19 October 1997 (1997-10-19)
Halifax is asked to help the defence of a former patient accused of killing his parents. Stars Guy Pearce, Dee Smart, Louise Siversen, and Lewis Fiander.
112"Isn’t It Romantic"David CaesarKatherine Thompson19 July 1998 (1998-07-19)
Halifax is asked by a police detective (Neil Melville) to investigate a crime involving the posing of a body. A ‘psychic investigator’ (Bruce Spence), however, warns them that it will not be an isolated incident. Another detective (Clodagh Crowe) supports Halifax’s involvement, whereas a third (Hugo Weaving) is cynical. Soon, a 17 year old is reported missing in a possible linked case and the psychic quickly locates her posed body. The cynical detective soon focuses in on a likely suspect (Grant Piro), hounding and framing him, based on his previous criminal history, until he suicides. Halifax, however, is not convinced and is able to identify a photographer’s assistant and dance student (Bruce Hughes) with a deadly suppressed persona.
123"Afraid of the Dark"Steve JodrellRoger Simpson6 September 1998 (1998-09-06)
At a service station near Warren, a mechanic (Shane Connor) leaves for a break and in his absence, an unexplained mass shooting occurs. With nine dead, Halifax responds to a request from detectives (Hugh Jackman; Susan Lyons) for help. Under pressure by the team leader (Barry Langrishe) she agrees to continue supporting the investigation despite her own mental health issues. A disgruntled customer (Brett Swain) is soon identified and he uses his arrest as a platform for an anti-establishment diatribe. However, with no surviving direct eyewitness, pressure mounts on survivors to recall whatever fragments they can. Several scenes with Halifax at a psychiatrist reveal deeply suppressed issues with her father’s suicide, as does a deadly traffic incident from the mechanic’s past.

Series 4 (1999)

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Note: Episode 2 was aired after 3.

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
131"Someone You Know"Peter AndrikidisDavid Boutland27 June 1999 (1999-06-27)
Halifax joins detectives (Sonia Todd; Grant Bowler) in investigating the murder of two seemingly unfaithful spouses. The cases become linked when a third woman is murdered under similar circumstances. Messages written on the walls to ‘Jane’ lead police to track and aggressively interview a patient of hers (Samuel Johnson). Halifax’s new PA, Monica Harris, struggles to cope with the demands of her clients, including unscheduled drop ins by a ‘time travelling’ patient (Garry McDonald). Other issues include an increasingly demanding new beau, a solicitor (Simon Westaway), the family ghosts from the lead detective’s past, and her patient’s motive for murder.
143"A Murder of Crows"Steve JodrellPeter Gawler15 August 1999 (1999-08-15)
In the aftermath of a car and bus crash near Leeton, a hospitalised 17 year-old (Cameron Nugent) admits to the killing of a woman to detectives (Frankie J. Holden; Greg Stone). Earlier, Halifax attends the hospital with her mother and assists a local policeman (Andrew Clarke) - her mother’s boyfriend - by helping to treat the survivors. Many of the casualties are students, returning from a play in Ballarat, and the female driver of the car which caused the crash, the local drama teacher (Marta Dusseldorp), is also injured. Soon, she is found bashed to death and an investigation commences into her relationships and suspected drugging. Halifax’s suspicion falls on a bright, charming student (Petra Yared) who jealously manipulated those around her, leading to a murder attempt at her mother’s house.
152"Swimming with Sharks"Brendan MaherKeith Thompson26 September 1999 (1999-09-26)
Halifax is asked to investigate a murder within a prison. Starring Marton Csokas, Peter O'Brien, Nicholas Bell, Danny Adcock, David Tredinnick and Damien Fotiou.

Series 5 (2000)

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No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
161"A Person of Interest"Ken CameronAnne Brooksbank11 June 2000 (2000-06-11)
A bungled fatal stakeout and car chase lead to the arrest of an ex-detective (Andy Anderson) and Halifax is asked to assess him prior to his court case. After being bailed, primarily based on Halifax’s assessment, he follows the owner of the crashed panel van - an ex-prisoner who is subsequently found murdered. The lead detective in the case (David Roberts) focuses on the ex-cop as the likely perpetrator, and Halifax is hired by his lawyer (Doris Younane) to help work on his defence. Halifax observes trouble within the ex-cop’s family (Sara Gleeson; Damian Walshe-Howling) and learns of his personal investigation into a pair of serial rapists. However, when he is found dead, suicide is suspected, but Halifax’s search for the remaining culprit leads to his arrest.
172"The Spider and the Fly"Mark PiperPeter Gawler27 August 2000 (2000-08-27)
Halifax returns from lecturing in New Zealand to attend the funeral of a colleague (Fiona Corke) recently stalked by a disgruntled ex-patient (Essie Davis). She then offers to stay a few days and help the husband (Andrew McKaige) look after his family and deal with her belongings, patients, and assistant (Elizabeth Rule). At the practice, Halifax unknowingly counsels the stalker, a violin teacher, who later visits the house and befriends the family, while also breaking in when everyone is out. She also accuses Halifax of trying to interfere. As tensions rise, Halifax also begins displaying symptoms similar to her colleague - fatigue and a dry cough. Reaching out to an old forensics colleague (Tony Barry) she theorises poisoning after a number of similar incidents are uncovered, but is thwarted when the stalker suicides in police custody.
183"A Hate Worse Than Death"Paul MoloneyRoger Simpson5 November 2000 (2000-11-05)
A QC is found dead by his apparent secret lover (Nicholas Eadie) and Halifax is called in by detectives (Terry Serio; Dino Marnika) to assist. His widow (Julieanne Newbould) returns home, rejecting the gay lover angle, but is unable to provide a credible alibi. Halifax starts searching at the man’s workplace, a magazine publisher, for menacing letters, and is helped by the editor (Nicki Wendt). Another ‘friend’ of the man, his neighbour, is then killed in a similar way, followed by the murder of his PA (Susan Godfrey). Suspicion falls on an ex-rower, who was angered by the man’s role in his partner’s suicide. After the attack on a detective, Halifax, however, is finally able to see through the man’s lies and deceptions.

Series 6 (2001–2002)

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No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
191"The Scorpion’s Kiss"Peter GawlerPaul Moloney21 October 2001 (2001-10-21)
Halifax is asked by the court to assess and then treat a ‘harmless stalker’ (Richard Cawthorne). His target (Suzi Dougherty), however, does not agree with the assessment, and is soon found shot in her work carpark. Detectives (Rhondda Findleton; Matthew Dyktynski) interview the man without a clear result, although he admits to the shooting when the woman dies. Halifax’s competence is called into question by the husband (William McInnes) and she suffers a string of problems including prescription fraud and computer hacking. She befriends a woman (Caroline Gillmer) who explains she is ex-ASIO and that the victim and her husband are agents too. Halifax soon deduces that the husband’s delusional paranoia led him to recruit the stalker to kill his wife.
202"Playing God"Lynn HegartyMac Gudgeon25 November 2001 (2001-11-25)
Halifax is asked by an old friend of her father to help a 13 year-old girl accused of murdering another child. Starring Emily Browning, Catherine Wilkin, Nell Feeney, and Alan Cassell.
213"Takes Two"Ken CameronKatherine Thomson7 July 2002 (2002-07-07)
Halifax counsels a paranoid young woman (Mary Docker) as her delusional partner (Sacha Horler) holds a man prisoner. She also attends a book signing for her new publication Lies of the Mind. After the man dies, they burn his body, and detectives (David Roberts; Michael Robinson) begin an invesitgation into his disappearance, interviewing one of his friends (Wayne Hope). Halifax soon begins to suspect a shared psychotic disorder between the women after a strange confrontation at her office. The couple go on to assault another man from their past - a man they knew in a children's home in Seaspray. Halifax travels to the home and learns of an alleged rape by three men on the woman, and helps to stop the killing of the third man.

Home media

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DVD name Format Ep # Discs Region 4 (Australia) Special Features Distributors
Halifax F.P. (My Lovely Girl) DVD N/A 04 1 January 2000 None Beyond Home Entertainment
Halifax F.P. (Dangerous Minds Series 02) DVD N/A 04 1 January 2000 None Beyond Home Entertainment
Halifax F.P. (Case Files #4) DVD N/A 03 11 November 2007 None Beyond Home Entertainment
Halifax F.P. (Case Files Box Set) DVD 21 12 2 March 2011 None Beyond Home Entertainment
Halifax F.P. (Complete Collection) DVD 21 12 2 May 2018 None Beyond Home Entertainment
Halifax F.P. (Case Files 1) DVD N/A 05 3 April 2019 None Beyond Home Entertainment
Halifax F.P. (Case Files 2) DVD N/A 06 3 April 2019 None Beyond Home Entertainment
Halifax F.P. (Collection 01: Series 01-03) DVD 12 12 27 October 2021 None Via Vision Entertainment
Halifax F.P. (Collection 02: Series 04-06) DVD 09 09 5 January 2022 None Via Vision Entertainment

Reception

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The show went on to be nominated for and win a number of AFI awards.

AACTA Award for Best Telefeature, Mini Series or Short Run Series:

  • 1995 The Feeding (Winner); Hard Corps (Nominated); Lies of the Mind (Nominated)
  • 1996 Cradle and All (Nominated)
  • 1998 Afraid of the Dark (Nominated)
  • 1999 Swimming with Sharks (Nominated)
  • 2000 A Person of Interest (Nominated)
  • 2002 Takes Two (Nominated)

Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Television Drama

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Best Performance by an Actor in a Telefeature or Mini Series

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Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Television Drama

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Best Performance by an Actress in a Telefeature or Mini Series

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Best Screenplay in a Television Drama

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  • 1995 Lies of the Mind (Nominated); The Feeding (Nominated)
  • 1998 Afraid of the Dark (Nominated)
  • 2000 A Person of Interest (Nominated)
  • 2002 Takes Two (Nominated)

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Ed. Scott Murray, Australia on the Small Screen 1970-1995, Oxford Uni Press, 1996 p72
  2. ^ "Episode Guide: Halifax f.p." Australian Television Information Archive. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
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