Denise Scott Shines in Return of Mother and Son
The return of Mother and Son has been met with more than just nostalgia—it’s been welcomed with real delight. The original sitcom, which ran on the ABC from 1984 to 1994, was iconic in its own right, led by Garry McDonald and Ruth Cracknell, who became household names and even picked up multiple Gold Logies along the way. So, when comedian Matt Okine announced he was rebooting the show in 2023, the reaction was mixed. There were plenty of voices asking, “Is nothing sacred?” and expecting it to pale in comparison to the beloved original. But now, with the second season released, those doubts are being washed away, and much of the credit belongs to the way Denise Scott has stepped into the role of Maggie.
Also Read:In this new version, Okine plays Arthur, Maggie’s anxious thirty-something son who can’t quite find his footing in the modern world. Scott, meanwhile, brings Maggie to life with a playful mix of mischief and absentmindedness, often running circles around Arthur despite his best efforts to manage her. The setup is simple, but the humour is layered. The show cleverly taps into generational clashes—Boomers versus Millennials—and turns them into comedy that feels all too familiar. Watching Arthur explain streaming, cashless payments, or online scams to his mother could be mistaken for a documentary in many households today.
Season two manages to strike a balance between heartfelt storytelling and sharp comedy. At just six episodes, it leaves viewers wanting more, but each instalment digs into themes that feel both funny and painfully real. Money becomes the quiet obsession of the show: Arthur and his sister Robbie, played by Angela Nica Sullen, are constantly worried about their mum’s nest egg—protecting it, or sometimes plotting ways to benefit from it. It’s an uncomfortable but relatable commentary on today’s economy, the housing crisis, and the tension between generations who either had security handed to them or are struggling without it.
The season opens with a holiday resort episode, where Maggie meets a potential new suitor. Arthur and Robbie are instantly suspicious—could this man be after her money? It’s a storyline that highlights how love, trust, and cynicism collide when families are shaped by financial insecurity. At the same time, the show doesn’t lose its warmth. Beneath the bickering between Maggie and Arthur is a genuine affection, one that Scott and Okine carry beautifully.
What also stands out is the way the show quietly reflects real Australian life. Shot in Sydney suburbs like Ashfield and Homebush West, the backdrop is multicultural and authentic, featuring local businesses and communities without fanfare or stereotype. It’s a snapshot of the country as it really looks today, and that authenticity makes the comedy feel even richer.
With its mix of humour, family drama, and a subtle undercurrent about ageing—Maggie’s slipping memory hints at dementia—the show remains light enough to enjoy but layered enough to make you think. Denise Scott and Matt Okine have created something that isn’t just a reboot; it’s a series that stands on its own, proving that sometimes new life can be breathed into an old classic, and it can shine just as brightly, if not more.
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