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MDA – Second Chance (2005)

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clip 'A spanner in the works'

Original classification rating: M. This clip chosen to be PG

Clip description

Medical researchers Dr Julia Delvecchio (Anita Hegh) and Luke Rodman (Aaron Blabey) have bad news for their boss, Professor Robyn Masterson (Sigrid Thornton). Things are looking grim for her wonder drug. Before human trials can start, she needs to prove that trials with rats were successful. At the 11th hour, though, an unknown intruder has released the rats in the lab, wreaking havoc with the final results. The research could be set back months: more time than their terminally ill patient Belinda can wait.

Curator’s notes

by Kate Matthews

This scene touches on one of Second Chance’s central questions: does the importance of honesty in scientific practice outweigh the opportunity to save a life? In addition, it is unclear whether saving a life or her career is Professor Masterson’s true motivation – or how much of what she says is sincere and how much is manipulation. TV veteran Thornton plays the ambiguity well, with Blabey and Hegh also turning in strong performances. Hegh received an AFI Award for her work.

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