Three new dramas have hit our screens so far, with "Backed to the Rafters" (Thursday 8.30pm, Prime), starring Erik Thompson and Rebecca Gibney, leading the way ratings-wise.

It is something of a return to good-old fashioned drama, similar to "Always Greener" (which didn't last that long mind you).

I say something of return because the show does feature Michael Caton in a dress, a boyfriend taking crystal meth and a father taking so many "performance-enhancing" pills, he had to go to hospital. The twist there was the nurse who treated him just happened to have moved in with his son and best friend next door ... how awkward.

It is this aspect of "Packed to the Rafter" which adds to it, it's not one of those smaltsy shows like "Seventh Heaven", yes there are family values discussed, but their rammed down the viewers' throats.

"Packed to the Rafters" enjoyed the weird phenomenon of actually having an increase in ratings for its second episode and based on what we've seen so far, it is well-deserved.

Another quality Australian drama, which premiered this week, was :"Rush" (Tuesday, 9.30pm, SC Ten) - this could be seen as an update of the classic 1990s show "Police Rescue".

"Rush" stars Rodger Corser and Callan Mulvey, who as people outside Victoria would legally know featured in "Underbelly", as part of a crack rapid response team which does everything from chasing bad guys to dealing with domestic disputes.

This show is different to whodunnit police show such as the CSI franchise, which has become somewhat stale (how many ways can someone die?). It is not dealing with incidents after they happen, it when they're happening.

Add in the odd action sequence and you've got a thrilling show.

Another positive part I found was how the didn't hide the fact it was made in Melbourne. In fact it embraces it - identifying the Melbourne landmarks is part of the fun of watching "Rush". A negative, do we really need that shaking camera technique?