The Eggplant - Full Series

Um, stab in the dark but the large aubergine on the field, perhaps?

– The response from Simon (Hamish Parkinson) when Principal Morris (Karen O'Leary) asks if the staff know why they're having an emergency meeting, in episode one

I had a chat to coach Flanks and he told me that you were absent from the compulsory Zumba class for the first XV on Friday arvo.

– Principal Morris (Karen O'Leary) asks Darcy (Trendall Pulini) about the mysterious eggplant, in episode three

Honest. I got, like, 13 snaps today. It’s not even morning tea.

– Trent (Levi Kereama) on why people supposedly call him the 'Nude Guru', in episode three

...remember, babies are more expensive than condoms.

– Teacher Ms Bell (Angella Dravid) during sex education class, in episode four

Skiddies in cubicle three again?!

– Hilltop High security guard Jeremiah Strong (Joe Daymond) responds to the next emergency, in episode seven

If there’s one thing to take away from this weeks’ investigation, it’s this: be careful about what you believe online. This should act as a timely reminder for all of us to be aware of everything we read, listen to, watch and more importantly — share.

– Jack Tame concludes his Special Report Special on the eggplant (episode seven)

The campaign has earned Motion Sickness a suite of awards at both domestic and international award shows. One of the most important markers of success however, was the fact that 91% of [New Zealand] households with teenagers aged 13-18 reported watching the series had prompted open discussion around online safety.

– Writer Rikki Green on the success of The Eggplant, on website Campaign Brief, 10 September 2021

The mini-series raises awareness of the online issues young people may face and encourages them to reach out to someone they trust and get the support they need.

– Te Tari Taiwhenua/The Department of Internal Affairs spokesperson Trina Lowry, The Spinoff, 12 January 2021

The humour is delightfully dry, the photography beautiful, and even if the oldies don’t get the eggplant reference, there’s more than enough here to kickstart conversations about staying safe in the digital world. The Eggplant will help young people navigate the perils of the internet and help them take back the power, just as Principal Morris does. The Eggplant makes sure she knocks the bastard off, and we all get a happy ending. 

– Spinoff writer Tara Ward on The Eggplant, 12 January 2021