Wicked Science

Lore & Background

Wicked Science centers on Toby Johnson and Elizabeth Hawke, two students at Sandy Bay High School. Toby is a regular student, while Elizabeth is mean and disliked. After a ray hits them during an experiment on a prehistoric rock, both acquire scientific superpowers, becoming geniuses. Toby is unhappy with his gift, but Elizabeth wants to use her powers to control the school, making Toby the only one who can stop her. The school descends into chaos with unexplained events.

The main cast includes André de Vanny as Toby Johnson, Bridget Neval as Elizabeth Hawke, Benjamin Schmideg as Russell Skinner, Saskia Burmeister as Dina Demiris, Emma Leonard as Verity McGuire, Brook Sykes as Garth King, Robert van Mackelenberg as Professor Carl Tesslar, Geneviève Picot as Principal Alexa Vyner, and Greta Larkins as Sacha Johnson. Recurring guest Cleopatra Coleman appears as Emma Hellman in eight episodes. The series was fully aired on Disney Channel Asia until 2007.

Reader's Guide

Wicked Science is significant as an Australian television series that blended science fiction with teen drama, airing from 2004 to 2006 on Network Ten before moving to Disney Channel and later ABC1 and ABC2. Its premise of teenagers gaining scientific superpowers from a prehistoric rock accident set it apart from other teen shows of the era. The series explored themes of power, responsibility, and rivalry, with Elizabeth's ambition to take over the school contrasting with Toby's reluctance. The show's legacy includes its international reach, airing on Disney Channel Asia until 2007, and its cast featuring actors like André de Vanny and Bridget Neval. While not widely known outside Australia, it remains a notable example of early 2000s Australian children's television, with a dedicated fan base and continued availability through archives and online platforms.