(1 episode) Casting The season had a cast of twelve actors who received star billing. Melissa Bergland, Zoe Tuckwell-Smith, Melanie Vallejo and Virginia Gay portrayed the four protagonists or "losers"; Jenny Gross, Bec Gilbert, Sophie Wong and Frances James respectively. During early production, the four actresses were forced to spend time together to build up chemistry between them. Former Neighbours actors Blair McDonough and Damien Bodie played Matt O'Connor and Jonathan Kurtiss. Tom Wren portrayed Doug Graham, Sophie's best friend. Stephen Phillips starred as Zach Armstrong, Frances' business partner and love interest. Comedian Denise Scott appeared as Trish Gross, while Francis Greenslade portrayed Brian Gross, Jenny's parents. Jack Pearson and Sarah Grace portrayed Jenny's siblings Patrick and Bridget Gross. A number of secondary characters were also portrayed throughout the season, including Michala Banas as Tiffany Turner, the woman who bullied Jenny, Bec, Sophie and Frances during high school. PiaGrace Moon was cast as Frances' younger sister Jasmine Patterson. Lawrence Mooney appeared as Trevor Myers, Geoff Morrell as Paul Armstrong, Mark Leonard Winter as James 'JB' Bartlett, Madeleine West as Deidre Gross, Scott McGregor as Brett, Todd McKenney as Jenny's Boss and Alex Perry as a Fashion Presenter. Episodes {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="margin: auto; width: 100%" |- !! style="background-color:#A0C435; color: #000; text-align: center;" width=5%|No. inseries !! style="background-color:#A0C435; color: #000; text-align: center;" width=5%|No. inseason !! style="background-color:#A0C435; color: #000; text-align: center;" width=25%|Title !! style="background-color:#A0C435; color: #000; text-align: center;" width=16%|Directed by !! style="background-color:#A0C435; color: #000; text-align: center;" width=28%|Written by !! style="background-color:#A0C435; color: #000; text-align: center;" width=14%|Original air date !! style="background-color:#A0C435; color: #000; text-align: center;" width=7%|Australian viewers |- |} DVD release Reception Critical response A writer from The Advertiser said that the series was a success because the "creative force Bevan Lee" was behind it. Jim Schembri writing for The Sydney Morning Herald had praise for the "fresh, brightly coloured, high-end soap", labelling the characters as "some of the most engaging" on television. The Age's reviewer observed the series as having "powerful themes of friendship, karma and justice for the underdog", which were played with subtle tone unlike other shows. They added that the mixture of "lively characters" and comedy made for "an engaging hour of television". Other columnists from The Age criticised certain aspects of the series. Paul Kalina accused Winners & Losers of playing it safe by implementing similar elements which made Packed to the Rafters a successful show. Bridget McManus came to