Scrublands

Watched the first series. It was ok. Would have given it 7. Unusual premise, if slightly absurd. Flashbacks get a bit irritating, but do help create mystery. Like with many average drama series, the unravelling of the story at the end seemed very rushed.

Did not have high hopes for second season, and my pessimism more than justified. Some absolutely ludicrous aspects to the plot, and, what now felt like a formulaic unravelling. Many small details that jarred - eg, the main murder victim and our hero's girlfriend were portrayed as being best buddies, as if they were inseparable, and yet had only met 2 weeks earlier. One minute it is broad daylight, the next it is pitch dark. Continuity and common sense sacrificed for the sake of a very thinly held together plot.

My ultimate test of how I felt - I realised I couldn't have cared less if all the main characters had eaten poisonous mushrooms baked in a cake. Spoiler alert - no cake is involved in the making of this series.

If there is a 3rd season, count me out.

... this a good one... other producers should take note of this four-part-mini-series... keeping it tight-simple gives viewers a chance at outstanding shows... very-well-written-cast-acted-produced this is one of the best programs of 2023

... lots of shows attempt what this little series has achieved, a crime-thriller with heart... don't know if there's plans for a second series, but what was established in the first was that there could surely logically be one... an investigative-journalist now off on another assignment-mission while a potential long term love interest awaits in the outback... now that's a nice setup.

In some ways there is little here that we have not seen before, but the story built around some familiar characters and -- in some cases -- situations has its own originality. The characters are credibly human. Nothing is belaboured, which gives a freshness to the story.

It's four episodes, but they did not flag or drag. Nor did they race. The pacing is well considered -- it has the feel of a small town as opposed to the racier tempi of a big city.

Not being Australian and seeing only a selection of their television and cinema output, I was not familiar with any of these actors. I was impressed with all of them And I especially liked the music..

I was hesitant to watch initially as I thought it would be more of the same same.

However it was actually refreshing to see some new quality Australian content. Full of twists, great character development and packs a great punch in 4 small episodes. As typical with Aussie series there is 5-10 micro moments that are super cheesy and woeful cgi, but the great story and acting more than makes up for these minor blemishes.

Definitely worth the 2-3 hours to watch and even if you are not a fan of Luke Arnold (Black Sails, INXS) there is still plenty of great smaller characters that blend together in this tale.

If you have read the outstanding book 'Silver' , then you will be very disappointed.

The first episode of Season 2, is all over the place.

I don't understand, why they had to change the script from what happens in the book.

This is my favourite, Chris Hammer book.

He has a great ability, to bring his characters to life. Those portrayed on the idiot box, are so wooden.

What were they thinking?

I have to admit, I got so frustrated watching this season. So much so, I had to turn it off.

Watch the show, if you haven't read the book. If you have read 'Silver', find something else to watch

3/10.