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Seriously, though, while 'Yellowstone' comparisons are inevitable - being that 'Territory' takes that series' basic blue print (and one or two minor plot points) and transposes into Australia's rugged Top End - the show arguably learns from the mistakes of its American predecessor. One major improvement, in my opinion, is that the story and characters are nowhere near as contrived. That's not to say that there isn't plot twists and (melo)drama, those abound aplenty, but everything about 'Territory' contributes to the basic plotline established in Episode 1 and carries through to Episode 6 without any serious diversions or distractions to deliver a satisfying conclusion / cliff-hanger which may or may not lead to a second season.

The acting on this series is also second to none. Virtually every cast member puts in a memorable performance, clearly defining their character within a few minutes on screen. But for me the whole series resonates because of it's exploration of toxic father-son relationships, generational trauma and the murderous obsession which drives both. Robert Taylor puts in an incredible and often terrifying performance as the cruel, abusive and emotionally mercenary Colin Lawson - a character who is quite literally the polar opposite of his previous 'cowboy' role as the laconic and righteous Sheriff Walt Longmire. Michael Dorman plays his alcoholic, initially hopeless son Graham who must battle for his place as heir to Marianne Station or see himself past over in favour of his estranged son Marshall. Sam Corlett closes the trinity of familial trauma as Marshall Lawson, and his performance delivers on Marshall's struggle between rejecting and accepting his heritage without ever being soapy or over the top.

The women characters act as both foils, tempters and saviours of the male characters in this series but I can't complete this review without highlighting the great work of three actors in particular! Anna Torv plays Graham Lawson's fierce and capable wife Emily, a character that viewers will instantly recognise as the rightful heir to Marianne in the midst of men who's fatal flaws would see the cattle station self-destruct. Phillipa Northeast plays Graham and Emily's daughter Susie, who seeks to overturn the patriarchal traditions that govern her family dynasty while also pushing the cattle station into the future - in all the ways that matter she represents the "hope" at the centre of an often bleak family drama. Finally, I wanted to mention Kylah Day's Sharnie who, like Emily and Susie, whole heartedly plays a woman who resists the role that life and luck have given her and affects Marshall's redemption and rediscovery of his place in his family.

This series is a must watch and deserves acclaim in its own right. So do yourself favour and watch it!

Incredible.

Star Wars has, finally, come out to play on the small screen. We have a series through which motifs from several other movies, series, novels, comics, and games are threaded, and yet it maintains its own fierce, distinct identity.

At once familiar and fresh Ahsoka, even in its first two episodes, is the dark sequel to Star Wars: Rebels. If Rebels is A New Hope, filled with adventure and optimism, Ahsoka is The Empire Strikes Back.

It moves with deliberate pace and, despite initially being tapped as part of the fabric of the "Mando-verse," it's very obvious that the narrative thread being drawn here comes straight from Rebels. Even aesthetically, the set and costume designs of "Ahsoka" have little in common with either "The Mandalorian" or "The Book of Boba Fett" further setting it apart from Favreau's show. Personally speaking, as someone who's a more than a little fatigued with Mando and Grogu and the repetitive narratives concerning them, I'm very happy about this and I'm hoping the season will run from start to finish without a mention of either of them.

"Star Wars: Rebels" has finally gotten its due, in the form of a live action sequel that delivers without losing itself to nostalgia or key moments that have more to do with setting up legacy character appearances than driving the story forward.

Ahsoka is triumphant, though perhaps the best review of it comes from my girlfriend. She's not a Star Wars fan, but she's watched manys the series and movie with me and her words were this:

"Wow, this is so different. Its so modern. It's Star Wars, but it feels so fresh and new."

Just like always, she's absolutely right. This show is the right kind of different, it's a long overdue refresh while honoring the lore we love, and I'm hoping it keeps this level of quality for the next six episodes.