Secret City

Just binge-watched Season 1 in 2018. Was a little slow to start but much plausible manipulation and we are currently facing an Australian bipartisan attempt to put the through legislation that's as scary as anything in this thriller.

Secret City is the kind of drama that the has the feel of the old school House of Cards but with a modern veneer. Set predominantly in the capital of Canberra, among rising tensions between the Australian and Chinese Governments a determined and stubborn reporter, Harriet Dunkley searches for the truth when a friend is murdered. In the process she stumbles on a complex plot involving the highest level of her own Government and with multiple factions involved.

Secret City is a well thought out complex drama, the type of which can be all too rare on television. With a stellar cast of some of Australia's finest actors its a superb show with first rate performances, characterisation and script writing. The legendary Jacki Weaver brings her appropriate feisty talents to a scheming senator with her fingers in more than one pie up while Underbelly veteran Dan Wyllie plays the politician trying to do the one thing while people come at him from all sides. The supporting cast are more fun to watch than the lead, played by Anna Tov. (Stubborn journo's not exactly being characters we haven't seen a dozen times before) The plot twists and turns and covers more than one contemporary issue which makes it all the more relevant today. Its got high production values and the core story travels well overseas making it have a far greater international appeal than many other series from down under. For those who like their political dramas, what it lacks in the dark comical tones of the spacey version of House of Cards, it more than makes up for with high wound tension and three dimensional characters, for the most part at least. Recommended.

If you expect political intrigue as in "House of Cards", treason, espionage, as in "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy", dark hints on the geopolitical evolution of the world (USA, China, and the rest of the world), then this is the show to watch. Ah, and a it has the realism that is somewhat lacking (lately) in "Homeland". Also, it has some intellectual references, as well, which is rarely seen in the nowadays cinema (be it TV, even!). A good cast. Anna Torv is convincing, and her complex character reminds me of Claire Dane's "Carrie Mathison". Even smaller roles are played wonderfully by each of the actors.

As it happens, I've recently seen some new Australian movies and now, this show. And all I can say is: Bravo!. I am grateful to all the Australian cinema.

I just hope the show will continue with (at least) one more season. We, the public, deserve it!

My Review- Secret City 8:10

Right from beginning the impressive title credits , which I think not by accident reminded me of House of Cards I was hooked . The camera sweeps over our National Capital Canberra to a suspenseful dramatic soundtrack by composer David Bridie and gives the impression that there's a Political swamp needing to be drained under its impressive monuments.

Watching Anna Torv as Ace Canberra news reporter and main star Harriet Dunkley I was struck by her resemblance and style ,so similar to Cate Blanchette , Anna Torv owns this role and continues to impress in her role as investigative journalist Harriet Dunkley.

Jackie Weaver is outstanding as usual in the role of Catriona Bailey the Attorney General and powerbroker in a role spookily reminiscent of a certain ex Policeman and now one of the most powerful ministers this country has ever known. The thrilling action and intrigue in Secret City can hold its own worldwide and is a worthy match for similar overseas series like House of Cards .

Series 2 Under the Eagle I've just started to watch on Foxtel and although under new direction seems to keep up the standard so far.

Amusingly it begins with a brand new charismatic Prime Minister Ewan Garrity 2 years later replacing Alan Dale as Prime Minister Martin Toohey in Series One .

Logie Award winning actor Don Hany (Ali's Wedding, Tangle) plays new Australian Prime Minister Ewan Garrity. This seemed very appropriate as Australia has had so many Prime Ministers recently and this series also has a Jacque Lambi inspired character in Danielle Cormack as Karen Koutoufides, Independent MP for Wakefield, South Australia.

This is a really impressive series

I'll be honest, I went into this not expecting much. No scratch that, I was expecting to be disappointed, another thinly veiled attempt at recreating a style of show best left to others. I was wrong, oh so wrong. Secret City is a nuanced, understated and never clichéd blend of political intrigue and personal demons with a satisfyingly Australian flavour. It eschews the over the top melodramatic candy that would've been so easy to stuff down the throats of viewers in an attempt to keep them satiated in favour of a slower, more tantalising meal built layer upon layer leaving the viewer oh so much more satisfied by the end.

It's not just the political intrigue that keeps you on the hook, refreshingly up to date and relevant, mirroring the current position Australia finds itself, historically aligned with the U.S. whilst looking to China to boost trade and economic activity. But the complete multi-faceted nature of the characters. Their motivations are understandable and sympathetic and oftentimes it's their less likable qualities that push and motivate them into traditional protagonist actions.

The portrayal of intelligence gathering and cyber-security is spot on, Secret City even highlights the ability of agencies to use mobile phones as listening and tracking devices even while they're off, an idea that has yet to permeate the public consciousness despite the overwhelming evidence that this is happening in our own world. But herein lies the strength of Secret City, it's not fiction, it's real. Most of what it portrays is not far off from what is happening within the underbelly of Canberra right here and now. Against this backdrop of reality, it sets up an engaging and thoughtful story with a slew of disconcertingly empathetic characters.

Just shut up and watch it already.