Secret City

This is the best Australian TV show I have ever watched. The lies and Corruption by those who govern us. One could see this being based on a true story, or at least a story that is no doubt commonplace throughout the world we live in. Magnificently written, well acted by a great cast. Very important to watch carefully to follow and understand the plot, with twists and turns at every unexpected corner. The people aren't the people you think they are, well, most of them and is that not the place in the real world of politics. It reminds me of America or at least what goes on over there from what I have read. Whilst some may consider it a bit slow I would say to them "all good things take time". My hope is that the show continues for many years. The person, who wrote this has more of an understanding of the real world than most so I expect more and more twists and turns to come in the second series. This is a show I could watch everyday.

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.

The first season of this espionage based thriller was excellent,but the 2nd season was not as good.

Nevertheless a very good series to watch.

I'm an American who resides in Arizona, but have found such a connection to the excellent acting and portrayals that Australian and British programming provides. This program is no exception. The characters are indeed excellent and the actors are so believable against the backdrop of a properly paced thriller, that is not engulfed in over the top special effects.

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!