Deadloch

Yes, a breath of fresh air - an Australian show that should offend pretty much everyone. Deadlock is a comedy/parody that skewers police procedurals, forensic scientists, small town life, arts festivals, food culture, straight life, alternative life...the list goes on. And with all that there is a pretty reasonable murder mystery. For overseas viewers the lead detective is from Darwin - Australian Deep North like American Deep South - so she is not overacting. The use of swear words is the most clever I have seen. Not like most streaming shows where f... is used because the writers are on strike and no-one can think of anything else to say. Worth having the subtitles on to see how clever. The acting is excellent and really accentuates the characters foibles - a must watch show. Anyone for a jar of "olive tamponade"?

A typical Aussie comedy with a dash of murder mystery! I could understand how it's not everyone's cup of tea, but it had my Mum and I in stitches. Parts of the story were, at times, predictable. However it almost feels like this was on purpose - in a way poking fun at the traditional murder mystery genre. I loved the diverse cast and seeing lots of familiar faces. Box definitely stands out as her character is probably the only "seriously" acted characher and she gives a great performance. I actually like the contrast between the Nordic style vibe and then the ridiculous Aussie acting. It's a bit of fun and an easy watch with a bit of mystery too. If you're easily entertained and still laugh at naughty words you'll get a kick out of it.

I think this is probably quite marmite but personally I absolutely love it. It's sort of an Australian even-more-sweary Hot Fuzz? Madeleine Sami's character is definitely very loud and annoying but she is very clearly meant to be so; I think she's brilliant and it's a great counter-point to some of the more subtle humour in the show, which mainly comes from Kate Box's general air of competent resignation. The supporting cast are all excellent in their own ways too. It sort of gently takes the p*ss out of a lot of modern, very right-on culture but in a friendly way. I think this is a show that will become a cult classic - at least for me anyway! I can't wait for the next episodes.

Despite a start that was a little shaky at times Deadloch always had the bones of a good story and some good story telling - a tribute to a great script by Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, two of the funniest women I've seen on TV in many years, with wit and tongue as sharp as a tack. And make no mistake, the tongue is in full stride here, so if you are word squeamish - hahah - get over yourself - there is some brilliant banter and dialogue from two of the best at razor sharp spiteful and insightful barbs.

My only criticism is probably about the direction of Madeline Sami's character Eddie - the cop from Darwin. Unfortunately this part is over-played in the first few episodes and jolts well beyond what was needed - we get it, she's rough as guts, now move on. Thankfully this gradually wound back - presumably as dictated by the story arc - and eventually the energy was more finely judged and didn't jar.

Kate Box is brilliant in the lead as Dulcie an ex-bigtown cop on a tree change with her massive pain-in-the-butt partner Cath - Alicia Gardiner. Cath manages to embody everything that is annoying and aggravating with tree change feminist chic - a self absorbed air-head of epic proportions.

Under all the human drama - and there's plenty of it - is a very satisfying and tightly controlled murder mystery - well worthy of an international audience. Also worth mentioning that the only cultural cringe evident is from self aware story telling as opposed to self deluded narcissism.

Suffice to say this is a rollicking good yarn once it gets going with plenty to keep viewers interested and on the hook. A great comedy-drama-mystery well deserving of an 8.

We found this one by chance and had low expectations going in. We were pleasantly surprised by this quirky and rather engaging series that keeps you guessing. At times we even laughed out loud. For those giving negative reviews, my only advice is to lighten up! This isn't trying to be high art or high drama.

The backdrop alone is worth your time if you want to see a bit of Tasmania. Love the accents and the way the Darwin detective does evolve over the course of the series. We have watched five of the eight episodes and we plan to watch till the very end because we have enjoyed spending time in this boondocks of a town, Dead Loch.