Scrublands

I didn't read the book so had no preconceptions of how the story should unfold. From others descriptions, that's an advantage but I feel those going on about this sound a little boring because nowdays, most have left this review already as it's too long to read through. It took till the 2nd episode to really get some momentum and just got better as it went. There are lots of backstories that could have been fleshed out but that would have filled 4 more episodes and maybe there wasn't the budget for that. This is a pity, as there was fertile ground here. I thoroughly enjoyed it as a ripping yarn that had a universal flavour rather than the often ocker slant of Aussie dramas. Look forward to season 2 filmed in Augusta in my home state of Western Australia!

There are four episodes. The first two are engaging and well done. Then we have to clear up the mysteries. Things start to become more formulaic. Then episode 4 becomes very formulaic, and seems to feel obliged to sew everything up.

So my feeling about this series is that it begins well, sucks you in, actors are convincing. But, I was ready for some more original evolution because the beginning was done so well. Rather than pat us on the head and then tie things up neatly, I think we could be left with having accomplished much, but need not have ladled on the syrup as episode 4 wound up.

My take: watch the beginning with pleasure, but feel ready to fast forward as the end nears.

I you like Mystery Road you will probably like this as well. It has the same style, but not quite such an outback feel, and I preferred Luke in this one to Jay (Mystery Road) as the central character.

Despite the shocking opening, it was pretty clear that there was more to it and that the event was calculated and not random.

A year later, a journo Luke hits town looking for a follow up human interest story, but starts to unpeel an onion skin of lies and deception relating to the event.

Follows investigative journalist Martin Scarsden as he has to uncover the truth of the case of killing of five parishioners by a charismatic and dedicated young priest.

Despite his apparent popularity, I find Robert Taylor a very dour actor.

This is a contemporary drama and contains language and/or attitudes that some viewers, particularly those of a more mature generation, the Silent Majority, will find offensive.

There are frequent profanity bombs and the F word is peppered throughout. One C word.

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.

This is excellent Aussie tv, the book is extremely complex, however, the story is so magnificent I would have liked it to not deviate as much as it did. The changes are so very significent that for me, having read the book, which was awesome, I would have liked them to stick to it in a shortened version and not change the storyline as much as they did. The acting by all was terrific, and the location is an actual town in Victoria. It needed, in my opinion, to have two more episodes to flesh out the back stories, which are written as a true masterpiece by an outstanding Australian writer. The second book about the main character is also awesome and would make a great follow up.