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.

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!

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.

I know other reviewers have slated the pace and some of the quirky sub-plots but I really enjoyed this. If not for Netflix, I would never have heard of it. I'm a Brit but there were so many recognisable Australian faces. Great actors. You don't have to overthink it. Yes, it is another Government conspiracy plot but just go with the flow. If it's not your bag, it doesn't mean that it was badly made. Just take it off and watch something else. Some of us actually liked it. I hope Season 2 will be just as good, if not, better.