Mystery Road: Origin

It would be hard to step into the shoes of the brilliant Aaron Pedersen, but as we enjoyed all the Mystery Road's, including Goldstone, before were prepared to take the risk. We were worried about the character development and if an authentic young version of Jay Swan would come across but no matter bc Mark Coles Smith didn't disappoint. You can see the likeness in the brooding temperament, the thinking man's scowl and then once or twice, that dazzling smile breaks through. The series delivered complexity and depth and our lead was matched with an equally strong cast.

Didn't see that twist though.

We hope ABC continues to write this series eventually linking the stories of young Jay to the older version.

First, the camera work is amazing. I will not mention any scenes that I find amazing, because I do not want to spoil the feeling, but... this series is worthy for just that.

Acting is really good. I really believed the actor was a young Swan.

Directing is probably the best part. I loved the Killing (first series) and the True Detective (first series) and this Mystery Road: Origin is there, right there with these two. Really good.

Screenplay is probably the weakest part, but it is still fairly good.

Physical resemblances to the Jay and Mary characters from the previous movies and series is remarkable and it has the same slow, depressing atmosphere as well. You can count the smiles on two fingers. Not one of the characters has any joy on their lives. Ultimately a very depressing addition to the Jay Swan saga. I am a huge Aaron Pederson fan but the series is just slow moving and leaves me feeling a bit empty. Virtually everyone is depressed and has a gloomy outlook on life. Granted, these are poor people with little or no future but the bleakness just about outweighs the story. I was hoping young Jay would have been a bit more upbeat. Even after his first night with Mary he didn't crack a smile.

Having seen all the other Mystery Roads and Goldstone with the great Aaron, I was anxious about how his younger self would act, he has achieved total mind-meld with Aaron and put his own stamp to perfection on the character, if you like the series you will be amazed at how good this mini series is, brilliant and totally Australian in every way, just awesome.

Contrary to all the glowing reviews, I thought the action was so slow that I could barely keep track of the plot line from week to week. Despite that, I loved the actor playing young Jay Swan. He is quite believable as an earlier vision of the brilliant older Swan. He was the only reason I persevered through all 6 episodes.

If this series had had a tighter plot line or fewer episodes to concentrate the flow of the story, it would have been greatly enhanced. I truly appreciate the Australian and New Zealand programmingon on acorn and especially those involving Aboriginal plot lines. It's an insight into challenging world, not unlike our US tribal nations struggles. I just wish this series' writing was half as good as Mystery Road.