Deadloch Season Two Review: Every Bit as Wonky, Devilish and Potty-Mouthed as the First
The Emmy-nominated crime comedy Deadloch returns for its second season, swapping the chilly landscapes of Tasmania for the sticky, humid Top End of Australia's Northern Territory. Created and written by Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, this darkly comedic and wigged-out police procedural retains all its eccentric charm and subversive humour, delivering a rambunctious and occasionally laugh-out-loud experience.
A Croc-Infested Mystery Unfolds
The season kicks off in the Australian outback, where a crocodile tour operator casually references a hit horror film, setting the tone for the bizarre events to come. When a dead crocodile is discovered with a human body part in its jaw, the initial verdict points to a missing Swedish backpacker. However, senior sergeant Dulcie Collins, played by Kate Box, quickly debunks this theory. Alongside her partner, the thunderously loud and decorum-breaking Eddie Redcliffe, portrayed by Madeleine Sami, they embark on a mission to uncover the identities of both the deceased human and the crocodile.
Eccentric Characters and Grotesque Ambiance
Eddie Redcliffe stands out as the heart and soul of the series, embodying its warped humour with her screeching, howling dialogue and unapologetically Australian demeanour. Her potty-mouthed pride, filled with colourful phrases, adds a layer of chaotic energy to the show. Meanwhile, Dulcie provides a calm and considered counterbalance, though the dynamic between them drives much of the narrative.
Side characters enrich the story, including Abby, an amusingly sweet and naive young cop played by Nina Oyama, and Leo, a bored journalist portrayed by Jean Tong, who monotonously covers croc attacks. Steve Bisley joins the cast as Eddie's father Frank, a loud and grubby figure who fits perfectly into the show's quirky world.
Directorial Verve and Visual Style
Directors Beck Cole and Gracie Otto bring verve and irreverence to the series, complemented by a damp and queasy colour grading that gives the show a slightly off-kilter, mould-sprouting aesthetic. This visual style enhances the grotesque and darkly comedic tone, making the setting feel both immersive and unsettling.
Subverting Genre Expectations
Like its first season, Deadloch season two both meets and subverts genre expectations, sometimes with sly winks and other times with the grace of an elephant cannonballing into a kiddie pool. The focus on croc tourism and its entrepreneurial oddballs adds a unique twist to the crime procedural format, keeping viewers engaged through well-paced storytelling and unexpected twists.
Cultural Nuances and Linguistic Play
The series delves into the Australian accent and dialect, with sunburnt vowels and sandpaper burrs that might challenge non-native English speakers. This linguistic playfulness adds to the show's authentic and gritty atmosphere, reflecting the harsh, desiccated environment of the Top End.
Final Verdict and Future Hopes
Throughout the season, the mystery of whodunit sometimes takes a backseat to the sheer enjoyment of spending time in this weird, gluggy world. Eddie's character remains a point of debate—whether she enhances the show's gloriously bedevilled spirit or borders on caricature. Nonetheless, Deadloch season two delivers a devilishly wonky and entertaining experience that leaves audiences hoping for a third instalment. The series is now streaming globally on Amazon Prime Video.
