Deadloch Season Two Review: Every Bit as Wonky and Devilish as the First
The Emmy-nominated crime comedy Deadloch returns for its second season, trading 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 continues to blend genre expectations with irreverent humor and grotesque charm.
A Croc-Infested Mystery Unfolds
Season two kicks off in the Australian outback, where a crocodile tour operator references the horror film Wolf Creek to describe missing Swedish backpackers. When a dead crocodile is discovered with a human body part in its jaw, the official verdict points to the missing tourists. However, senior sergeant Dulcie Collins, played by Kate Box, quickly debunks this theory. Alongside her partner Eddie Redcliffe, portrayed by Madeleine Sami, they embark on a mission to identify both the deceased human and the crocodile.
Eddie remains the heart and soul of the show's warped humor—a thunderously loud, decorum-breaking force who communicates through screeches and blusters. In contrast, Dulcie is calm and considered, creating an odd-couple dynamic that drives the narrative. The season delves into croc tourism, introducing a cast of entrepreneurial oddballs and side characters like Abby, a sweet and naive young cop played by Nina Oyama, and Leo, a bored journalist portrayed by Jean Tong.
Visual Style and Direction
Directors Beck Cole and Gracie Otto infuse the series with verve and a veneer of grotesquerie, reflected in the damp and queasy color grading that gives the show a slightly off, mold-sprouting appearance. This visual style complements the rambunctious and occasionally laugh-out-loud production, which both meets and subverts crime genre tropes with sly winks and elephantine grace.
New cast additions include Steve Bisley as Eddie's father Frank, a loud and belligerent character who adds to the chaotic atmosphere. The dialogue, rich with Australian slang and potty-mouthed pride, features Eddie's memorable lines like "listen up cunts" and "suck a fuck," contributing to the show's gloriously bedevilled spirit.
Ambiance Over Mystery
At times, the whodunit aspect takes a backseat to the enjoyment of immersing in Deadloch's weird, gluggy world. The Australian accents, described as sandpaper burrs with sunburnt vowels, create a unique auditory experience that might challenge newcomers to the English language. Eddie's character, quintessentially Australian, embodies this spirit, though her place in the show remains a topic of debate—whether she's essential or a satirical excess.
Ultimately, Deadloch season two maintains the wonky, devilish, and potty-mouthed charm of its predecessor, leaving viewers hopeful for a third installment. The series is streaming globally on Amazon Prime Video, offering a binge-worthy escape into its croc-filled misadventures.
