KATHRYN FLETT’S My TV week: Cracking crime in the Aussie alps

As an avid fan of both British and Australian television, I have been absolutely captivated by the latest offerings from BBC1 and Amazon Prime. The BBC’s High Country, set in the fictional rural town of Broken Ridge in Victoria, Australia, has drawn me in with its intriguing blend of police procedural and indigenous mysticism.

HIGH COUNTRY

Saturdays, BBC1 

Brits may believe they’re familiar with Australia, as labeled by the Australians as the “Lucky Country.” But if they haven’t visited, their knowledge is likely limited to fictional places like Ramsay Street in Melbourne (from Neighbors) or Summer Bay in New South Wales (from Home And Away). However, less touristy areas of this vast land are now gaining significant attention for television production.

In the made-up rural community of Broken Ridge, situated in the humorously named “Alps” of Victoria, Australia for Europeans, BBC1’s newest Australian addition presents detective Andie Whitford (Leah Purcell), her partner Helen (Sara Wiseman), and their daughter Kirra. The trio has just relocated from the city.

In this storyline, a series of perplexing disappearances have left the community in distress. Enter a tough-as-nails cop to investigate. The mystery deepens with subtle inclusions of indigenous folklore, reminiscent of True Detective’s Night Country episode, giving rise to the emerging genre known as “Outback Noir.”

Andie, with indigenous roots, sets out on a deeply moving experience as she grew up unaware of her tribal background. In contrast, Helen and Kirra encounter their own struggles.

Andie contemplates the situation of a man who left his car in the “mountains,” seemingly overwhelmed and reflecting on how his actions have affected his family: “His personal issues forced his loved ones to bear the brunt of it. I find myself doing the same.” Helen reassures, “At least he hasn’t hidden us in the backyard yet.” Andie responds, “Not yet.”

Brits believe they have a good understanding of Australia and its people, despite potential language misunderstandings like the interpretation of “thongs” differing between the two nations. We have a similar, unusual sense of humor that made the success of the character Colin From Accounts in the UK possible.

Growing up in Europe, I’ve always been fascinated by the towering Alps that dominate the landscape. Their majestic peaks have been a source of inspiration for poets and artists throughout history. But when I recently visited Australia for the first time, I was taken aback by the way Australians refer to their highest mountain, Mount Bogong, as part of the “High Country.”

Simultaneously, this immense, desolate, dangerous land presents significant cultural disparities compared to our own. Similar to America, its conquerors forcibly relocated and essentially overtook the native inhabitants.

Despite being born in the UK, my parents have Australian backgrounds – my father grew up in a town, while my mother came from a family that owned an expansive 80,000-acre property, equivalent to 125 square miles. This land had been passed down through eight generations of my mother’s family until the 20th century when divorce settlements led to its loss. Interestingly enough, the land was once inhabited by people who eventually lost possession of it.

My son is about to embark on a journey to Australia for a year or two. Besides reconnecting with his ancestral background, it’s crucial for him to adapt to Australia’s vast size and unique characteristics.

Observing the captivating and richly developed High Country is essentially an introductory exploration of Antipodean culture.

Gladiator it certainly isn’t! 

THOSE ABOUT TO DIE

Amazon Prime 

Amazon’s latest series in the genre of swords and sandals, helmed by filmmaker Roland Emmerich known for blockbuster hits like “Independence Day,” is adapted from the same real-life source material (penned by Daniel P Mannix) that served as inspiration for Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator.” However, the two productions present distinctly unique storylines.

In a heavily CGI-dependent portrayal, we are transported back to the year 79 AD. Rome, which was once known for its civilization and enlightenment, has unfortunately deteriorated into a hotbed of corruption and decay (as solemnly stated by the Voiceover).

Among the large cast, some faces may be recognizable to you. Notably, Anthony Hopkins, known for his impressive acting skills, portrays the Emperor Vespasian with intensity, frowning deeply and delivering a powerful performance.

In other places, the nearly-famous British actors JoJo Macari, Iwan Rheon, Moe Hashim, and Tom Hughes confront a script that seems to have been penned by an artificial intelligence.

“The man is determining which men will be dispatched to become gladiators in Rome, and which ones will be assigned to work in the tin mines of Crete.”

‘What is the tin mines?’ [sic]

‘A death sentence.’

I’ve had a feeling since the beginning of this series that a significant event occurred in Italy around 79 AD. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but based on my research, it would be wise for the gladiator characters and their love interests to steer clear of Naples during that time.

Something suspect here

If I hadn’t seen the first season of Suspect on Channel 4, I was drawn to the alluring cast in the second one. Yet, I only made it through a few episodes of this bizarre and intense thriller before concluding that my time would be better spent elsewhere.

In an implausible turn of events, the gloomy and poorly crafted rendition of a Danish success begins where its initial season ends. Psychologist Susannah, played by Anne-Marie Duff, returns to work just three weeks after losing her daughter. She encounters a stranger, Dominic Cooper, at her doorstep, seeking help to quit smoking. Yet, is his true intention something else?

Despite the impressive lineup featuring Tamsin Greig, Ben Miller, Eddie Marsan, and Gina McKee, I would recommend giving this production a miss.

• For a chance to win £50, send us your views on these and any other shows to weekend@dailymail.co.uk 

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2024-07-20 01:17