In the frame – the beauty of the Australian outback
The series unfolds in the fictional Tasmanian village of Deadloch, a place with a distinctly Scottish-sounding name. Tasmania sits off the Australian mainland across Bass Strait, and Deadloch is a coastal town framed by forests, mountains, waterfalls, and a lake. With about half a million residents across the island state, the town is portrayed as a quiet, picturesque setting that hides a darker undercurrent.
As is common in sharp-edged detective dramas set in remote communities, Deadloch sees a string of grim discoveries. Bodies appear, with distressing details such as strangulation and, disturbingly, severed tongues. The murders are all male victims, suggesting a disturbing pattern and inviting questions about power, gender, and fear in a small town.
The adorable duo starring Kate Box and Madeleine Sami
The case lands in the hands of two detectives: Dulcie Collins and Eddie Radcliffe. Dulcie arrives from Sydney with her partner, seeking to save their marriage and, more importantly, to pursue a calling she cannot ignore. She is a natural investigator, supported by colleagues who sometimes fail to match her sharpness. In Deadloch, only two local officers offer genuine warmth: the easygoing Sergeant Sven Alderman and the practical, occasionally impulsive Abby Matsuda.
Radcliffe has traveled from Darwin, a long journey to the other end of the country. He often speaks before thinking, drops crude remarks, and struggles with names, yet his earnestness keeps him in the fight. The role is portrayed by Madeleine Sami, a New Zealand actor, director, and comedian celebrated for her work across stage and screen. Sami is known for the TV series SuperCity and has collaborated with Taika Waititi on major projects. In Deadloch, her presence adds a lively dynamic to the pair, balancing wit with tension.
The pairing of Box and Sami brings a lively chemistry to the show, with early clashes gradually softening into partnership. Their performances anchor Deadloch’s tonal shifts and keep the plot engaging as the investigation deepens.
Great humor in the spirit of contemporary Australian comedy
The series blends sly humor with sharp social commentary. It playfully examines gender dynamics and equality while delivering moments of absurdity that invite laughter even in tense situations. Viewers encounter a style of comedy that sits at the crossroads of smart dialogue and character-driven humor, often sparked by the clash between the seriousness of police work and the quirks of a small town.
The humor nods to a tradition of clever British-influenced crime spoofs mixed with feminist edge. It echoes the playful spirit of mock-cop parodies and the sharp wit found in contemporary satirical work. The result is a tone that keeps the audience amused while the mystery and social themes press in from the background.
As a detective that’s not bad either – ideal for summer evenings
The English word Deadloch resembles the phrase dead end, hinting at puzzles with no straightforward exit. The series uses this wordplay to frame a balance between comedy and drama. Each episode runs about an hour, delivering a brisk rhythm that combines lighthearted moments with moments of genuine tension.
Deadloch stands as more than a dark comedy. It offers a credible detective story that resists easy solutions, escalating from humorous encounters to a tightening thriller. Behind the local eccentricities lies a sharper critique of class divisions, racism, homophobia, and bullying, weaving social commentary into the investigative arc without sacrificing entertainment.
The creators and their breakout collaboration
The project marks the first major collaboration between Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, two Australian comedians whose work has shaped contemporary comedy in the region. Their earlier projects, including sharp satirical sketches and parodies, showcased their talent for blending humor with social observation. In Deadloch, their voices converge into a larger narrative that feels fresh and confidently staged for both Australian audiences and international viewers.
Both Kates have built long careers in comedy before joining forces. Their early successes, especially in sketch formats, laid the groundwork for Deadloch, a show that promises further evolution. The collaboration has generated strong anticipation for a possible second season as fans look forward to more of the distinctive humor, bold performances, and thought-provoking themes that define the series.