When Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan unleashed Deadloch in 2023, it didn’t just join the ranks of prestige television—it carved out a singular, rowdy, and unapologetically feminist space in the “murder-noir” genre. Often described as a high-octane blend of Broadchurch and Letterkenny, the series became a global sleeper hit. Now, the duo is back for a second installment, proving that their unique cocktail of scathing wit and genuine mystery wasn’t a one-hit wonder. In Season 2, the series maintains its status as one of the sharpest crime-comedies currently airing, delivering a follow-up that is as relentlessly funny as it is expertly paced.
The Story
After the dust settled in the chilly Tasmanian town of Deadloch, mismatched detectives Dulcie Collins (Kate Box) and Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami) headed north to the tropical heat of Garramilla (Darwin), Larrakia country. While the initial motivation for the move was investigating the suspicious death of Eddie’s former partner, Bushy, the duo quickly finds themselves pulled into a bizarre new enigma.
The setting of Barra Creek, Northern Territory, offers a stark contrast to the first season’s damp atmosphere. The mystery kicks off with a grisly discovery: a dead crocodile with a human body part in its jaws. Is it a tragic wildlife accident, or does it link back to a string of missing backpackers who may have been “Wolf Creeked”? As the pair navigates a town dominated by rival crocodile tour operators and sexist local law enforcement, the “fish-out-of-water” dynamic flips. This time, it’s Dulcie who is struggling to keep her cool in the sweltering, “thick as Clag” humidity, while Eddie confronts the ghosts of her childhood in a town she describes with her signature bluntness.
Performances
The chemistry between Kate Box and Madeleine Sami remains the beating heart of the show. Kate Box is masterful as the tightly-wound Dulcie, whose slow-burn frustration provides the perfect foil for Madeleine Sami’s explosive, profanity-laden energy. Sami continues to turn Eddie Redcliffe into a legendary TV character, balancing abrasive humor with moments of surprising vulnerability.
The supporting ensemble is equally impressive. Nina Oyama returns as the lovable Abby Matsuda, now working with the Top End’s forensic team. Nikki Britton steals her scenes as the formidable Amber Darrell, while Luke Hemsworth delivers a pitch-perfect performance as Jason Wade—a “schmucky” celebrity wildlife presenter who feels like a parody of every “outback hero” trope imaginable. Other standouts include Jean Tong as the hilariously bored journalist Leo Lee and Shari Stebbins as a no-nonsense ranger.
Behind the Lens
Directors Beck Cole and Gracie Otto transition the series seamlessly into its new environment, trading the moody blues of Tasmania for the vibrant, dusty ochres of the Northern Territory. The cinematography by Rob Marsh, Katie Milwright, and Simon Ozlins captures the rugged, sweeping beauty of Larrakia country, making the landscape a character in its own right.
The writing by Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan is remarkably dense. Every line is packed with Australian specificity—from references to Blue Heelers to the local obsession with the song “Agadoo.” Yet, beneath the “shit-talk” and impeccable insults, the narrative structure is iron-clad. The creators subvert tired mystery tropes by layering the comedy over a genuinely compelling investigation, ensuring the stakes feel high even when the dialogue is absurd.
Final Verdict
Deadloch Season 2 is a triumph. It manages to expand its world without losing the biting social commentary and idiosyncratic humor that made the first season a cult favorite. It is foul-mouthed, fiercely intelligent, and deeply Australian. If you aren’t watching this show, you are truly missing out on one of the most refreshing pieces of television in years. As Eddie might say, don’t be a “shitcunt”—get this on your watchlist immediately.
Deadloch is currently available for streaming on Prime Video.
