The second season of the Australian crime-comedy series Deadloch premiered on Prime Video today, continuing the darkly humorous tale of detectives Dulcie Collins and Eddie Redcliffe as they investigate a new case in Australia’s Northern Territory.
Following their success solving a murder in the town of Deadloch in Season 1, the mismatched detective duo, played by Kate Box and Madeleine Sami, have relocated to Garramilla (Darwin), Larrakia country. Eddie, seeking answers surrounding the ambiguous death of her former partner, Bushy, finds herself embroiled in a new investigation when a dead crocodile is discovered with a human body part in its mouth. The discovery sparks questions about missing backpackers and rumors of a “Wolf Creek” style fate, referencing the infamous Australian outback murders.
The investigation leads them to the remote town of Barra Creek, a one-pub, one-caravan park community where crocodile-based tourism is a fiercely competitive industry. Eddie’s return to her hometown brings her face-to-face with old rivals, including the Darrell family, led by Amber Darrell (Nikki Britton), and their competing tour operation, Land of Crocs, fronted by celebrity wildlife presenter Jason Wade, played by a Hemsworth (first name not specified).
Detectives Collins and Redcliffe will receive assistance from a new cast of characters, including deadpan local journalist Leo Lee (Jean Tong) and forensics expert Abby Matsuda (Nina Oyama), reprising her role from Season 1. No-nonsense ranger Miki Evans, portrayed by Shari Stebbins, and Gen Z shop attendant Alira (Talijah Blackman-Corowa) likewise join the investigation.
Deadloch, created by Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, has been praised for its unique blend of crime, comedy, and feminist themes. Mashable described the first season as “the feminist Australian buddy-comedy-murder-noir you didn’t recognize you needed,” comparing it to “Broadchurch crossed with Letterkenny, but with way more lesbians.” The series continues to subvert traditional murder-mystery tropes, offering a fresh and distinctly Australian perspective.
The show’s creators, McCartney and McLennan, once again highlight the dynamic between Box and Sami, contrasting Dulcie’s discomfort in the unfamiliar Northern Territory environment with Eddie’s more assertive approach. Alicia Gardiner returns as Dulcie’s wife, Cath, who finds herself equally out of place in Barra Creek. The comedic interplay between the two leads, characterized by Box’s “level-headed agitation” and Sami’s “audacious candor,” remains central to the show’s appeal.
The production design and cinematography further emphasize the show’s Australian identity, showcasing the landscapes of Larrakia country and the authentic atmosphere of the Barra Creek Tavern. The series incorporates uniquely Australian cultural references, from king python lollies to the 1984 hit song “Agadoo.”
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