Mystery Road(TV series)
Mystery Road | |
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Genre | |
Written by |
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Directed by |
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Starring |
Series 1
Series 3
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Country of origin | Australia |
Original language | English |
No.of series | 3 |
No.of episodes | 18 |
Production | |
Executive producers | |
Producers | |
Production locations | Wyndham,Kununurra, Western Australia |
Running time | 57 minutes |
Production companies |
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Original release | |
Network | ABC |
Release | 3 June 2018[1]– present |
Mystery Roadis anAustralian televisioncrimemysteryseries whose first series screened onABC TVfrom 3 June 2018. The series is a spin-off fromIvan Sen's feature filmsMystery RoadandGoldstone,taking place in between the two.Aboriginal Australiandetective Jay Swan, played byAaron Pedersen,is the main character and actor in both the films and in the first two TV series, each of six episodes.
Series 1 was directed byRachel Perkins.Swan is brought in to solve a murder, with the local police officer played byJudy Davis.In Series 2, directed byWarwick ThorntonandWayne Blair,which began airing on the ABC on 19 April 2020, Swan is brought in to solve a murder in a different location, with the "local copper" this time played byJada Alberts.Both series were shot in northernWestern Australia.
Series 3, directed byDylan River,is aprequelset in 1999, titledMystery Road: Origin.Mark Coles Smithplays a younger version of Swan.[2][3]
In June 2023, it was announced that theMystery Roadhas been renewed for a fourth series, set to broadcast in 2024. It will serve as another prequel series under the "Origin"title.[4]
Plot
[edit]Series 1
[edit]Taking place between the events of the filmsMystery RoadandGoldstone,[5]Mystery RoadSeries 1 tells the story of Detective Jay Swan (Aaron Pedersen), assigned to investigate the mysterious disappearance of two young farmhands on anoutbackcattle station,one a localIndigenousfootball hero and the other a whitebackpacker.Working together with local police sergeant Emma James (Judy Davis), the investigation uncovers drug trafficking in the town, and a past injustice that threatens the fabric of the whole community.[6]
Series 2
[edit]Jay Swan has to unravel the mystery of adecapitatedbody which turns up in themangroves,outside the town of Broome. The plot involves drug trafficking and anarchaeological digwhich discovered the dead body.[7][8]Swan's ex Mary is involved with an undercover drug runner, placing her in extreme danger.
Series 3
[edit]The year is 1999, and a young Jay Swan moves back to his home town of Jardine to join the local police force. He must cope with his estranged father Jack and his feelings for local girl Mary Allen, as well as contending with a mysterious gang of robbers.
Cast
[edit]- Aaron Pedersen(Series 1-2) andMark Coles Smith(Series 3) as Jay Swan
- Tasma Walton(Series 1-2) andTuuli Narkle(Series 3) as Mary Swan, née Allen
- Tasia Zalaras Shevorne Shields (Series 1-2)
Series 1
[edit]- Judy Davisas Emma James
- Wayne Blairas Larry Dime
- Aaron McGrathas Marley Thompson
- Deborah Mailmanas Kerry Thompson
- Madeleine Maddenas Crystal Swan
- Meyne Wyattas Cedric Thompson
- Colin Frielsas Tony Ballantyne
- Rohan Mirchandaney as David Sharma
- Anthony Hayesas Ryan Muller
- Ernie Dingoas Keith Groves
- John Watersas Travis James
- Kris McQuadeas Liz Rutherford
- Ningali Lawford Wolfas Dot
- Connor Van Vuurenas Reese Dale
- Ben Oxenbouldas Vince Pearce
- Benjamin Hoetjes as Eric Hoffman
- Jessica Falkholt as Genevieve Leclaire
Series 2
[edit]- Jada Albertsas Fran Davis
- Callan Mulveyas Simon
- Rob Collinsas Amos
- Gary Sweetas Alkemi
- Ursula Yovichas Pansy
- Sofia Helinas Sandra Elmquist
- Ngaire Pigramas Leonie
- Mark Mitchinsonas Owen
- Stan Yarramunua as Jimmy 2
- Rhimi Johnson as Phillip
- Keith Robinson as Reverend Tom
- Fletcher Humphrysas Dylan Lindwall
- Kirk Pageas Suzi-John
- Eve Moreyas Kayla
- John Brumptonas Hegarty
- Joel Jacksonas McBride
- Simon Lyndonas Emilio Gordon
- Brandon Waltersas Shaney
Series 3:Mystery Road: Origin
[edit]- Mark Coles Smithas Jay Swan
- Toby Leonard Mooreas Abe
- Daniel Henshallas Patrick
- Lisa Flanaganas Catherine
- Clarence Ryanas Sputty
- Steve Bisleyas Peter Lovric
- Caroline Brazieras Geraldine
- Hayley McElhinneyas Max
- Serene Yunupingu as Lartesha
- Kelton Pellas Jack Swan
- Leonie Whyman as Cissy
- Salme Geransar as Anousha
- Nina Youngas Fiona
- Jayden Popik as Xavier
- Grace Chow as Cindy
- Megan Wilding as Ziggy
- Tuuli Narkleas Mary Allen
Episodes
[edit]Series | Episodes | Originally aired | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
First aired | Last aired | |||
1 | 6 | 3 June 2018 | 1 July 2018 | |
2 | 6[7] | 19 April 2020 | 24 May 2020 | |
3 | 6 | 3 July 2022 | 7 August 2022 |
Series 1 (2018)
[edit]No. overall | No.in season | Title [9] | Directed by [9] | Written by | Original air date [9] | Australian viewers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | "Gone" | Rachel Perkins | Michaeley O'Brien | 3 June 2018 | 786,000[10] |
2 | 2 | "Blood Ties" | Rachel Perkins | Kodie Bedford | 3 June 2018 | 786,000[10] |
3 | 3 | "Chasing Ghosts" | Rachel Perkins | Michaeley O'Brien | 10 June 2018 | 600,000[11] |
4 | 4 | "Silence" | Rachel Perkins | Steven McGregor | 17 June 2018 | 604,000[12] |
5 | 5 | "The Waterhole" | Rachel Perkins | Timothy Lee | 24 June 2018 | 525,000[13] |
6 | 6 | "The Truth" | Rachel Perkins | Steven McGregor | 1 July 2018 | 572,000[14] |
Series 2 (2020)
[edit]Series 2 began screening on ABC in April 2020.[15]It had its world premiere at the70th Berlin International Film Festivalin late February, in the new Series section devoted to longformtelevision series,along with another ABC series,Stateless.[16][17]
No. overall | No.in season | Title [9] | Directed by [9] | Written by [9] | Original air date [18][9] | Australian viewers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7 | 1 | "The Road" | Warwick Thornton | Steven McGregor | 19 April 2020 | 655,000[19] |
8 | 2 | "The Flare" | Wayne Blair | Blake Ayshford | 26 April 2020 | 576,000[20] |
9 | 3 | "Artefacts" | Wayne Blair | Timothy Lee | 3 May 2020 | 576,000[21] |
10 | 4 | "Broken" | Wayne Blair | Kodie Bedford | 10 May 2020 | 576,000[22] |
11 | 5 | "To Live with the Living" | Warwick Thornton | Danielle MacLean | 17 May 2020 | 572,000[23] |
12 | 6 | "What You Do Now" | Warwick Thornton | Steven McGregor, Blake Ayshford | 24 May 2020 | 583,000[24] |
Series 3 (2022)
[edit]Mystery Road: Originwent to air on Sunday 3 July 2022 and ran until 7 August. All six episodes were made available oniview.[3][25]The writers include Blake Ayshford, Steven McGregor,Kodie Bedford,Timothy Lee andDylan River.[25]
No. overall | No.in season | Title [9] | Directed by [9] | Written by [9] | Original air date [18][9] | Australian viewers | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
13 | 1 | "Episode 1" | Dylan River | Blake Ayshford | 3 July 2022 | 410,000[26] | |
Newly qualified detective Jay arrives back in his hometown hoping to reconcile with his estranged father. He witnesses a robbery. A lawyer from out of town reads the police file for an unsolved murder. Jay meets his father in a bar which is held up. | |||||||
14 | 2 | "Episode 2" | Dylan River | Steven McGregor | 10 July 2022 | 309,000[27] | |
A cattle truck is stolen then dumped. Jay suspects the robberies are connected. The police raid a car scrapyard. There’s a confrontation and a gang of neo-Nazis are arrested. Jay takes Mary and her family to the ball. His father should be there but doesn’t turn up. Jay finds him dead. | |||||||
15 | 3 | "Episode 3" | Dylan River | Timothy Lee and Dylan River | 17 July 2022 | 328,000[28] | |
Jay thinks Jack was murdered. He finds a cannabis farm that Jack ran. Mary tells Anousha she feels guilty for her brother’s death. Jay delivers the eulogy at Jack’s funeral. Ziggy confesses to killing Joshua. | |||||||
16 | 4 | "Episode 4" | Dylan River | Kodie Bedfordand Steven McGregor | 24 July 2022 | 302,000[29] | |
Ziggy is held in custody. Lucas escapes. Jay thinks Jack and Sputty were involved in fraud as part of government works contracts. Xavier holds up Max. Police go to an incident at a brothel and find Lucas there. | |||||||
17 | 5 | "Episode 5" | Dylan River | Blake Ayshford and Dylan River | 31 July 2022 | 305,000[30] | |
Gerry’s house is ransacked. Jay realises the gang have been protesting about a massacre of aborigines. Anousha notices a photo of Abe in police uniform. Peter tells Jay off and he resigns. | |||||||
18 | 6 | "Episode 6" | Dylan River | Blake Ayshford and Dylan River | 7 August 2022 | 263,000[31] | |
Jay intervenes in another robbery. Anousha has disappeared. Mary gets a lift from Rex and he kidnaps her. Jay stops him and senses something is wrong. Rex has been killing troublemakers and dumping their bodies in an old mine. Mary finds Anousha. Peter was involved in the fraud. Jay arrests him and Paddy. Jay asks Mary if she wants to come with him on his new posting. |
Productions
[edit]Filming
[edit]- Series 1
The first series was made on location in and aroundWyndham,a town in northernWestern Australia.Other scenes were shot atKununurraand on Aboriginal lands belonging to theMiriuwung,GajerrongandBalanggarrainthe Kimberley.[32]Location shooting took approximately 10 weeks.[5]
- Series 2
The second series was filmed inBroome,and in the Kimberley in northern Western Australia, taking 10 weeks. It was Thornton's first time directing for television, and he said that Blair's experience in this medium was vital. He also said that Sen and Perkins had done the hard work creating "this unique world", which gave the directors of Series 2 a strong foundation, so they could focus on the performances.[33]
- Series 3
Mystery Road: Originwas also filmed in WA, aroundKalgoorlie,BoulderandCoolgardie.[34]
Reception
[edit]Critical reception
[edit]- Series 1
- Series 2
The Guardianreviewer Luke Buckmaster praised the "extraordinary breadth" of the show, in the way it portrays the country "only just beginning to come to terms with its past". He praised Pedersen’s performance, which "simultaneously [projects] great strength and great sorrow", as a man "caught between traditions, between worldviews, betweenlawsandlores".[8]
- Series 3
InThe Sydney Morning Herald,Kylie Northover gaveMystery Road: Origina rating of five stars,[34]whileThe Guardiangave it four (out of five).[3]
Awards and nominations
[edit]Series 1-2
[edit]Mystery Road: Origin
[edit]Award | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
12th AACTA Awards | Best Television Drama Series | David Jowsey,Greer Simpkin | Won | [40] |
Best Screenplay in Television | Episode 3 – Timothy Lee, Dylan River | Nominated | ||
Episode 6 – Blake Ayshford,Steven McGregor,Dylan River | Nominated | |||
Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama | Mark Coles Smith | Won | ||
Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama | Tuuli Narkle | Won | ||
Best Guest or Supporting Actor in a Television Drama | Steve Bisley | Nominated | ||
Daniel Henshall | Nominated | |||
Best Guest or Supporting Actress in a Television Drama | Hayley McElhinney | Nominated | ||
Best Direction in Drama or Comedy | Dylan River | Won | ||
Best Cinematography in Television | Tyson Perkins – Episode 3 | Won | ||
Best Costume Design in Television | Terri Lamera – Episode 3 | Nominated | ||
Best Editing in Television | Nicholas Holmes – Episode 3 | Won | ||
Best Production Design in Television | Herbert Pinter – Episode 3 | Nominated | ||
Best Original Music Score in Television | Vincent Goodyer – Episode 3 | Nominated | ||
Best Sound in Television | Luke Mynott, Wes Chew, Trevor Hope, Dylan Barfield – Episode 3 | Won |
Home media
[edit]Series | Release date | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Region 1/A (U.S.) |
Region 2 (UK) |
Region 4 (Australia) |
Region 4 (New Zealand) | ||
Series 1
|
26 February 2019 | 8 October 2018[41] | 15 August 2018[42] | 3 October 2018[43] | |
Series 2
|
5 January 2021 | 5 October 2020[44] | 5 August 2020[45] | TBA | |
Series 3 (Origin)
|
13 December 2022 | 31 December 2022[46] | 31 August 2022[47] | TBA |
- Key
- = Indicates availability only onDVD
- = Indicates availability on bothDVD & Blu-ray
References
[edit]- ^"Airdate: Mystery Road".TV Tonight.3 May 2018.Retrieved5 July2018.
- ^Knox, David (21 August 2021)."Mark Coles Smith to star in Mystery Road: Origin".TV Tonight.Retrieved21 August2021.
- ^abcBuckmaster, Luke (3 July 2022)."Mystery Road: Origin review – Jay Swan is back and as great as ever".The Guardian.Retrieved3 July2022.
- ^Knox, David (10 June 2023)."Mystery Road: Origin to return in 2024".TV Tonight.Retrieved11 June2023.
- ^abPederson, Aaron; Davis, Judy (2018). "Bonus: Cast interviews".Mystery Road.Series 1. Episode 7.Acorn TV.Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
- ^Mystery Road: press kit: A film by Ivan Sen
- ^abGhosh, Joydeep (22 April 2020)."Index of Mystery Road Season 2 and Episode Schedule".OtakuKart News.Retrieved26 April2020.
- ^abBuckmaster, Luke (15 April 2020)."Mystery Road season two review – a new riddle for Aaron Pedersen's troubled detective".The Guardian.Retrieved26 April2020.
- ^abcdefghijk"Mystery Road Episode Guide".Australian Television Information Archive.Retrieved5 June2018.
- ^ab"Sunday 3 June 2018".TV Tonight.4 June 2018. Archived fromthe originalon 10 May 2019.Retrieved1 December2022.
- ^"Sunday 10 June 2018".TV Tonight.11 June 2018. Archived fromthe originalon 12 June 2018.Retrieved5 July2018.
- ^"Sunday 17 June 2018".TV Tonight.18 June 2018. Archived fromthe originalon 18 June 2018.Retrieved5 July2018.
- ^"Sunday 24 June 2018".TV Tonight.25 June 2018. Archived fromthe originalon 25 June 2018.Retrieved5 July2018.
- ^"Sunday 1 July 2018".TV Tonight.2 July 2018. Archived fromthe originalon 2 July 2018.Retrieved5 July2018.
- ^"Mystery Road series 2: 2020".Screen Australia.Retrieved20 November2019.
- ^Zhou, Debbie (27 February 2020)."'People are starting to wake up': Berlin film festival spotlights Australia's 'unfinished business'".The Guardian.Retrieved22 March2020.
- ^"World premieres for Stateless and Mystery Road at Berlin International Film Festival".ABC.Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 15 January 2020.Retrieved22 March2020.
- ^ab"Mystery Road – Listings".Next Episode.Retrieved13 March2020.
- ^"Sunday 19 April 2020".TV Tonight.20 April 2020. Archived fromthe originalon 20 April 2020.Retrieved2 December2022.
- ^"Sunday 26 April 2020".TV Tonight.27 April 2020. Archived fromthe originalon 2 May 2020.Retrieved2 December2022.
- ^"Sunday 3 May 2020".TV Tonight.4 May 2020. Archived fromthe originalon 6 May 2020.Retrieved2 December2022.
- ^"Sunday 10 May 2020".TV Tonight.11 May 2020. Archived fromthe originalon 13 May 2020.Retrieved2 December2022.
- ^"Sunday 17 May 2020".TV Tonight.18 May 2020. Archived fromthe originalon 23 May 2020.Retrieved2 December2022.
- ^"Sunday 24 May 2020".TV Tonight.25 May 2020. Archived fromthe originalon 2 June 2020.Retrieved2 December2022.
- ^ab"Mystery Road: Origin premieres in July. Every mystery starts somewhere".ABC.Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 3 June 2022.Retrieved3 July2022.
- ^Knox, David (4 July 2022)."Sunday 3 July 2022".TV Tonight.Archived fromthe originalon 4 July 2022.Retrieved1 December2022.
- ^Knox, David (11 July 2022)."Sunday 10 July 2022".TV Tonight.Archived fromthe originalon 11 July 2022.Retrieved1 December2022.
- ^Knox, David (18 July 2022)."Sunday 17 July 2022".TV Tonight.Archived fromthe originalon 18 July 2022.Retrieved1 December2022.
- ^Knox, David (25 July 2022)."Sunday 24 July 2022".TV Tonight.Archived fromthe originalon 25 July 2022.Retrieved1 December2022.
- ^Knox, David (1 August 2022)."Sunday 31 July 2022".TV Tonight.Archived fromthe originalon 1 August 2022.Retrieved1 December2022.
- ^Knox, David (8 August 2022)."Sunday 7 August 2022".TV Tonight.Archived fromthe originalon 8 August 2022.Retrieved1 December2022.
- ^Credits/Acknowledgments: 'Mystery Road' Episode 6
- ^Russell, Stephen A. (15 April 2020)."Mystery Road season 2: Warwick Thornton on Australia's outback 007".The New Daily.Retrieved26 April2020.
- ^abNorthover, Kylie (30 June 2022)."Five stars: ABC's new Mystery Road crime series is as cinematic as TV gets".The Sydney Morning Herald.Nine Network.Retrieved2 July2022.
- ^"Winners & Nominees".www.aacta.org.Retrieved30 June2019.
- ^"Logie Awards 2019: winners".TV Tonight.30 June 2019.Retrieved30 June2019.
- ^Maddox, Garry (6 May 2019)."Sweet Country wins top prize at the Directors Guild Awards".Sydney Morning Herald.Retrieved20 November2019.
- ^Knox, David (7 May 2019)."Australian Director's Guild Awards 2019: winners".TV Tonight.Retrieved20 November2019.
- ^ARIA Award previous winners."History Best Original Soundtrack, Cast or Show Album".Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).Retrieved16 July2022.
- ^"Winners & Nominees".www.aacta.org.Retrieved8 December2022.
- ^"Mystery Road [DVD]".amazon.co.uk.Retrieved3 December2022.
- ^Mystery Road (2018).Retrieved3 December2022.
{{cite book}}
:|website=
ignored (help) - ^"Mystery Road".mightyape.co.nz.Retrieved3 December2022.
- ^"Mystery Road - Series 2 [DVD]".amazon.co.uk.Retrieved3 December2022.
- ^"Mystery Road - Series 2".sanity.com.au.Retrieved3 December2022.
- ^"Mystery Road: Origin [DVD]".amazon.co.uk.Retrieved3 December2022.
- ^"Mystery Road - Origin".sanity.com.au.Retrieved3 December2022.
External links
[edit]- Mystery RoadatIMDb
- "Mystery Road series 2 (2020) - The Screen Guide".Screen Australia.
- Mystery Road OriginatIMDb
- Mystery Road
- 2010s Australian drama television series
- 2018 Australian television series debuts
- Australian English-language television shows
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation original programming
- Television shows set in Western Australia
- Television shows set in the Outback
- 2010s Australian crime television series
- 2020s Australian drama television series
- 2020s Australian crime television series
- Neo-Western television series