The Kettering Incident (2016) User Reviews

good but....

[simut · 7/10 · 1 September 2016]

normally i don't watch any Australian series but this one caught my eye. heavy going very dark storytelling. the characters are a little hard to relate to, but the scenery is fantastic.i i would describe the show's themes, it is very Twin Peaks, mixed with X-Files and stranger things. you get very distracted by several ongoing story lines.but i do love the small town feeling and the sense of desperation to find out what happened. my only real concern was the finale. i leave it to you to watch but, it left me feeling i got no return for me putting in the hard yards to watch each episode.to say a little disappointing it was would be understated

Dark and beautiful but not without its faults

[free-64498 · 7/10 · 21 September 2017]

The Ketering Incident is a show best watched at night, with the lights off and curtains drawn.

I've been watching a few of these types lately, which are dark, long and drawn out and this one has been pretty good. I find it similar to Top of the Lake.

Some may not enjoy the slow pace that is used but I think it builds suspense as your eyes are glues to the characters, looking for significant clues to solve the murder of young Chloe and also what the hell is going on with all this other weird sh!t.

The final scene was great! I didn't pick it, that's for sure. But I'm still not clear on exactly this whole medical research/abduction/moth ridden story line. Is it alien related or is it our own planet that is trying to get rid of us?

I thought the lead was well acted out albeit a little frustrating at times as there just wasn't a huge amount of dialogue going on but considering the finale, she can't be blamed for lack of personality.

The revenge plot explanation involving Rene, Chloe and the prank caller girl felt a little "rushed" and out of place, as if it were only decided as an explanation much later in the writing process.

Was it just me or was there a flashback scene showing Barb and Anna's Father, Roy, dancing romantically to the "Crimson and Clover" song that eluded to them having an affair and potentially making Roy the Father of all three girls, Anna, Gilliam and Chloe? It was at that point that I thought Roy would end up being some Alien species, procreating for the sake of DNA experiments but that soon went down the gurgle cause nothing came of it.

I've just read Season 2 will be diving even deeper into the darkness so I'll be watching.

Super Location Filming

[Znoodles · 7/10 · 6 June 2019]

Since I've never traveled to Tansmania, the scenery is breathtaking. Prepare to watch this movie with a question mark in your face from beginning to end. ESPECIALLY the end! Performances are middle to better than usual. Imo, I think the movie description should be reworded. When I first read the description, I thought "oh, another missing girls & wrongly accused" plot. The plot in this movie is more about a childhood mystery & the quest to find truth. Definitely worth a binge night.

******** Eerily Compelling

[GManfred · 12 May 2020]

If this were a book I would say I couldn't put it down. Just finished watching the last episode and I can say my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping, mysterious story of what, exactly - extraterrestrials? fraudsters? unbalanced people? Maybe all of the above, as the creators of this extremely bizarre story kept us on the edge of our seats (actually, we were lying in bed) for all eight chapters.

It's even hard to synopsize. Anna is a London Hematologist who wakes up one morning in a car in a parking lot in Tasmania, where she is originally from. Apparently, 15 years earlier she and her friend were biking through a Tasman forest when they saw some mysterious lights through the trees. Her friend ran towards them and was never seen again. It's hopeless. I can't even describe the labyrinthine plot or the twists and turns that follow. Just watch it, I guarantee you've never seen a show like this one, and the ending has been unfairly knocked by other reviewers. Make up your own mind. Great job by all concerned.

8/10 - Website no longer prints my star rating.

Good but could do better

[billcallinderscott-2607 · 7/10 · 20 December 2017]

For the first 4 or five episode it was the type of series that left me wanted to shout at the lead actress and ask "Why don't you tell someone". So infuriating it was almost painful to watch and yet I did. I though she just has to confide in somebody eventually which, of course, she did. However if I written this review without watching the whole series I would have given it just four stars.

Even then after watching the whole series there were so many loose ends I thought it can't just end there. Having checked it seems that after this series won a fistful of awards then, somewhat reluctantly it seems, Foxtel may agree to a second series which it appears the writers had in mind. I can only say it would be madness not to do so. The loose ends are numerous and really have to be tied up even if we don't see what happens in the end. Somethings can be left to the viewers imagination.

Having said that it introduced an alien object that hasn't even been discussed but seems to be doing something to ready humanity for a change. But the change isn't fully explained even though it's implied it's going to be as a result of environmental changes. We have an "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" theme developing in the finale with two branches. One branch includes Anna, the Greeny, eco-warrior Jens Jorgenssen and a few others with the second branch including a bunch of psychos that haven't transitioned to their new state properly and need the help of the likes of Anna and Jens. The "toxic waste" isn't explained properly as it appears to be causing huge environmental problems but was introduced by the eco-warrior Jens in collusion with Anna's father and a couple of others. Just what is it really and what's it's purpose? Finally there is a sudden explosion of strange moss which is largely ignored but looks like it causes dogs to go mad if they ate any and it looks like it cause some people to get bark like sores on their bodies.

So unexplained mysteries abound and really need answering or a good storyline and series will be relegated to the likes of other, especially those with a SciFi theme, that showed great promise but were cancelled.

Warning **Spoiler** | Finale was a let down

[debishimmin · 7/10 · 5 September 2016]

I stumbled across this TV show while looking for something to watch on Amazon, and found the premise intriguing. I would have given a much higher score, but was really let down in the finale.

I almost feel duped, like do they expect me to watch the second series to find out how those people in the basement cellar can live in that filth for all those years? I mean what is that all about? That just gave me more questions.

Finales are supposed to answer all the questions along the way, like for example, who are the "real" bad guys? Why are the animals acting weird, what is happening to the moss? And why is that little girl making those phone calls to Gillian's mother? What is her deal? The real murderer of Chloe seemed liked an afterthought, when originally it was presented as the center of the show. What happened to Chloe was supposed to be some conspiracy tied to what happened to Gillian.

I did enjoy the acting and the pace of the show. The beauty of Tasmania is breath taking; however there were a few too many shots of the same images. Finally, I would say the premise of the show was brilliant, but the execution of bringing the story to life was not. There is a lot about this show that I like, and a lot that I didn't, but if you enjoy mysteries, this is better than most.

Found it mysterious and fascinating

[bitbybyteholdon · 9/10 · 5 September 2016]

A very different type of show, although I watch a lot of mysteries. The setting for the show is beautiful and adds to the mystery. I always love when a show is filmed in a locale that I'm not familiar with, as in this case. I was so fascinated that I did an online search for more facts about the locale, because there are times it has really breathtaking cinematography. I don't understand the really disparaging reviews. I don't agree and really got into the show. In other words, I was hooked and couldn't wait for the next episode or even the next minutes. I think the acting is very good and there are interesting twists with hints of the supernatural or sci-fi along with mystery, drama, crime, which are the three descriptive categories under the title, added by IMDb. I normally don't enjoy seeing anything with sci-fi or supernatural elements but I liked this one very much. Don't get put off from seeing it for those elements. I think you'll enjoy it and get engrossed in the story.

Australian series gain production quality

[alwink-12143 · 7/10 · 2 August 2016]

Right of the mark these first episodes leave a mark. Some strong performances set the tone, in a positive way. And yes there are some flaws, but that's fine. But maybe for me these things add up positive because this series reminds me a lot of Jordskott, I mean a lot. The Swedish mystery show that came in with a very strong and gorgeous ''fairy tale''. In that show too there was a slow pace and a lot of mystery. There too the female lead came back to her hometown and the nearby forest played a pivotal role. For me so far the characters in The Kettering Incident need to get a little ''thicker'', to give the series some weight. So far I'm pleasantly surprised and I like to diversity in productions that is coming from this corner of the earth.

Brilliant

[louieboy-87456 · 9/10 · 30 July 2016]

I don't often write reviews on IMDb, but I saw all of the other low- rated reviews and wanted to give another opinion. The Kettering Incident is a very polished, well-made, compelling Australian series. The tone is dark and mysterious, creepy at times, with also a small sci-fi twist.

The plot follows a young troubled doctor from the UK who finds herself back home in Kettering, Tasmania after being involved in a missing person's 'incident' some time ago.

The lead acting is superb, although the supporting acting to a lesser extent. There was comment about Elizabeth Debicki being disengaging, but I disagree. She does a great job in portraying her character as a medicated, disturbed person who has suffered a traumatic experience. And her accent is flawless. Matt Le Nevez is also good as the shifty cop who you can't quite trust.

The scenery is spectacular. The look and feel of the show is really enhanced by the sometimes dismal, but equally beautiful Tasmanian setting. The sheer cliff faces of Bruny Island and the peninsula, the green, mossy bush land and imposing misty Mount Wellington and surrounding ranges are all used to great effect.

The show also does well exploring issues which are quintessentially Tasmanian. It portrays the anger some have surrounding deforestation on the island, and the hatred that exists between the loggers and the 'Greenies'.

Yes, The Kettering Incident travels at a slower pace, but so do all good murder mystery series. If you like other murder / police procedural / mystery shows such as Broadchurch, the Killing or Top of the Lake, then give The Kettering Incident a try.

Went no where

[dan-953-743328 · 6/10 · 19 February 2021]

Loved the scenery. It was very over dramatic which I can deal with if there's an end ir at least a point.... this didn't conclude! Wtf!

So what happened?

[pandral · 5/10 · 17 August 2016]

Beautiful scenery. Reasonably engaging story, although by episode 2, I was already thinking that maybe they should have done a four part miniseries rather than an eight part one. It was slow, slow, s-l-o-w. But I really wanted to know what the answers were -- what happened to Gillian, will Anna be cured of her blank-outs, exactly how bad was the deal the owners of Sullivan's Ridge made to take toxic waste, and most importantly, who's lying, who's corrupt, who's on the side of the angels? Is Dutch crooked? Is it a conspiracy all the way up the police hierarchy? And so on. The questions turned out to be just reflections of a grab-bag of suspense devices, with no answers. Whole thing turned out to be rather pointless.

I'm utterly hooked!

[burdessa · 9/10 · 25 July 2016]

I'm glad I didn't read the other reviews before I started watching The Kettering Incident because I'm absolutely hooked! I just stumbled upon it and I'm so glad I did. I personally find it to be an intriguing balance between what is revealed and what is held back in each episode. What some reviewers find "slow paced" I just find to be good mystery and tension.

This certainly isn't the only crime show from Down Under I've enjoyed. I was a big fan of "No Activity" (which was a comedy, so quite different from this) and "Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries" is one of my favourite shows. But as a Canadian, I really have to rely on the internet to access Australian shows, and I don't always hear about them. I'm glad I came across this gem!

The tone and pace reminds me a little bit "Wallander" (I've only seen the British version with Kenneth Branagh), but perhaps with a supernatural twist? I haven't finished the series yet, so I'm not really sure what the "answer" is. Can't wait to find out though!

strange goings-on in Tasmania

[myriamlenys · 7/10 · 15 March 2018]

(Review based on seeing the whole season one.)

The series treats a number of environmental themes, such as deforestation. This is a thing to be proud of. Still, I couldn't help thinking that the series was missing a golden opportunity : give the screenplay and storylines a very slight twist and you could have a thriller or drama series about the environment that's not only tense, but informative and topical too. Imagine the following plot : somewhere within the seemingly pristine beauty of these superb woods, criminals are building an illegal dump for dangerous waste. Two girls happen to witness one of the waste transports. One of the girls gets murdered, the other one suffers serious head injuries causing partial memory loss. Fifteen years later, the survivor - by now a doctor of some note - returns to her home town and discovers that many of its inhabitants are ill with mysterious diseases. Moreover, the surrounding woods are disfigured by strange growths or barren spots. The survivor discovers the cause : noxious substances, coming from the dump, have been leaking into the soil and the water.

And voilà : you've got a thrilling series that makes sense, too. It's not even difficult to write such a screenplay : go to the website of one of the major environmental protection conventions (say "Basel" on waste or "Stockholm" on persistent organic pollutants) and you'll find a choice of real-life horror stories, complete with case histories and timelines.

But no, for some reason or other "Kettering" provides us with hours of katzenjammer about strange signals, UFO's, government conspiracies, triffids, the Dyatlov Pass incident and so on. (Mind you, it's very stylish katzenjammer.) It's possible that the series, in later seasons, will be able to distill something coherent out of this wild and extravagant mix, but I doubt it. Mark the words of your old auntie Myriam : I fear that this will become a "Lost" II, meaning that the viewer will get lots and lots of riddles, questions, in-jokes, dream sequences, mysteries, alternative futures and so on, but no overarching narrative and no resolution.

I'm still giving "Kettering" seven stars, for its eerie, brooding atmosphere and its superb (and superbly filmed) locations, exteriors and nature scenes.

With regard to the Dyatlov Pass incident : no, I don't know what happened to those poor people, but I do know that they died young and under horrid circumstances. So why use their death as a source of cheap thrills ? It's bad enough having to die this way (while knowing your friends are dying too) without getting buried, posthumously, under several feet of UFO nonsense.

Finale a finale

[driscolllloyd-87342 · 3/10 · 16 August 2016]

Let's not even attempt to explain away all the stuff we served up to seduce the viewers way back when our creative juices were strongest. Let's just say nothing. Let's just leave it up to them. They're smart. This episode was a tragic conclusion of no conclusion and the best most recent example of writers dodging all responsibility and running as far from closure as is fashionably possible. It was all left up to us. Imagine watching a ten hour whodunit and never being told who did it. Up to you. Your call. No answers. No explanations. This was Twin Peaks sans creativity. Nothing. A myriad of loose ends, red herrings, of cameras lingering on ghostly images, moss, bright lights, electric pulses, dead wildlife, disappearing teenagers, knowing gazes into the middle distance and unexplained relationships. We tune in for the final episode seeking plausible explanations and we got winsome looks, jumbled images, confusion and blunder. This is not a plea for simplicity. The more convoluted the better. But at the end of it all there must be credibility. Not a last minute new character or event. But in context. But here we didn't even get that. We didn't get any ghost in the machine. We didn't get the return of a previously unknown uncle. We got nothing. Too much William S Burroughs and not enough credible narrative. At least they didn't pretend the whole thing was a dream and for that we should be thankful? Perhaps that will come in the second season. Who cares? I will not be watching, having already invested 12 hours in sodden landscapes, moss lined forests, chairs in strange places and body doubles. Rubbish.

Exceptional Australian Mystery Series

[lolacollins2 · 10/10 · 14 September 2016]

If you don't like thinking when watching a show or if you prefer to be spoon fed the plot or have everything tied up in a pretty bow for you then this is NOT the show for you. Watch a Disney or Marvel movie.

This show forces you to actively engage, to think outside the box and seek out clues in the scenery, the music, the spoken and body language of the actors. Pays to record and re-watch, that's how I spotted some clues missed in the original screening. Thrilled to hear Joan Jetts song Crimson & Clover, blast from the past.

I am okay with not knowing after all it's only season 1 and it is a mystery series... why be surprised? Why roll on the floor and kick your feet because your juvenile instant gratification tendency was unfulfilled as I noticed a lot of people did.

It's an unusual series and the geography of Tasmania where it's filmed is just utterly stunning and pristine. The cinematography of Ari Wegner was of the high quality expected from world class Aussie cameramen in the vein of John Seale, Don McAlpine, Dean Semler, Andrew Lesnie and co.

They are working on a Season 2, the problem is Season 1 was filmed in 2014 when the lead actress Elizabeth Debicki was relatively unknown, she has since worked on The Night Manager, Macbeth movie, The Man from U.N.C.L.E and movies due this/next year The Tale and Guardians of the Galaxy 2.

This series is not for everyone and that's okay but don't mark it down because you didn't have the patience to wait for the story to play out or the capacity to understand the clues provided.

All the cast including the children were solid, oftentimes with Australian shows someone is not pulling their weight, I didn't find that with this show.

Great acting, good sci-fi mystery

[dearkelany · 9/10 · 9 November 2016]

I really enjoyed this series. Based on the synopsis on Amazon, I didn't expect a show full of paranormal events akin to something you would find in a really good season of the X- Files. I was reminded of the storytelling in Lost - always more questions are raised than answered. But that is what kept me watching Lost for several seasons because let's be honest, once they start answering questions with implausible stories or bad cg aliens then we lose interest. The mystery is what I enjoy. And this show throws them at you thick and fast. I found this show to be utterly intriguing with some very fine acting from the whole cast. Lots of tension and suspense, yet not too creepy to scare me off. (Almost, though) This is a great show for fans of shows like The X Files and Stranger Things. I am looking forward to the next season!

Given Up (Spoiler Alert)

[psharpe-01230 · 3/10 · 31 July 2016]

I really wanted to enjoy The Kettering Incident. I have had a life long love affair with Tasmania and by an amazing coincidence spent some time in Kettering and Bruny Island in January 2016.

I have just watched Episode 5, three to go. So why aren't I enjoying it?

First, the good stuff. The scenery and atmosphere captures Kettering perfectly (it looks like early winter). The blue light and deep shadows invades every scene, indoors included and sets the stage for ugly events.

Now the bad stuff.

The story line and some of main characters are not credible. It seems weird that a highly educated medical specialist (Anna Macy) would mope around like a sullen teenager. Then when she meets the most normal person (the geophysicist) who may have some answers she brushes him away immediately with no explanation as to why. A horrid murder occurs and there is no Homicide team sent down from Hobart which is 30 minutes away? Moss gross on building walls and other places and no- one thinks to contact the Dept of Agriculture?

Nobody (except Fergus) is likable in this show. Everyone seems to have a chip on their shoulder and smoldering anger seems to sit on the town like a gray rain cloud. I know the creators are trying to induce "atmosphere" but it is just darn depressing to watch, the constant sad slow moving story needs to find some lighter shades.

Australian series with an X-Files ring to it...

[chilenainus · 8/10 · 12 September 2016]

I came across "The Kettering Incident" without knowing anything about it and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the material, the story line and the characters. Kettering is a place in Tasmania where UFO's were sighted in 1976, and though nothing is said in that respect, the whole supernatural flavor of the series is geared to an audience that will clearly figure out something otherworldly is going on in this town. When Anna Macy(Elizabeth Debicki) comes back home to Kettering after 15 years, strange occurrences plus the disappearance a local girl- as it happened 15 years before- start taking place in town and as the show progresses the episodes give you more questions than answers, makes you doubt everything and nobody seems to be above suspicion. Good show with touches of the supernatural and police drama which reminds me a bit of "The X-Files". Can wait for season 2. Highly recommended.

Final Episode Let-down

[dear-63202 · 3/10 · 15 August 2016]

Did I miss something after seeing the last episode? I am left wondering how all the final scenarios tie up together. There were many unanswered questions like how was Anna transported from London to Tasmania. Something to do with her medication perhaps - memory lapses? A complete explanation from the script writer would be much appreciated. Please explain! I think the series was much too long and towards to end I just felt frustrated by the posed and unanswered questions from the characters. In fact I almost gave up watching half way through the series.

A big plus was the beautiful Tasmanian Scenery. I hope Tassie tourism benefits!

Katie

An engrossing, high-quality Australian drama

[streamofstars · 10/10 · 3 August 2016]

I was intrigued by The Kettering Incident from the minute the first previews were shown, and it hasn't disappointed. Set and filmed on location in Tasmania, this Australian production is not only visually stunning, but rich and compelling. Everything from the directing to the writing to the acting is perfect.

Without giving too much away, the basic story is of Anna Macy (Elizabeth Debicki), a doctor working in London who returns home unexpectedly to Australia. The townspeople of Kettering are not too happy about her arrival and when a teenage girl goes missing, the memories and mysterious disappearance of Anna's childhood friend are brought to the surface along with a myriad of questions, secrets and strange events.

The opening credits create a haunting atmosphere of flickering lights and fluttering moths and birds in the misty dark green of the forest, no doubt a sign of things to come or maybe of things past. Each episode is as foreboding as the last and moves along at a nice even pace, while at the same time threatening to unravel, keeping the viewer engaged. I sometimes find it frustrating only getting little bits of information at a time, but here I am completely captivated by it and have found myself watching each episode more than once.

Debicki is outstanding and displays great depth in what is quite a challenging role. Her quiet, but strong presence is magnetic and ethereal. Alongside Debicki is an array of fine Australian actors including Matthew Le Nevez, Henry Nixon, Anthony Phelan, Alison Whyte, Ben Oxenbould, Damien Garvey, Sacha Horler and Suzi Dougherty. All are excellent as they bring to life the heart of Kettering, each character multi-faceted and complex.

The directing and cinematography is just breathtaking. There is an otherworldly aspect to it. The lingering shots of the forest, mountains, lonely roads, the moon peaking through the clouds, the glow of a street light in the dark of night, and a colour palette of greens, blues and greys all add to the mesmerising beauty and eeriness of the small town. The music is also fantastic and suitably ominous.

Creators Vicki Madden and Vincent Sheehan, and all involved have made something special. The Kettering Incident is high-quality Australian drama at it's very best. I will be sad to see it finish, but I'm also eagerly waiting to see what happens next and how it will all end. Not to be missed!

The Kettering Incident debuts impressively after a lengthy buildup

[ross-hastings · 9/10 · 4 July 2016]

I'm rarely sold by ad campaigns but this one got me early, and I'm grateful. Clea's rendition of Crimson and Clover played dreamily over glowing lights and floating moths as the traliers expanded over the weeks until we glimpsed some of the nightmare to come last night. Woods and Krawitz exploit the Twin Peaks mountains and forest locations, the camera rolling at magma pace over a gorgeous slate-filtered Tasmanian backdrop. There's even something of the early X-Files atmosphere to this, made modern and Australian as a deeply intelligent script drip-feeds character and back-story in creepy and surreal flashes. As good as it is, this show belongs to Elizabeth Debicki, who is on career-making form as the disheveled and twitchy Dr. Anna Macy. A far cry from her American-accented turn as the Bond-girl-like Jed in the Night Manager, Debicki's nuanced Thin White Duchess performance pitches perfectly between vulnerable and unsettling. Delivering her lines in low, cultured tones and frequently shot as an unmoving silhouette framed in door or window frames, or in centre close-up (that scream is a visual and auditory shock) this is compelling stuff indeed. 9/10.

Totally Incidental

[jb07-660-944395 · 2/10 · 24 July 2016]

Edit: Having watched the final episode, we have concluded that the writers wrote themselves into such a mess that they didn't know how to get out of it. They hinted at UFOs, illegal dumping, a murder, and all other kinds of mysteries, only to end with nothing resolved.

What a mess, and what a waste of time. The producers and writers need to watch The Living and The Dead to get a hint at how suspense should be handled.

What a boring, boring, did I mention boring? show! It is like they have a thirty minute idea which they have decided to stretch over many episodes.

There are lots of scenes of lakes and mountains, and that is about the pace of the series.

It was promoted heavily on Foxtel as the next best show to be shown. Unfortunately it isn't. This is a very bad reflection on Australian film making, which can be so very good.

Now my review may turn out to be boring because IMDb has told me I haven't typed enough lines. How ironic. Well, hopefully this will fulfill the requirement. Maybe the film makers had the same problem. They were told they had to come up with X number of episodes, but only had enough ideas for one.

The Kettering Incident is a 1 or 10, but I want to find out!

[ElessarAndurilS · 8/10 · 26 December 2016]

The Kettering Incident Season 1 was slow to develop, filled with unlikable characters (less Anna, Elizabeth Debicki) who was superb as a troubled doctor returning to her roots to seek answers to her troubles. The scenery of Kettering and Tasmania is fantastic, I can't believe more hasn't been filmed in such a beautiful landscape to date. The show suffers from developing to slowly. While I can accept the need for character development, it doesn't happen in season 1 at a pace that matches the time given. Everything is a mystery and though seeking answers Anna seems to push away everyone offering any. None the less the story plants many seeds of thought of what in the world is going on thus capturing ones attention.

Problem is after the finale of season 1 you are left with no answers and only questions. It builds until Anna meets who you suspect is her half sister gone missing 15 years earlier in a secret tunnel but as they come face to face it appears to be her (a clone, someone looking exactly like her but dirty, weak, and starved). As they come face to face your expectation is a major answer, instead the episode ends and the audience is left with 1000 questions. Worst is that most of the questions are introduced in the finale. If they had been planted throughout the season the season would have been less sad and lagging in pace.

As bad as what I write is, the problem is there is so much mystery built by this point that if they don't make a Season 2 I'm going to scream at yet another show leaving me hanging AND with all the gaps and questions the show has HUGE POTENTIAL to have the story explode into a unique Sci Fi/Mystery/Drama that rates a 10. Then again depending on how it plays out it could be one of the worst shows ever created. All I can do is write a review stating that if you watch the show you will be disappointed at the ending; however if you have great imagination you will see the potential for an incredible series building from this assuming they start doling out some answers in Season 2 quickly so we have some firm ground to stand on in watching. Sad thing is I google the show and read that a Season 2 isn't even likely making me wonder why they made the show in the first place. But one can hope.

Some intrigue but generally dull and overly drawn-out

[grantss · 5/10 · 16 August 2016]

Anna Macy (played by Elizabeth Debicki) is a highly-regarded doctor, working at a hospital in London. Suffering from frequent headaches and other ill-health, she returns to her home town of Kettering, Tasmania. She left the town under a cloud 15 years earlier after her best friend Gillian disappeared. Back now, she finds that the old animosities remain. Moreover, the strange phenomena that accompanied Gillian's disappearance remain and another girl has disappeared.

Started very intriguingly. There was a slow-burning intensity about the main plot with some interesting sub-plots. Elizabeth Debicki put in a solid performance in the lead role and the supporting cast were fairly good too.

The series did seem padded, however, but I figured that it would soon ramp up the pace and the payoff would be worth all the effort.

Sadly, no. The pace never quickens. The whole thing just drifts throughout. As for a payoff, the conclusion is convoluted, random, confusing and anticlimactic. It all seems set up for a second season, though apparently this is a mini-series.

Disappointing.

Best new find of the year

[Kikis2 · 9/10 · 2 August 2016]

So many hyped shows this year and so much disappointment. Surprisingly, this one was pushed the hardest (I had "Crimson and Clover" stuck in my head every day for months before the show even debuted) and the only one that managed to live up to it. Sorry, Jessica Jones.

I came in expecting the X-Files, alien impregnations and all, and was disappointed for a good 5 minutes. Turns out old unsolved missing children cases and small town politics are a good mix. Plus I'm a sucker for a good conspiracy, even if it's more Michael Palmer than Whitley Streiber.

Like already mentioned, the photography is gorgeous, but also apt considering the main contention between the mill and greenies. For me the pace is in the sweet spot, anything faster would ruin the atmosphere and wouldn't give enough time to each theory. I might think differently if I were waiting a week between episodes, rather than watching a couple at a time on demand. There are a few stand out performances, but more importantly there's no terrible ones, no jarring moments ripping you out of the moment.

I should add that's a tentative 9. The ending could make it or break it. Too many red herrings? All the wrong clues given and the right ones withheld? But I like the direction enough so far that I have high hopes.