Kate McLennan and Kate McCartney, collectively known as the Kates, are the creative force behind the black comedy crime series Deadloch. Following their acclaimed work on The Katering Show and Get Krack!n, Deadloch marked their first foray into a large-budget project blending drama and comedy. McLennan expressed surprise at the show's international reception, particularly in the UK, a notable contrast to their previous viewership metrics.
The series achieved significant global reach, securing a spot in the top 10 on Prime Video in over 165 countries and territories, including the UK and the US. McLennan articulated their ambition to craft a show with international appeal that simultaneously retained its cultural specificity and Australian idiosyncrasies.
McCartney added that the blend of universality and specificity grounded the series.
Critics praised Deadloch, characterizing it as "dark and dramatic, and often also very funny." The series garnered five AACTA Awards, with Kate Box earning best comedy acting and the Kates receiving best screenplay. The inspiration for the show originated in 2015 from the Kates' observations of crime dramas like Broadchurch. Their goal was to create a "funny Broadchurch" that deftly subverted genre conventions, particularly by reimagining traditional protagonists and victims. Deadloch centers on two queer women detectives, Dulcie (Kate Box) and Eddie (Madeleine Sami), as they investigate the murder of a young man.
This narrative choice served to "de-center men" and construct a "world of lesbians," as McCartney elucidated.
Season Two: New Setting, New Case
Season two of Deadloch sees detectives Dulcie and Eddie venturing to Darwin to investigate the death of Eddie's former partner, Bushy. They are joined by forensics expert Abby (Nina Oyama). The investigation promises a blend of crocodiles, the challenges of humid weather, and even a motorized scooter.
Season Two Setting and Research
The decision to set the second season in Darwin prompted the Kates to undertake a dedicated research trip to the Northern Territory. McCartney engaged in multiple crocodile tours, including an attempt at the renowned "Cage of Death" experience. During their visit, they also explored Bynoe, a small town near Darwin, where they observed a large crocodile in a low-security enclosure. McLennan famously described the safety measures as "insanely non-existent." This observation fueled McCartney's new focus on crocodiles, inspiring their significant inclusion in the new season.
Season two commences with a crocodile boat tour where tourists discover a dead crocodile containing a severed body part. Luke Hemsworth joins the cast as Jason Wade, a celebrity crocodile wrangler. Eddie's backstory in Barra Creek even includes having a pet crocodile. Jabirr Jabirr and Bardi actor Shari Sebbens portrays Miki, a local Indigenous ranger whose family totem is the crocodile.
McCartney remarked on the unique cultural perspective in a region where crocodiles are simultaneously sacred and prevalent.
Portraying the Northern Territory
Season two skillfully integrates iconic Darwin locations, such as the Wave Lagoon, and cultural activities like savoring laksa and witnessing vivid sunsets. McLennan stated their intention was to showcase as many specific Darwin locations as possible, recognizing the city's distinctiveness from Sydney or Melbourne. The series also captures how the unique weather, especially increasing humidity, impacts characters and events. This atmospheric element helped create a "sense of urgency" during filming.
Filming for the Northern Territory segments of season two began in September 2024 around Batchelor, before transitioning to a Brisbane studio. McCartney explained that the setting was specifically chosen for the period just before the weather breaks, aiming to capture that atmospheric tension.
The show does not shy away from addressing serious issues prevalent in the Northern Territory, including government policies on crime and their disproportionate impact on Indigenous communities. The Kates actively involved Indigenous writers, including Larrakia, Yanyuwa, Bardi and Wardaman writer Jada Alberts, and Gunaikurnai author Veronica Gorrie, in the writers' room. This collaborative approach aimed to explore experiences within the police force and develop nuanced storylines, particularly for the Miki character and three young Indigenous characters played by Lennox Monaghan, Storm Murgha, and Reiden Corpus. McCartney expressed profound gratitude to the Indigenous collaborators and the Larrakia community for their invaluable contributions.