Australia has been producing a string of female-led comedic TV shows tackling serious issues, including Heartbreak High and Class of ’07, and Deadloch is no exception. This Amazon Prime series stands out with its exaggerated characters and distinct Australian tone, while also delving into gender and racial politics. The show boasts a diverse cast and features witty yet raunchy dialogue that brings it to life. While the plot can become convoluted at times with redundant revelations and constant twists, it keeps viewers guessing until the end.
In Deadloch, a dark and shadowy atmosphere sets the stage for a murder mystery in a small Tasmanian town. But unlike traditional mysteries, the show spotlights female and mostly queer characters. When a naked white male body washes ashore, it sparks panic and prompts a former detective, Dulcie, to return to her old role. She’s joined by a hot-shot detective from Darwin named Eddie. Throughout the season, they clash and chase after various suspects while more bodies appear. As the women of the town begin to unite, the killer is finally unveiled in a melodramatic finale filled with dark humor.
The strength of Deadloch lies in its female characters. The show flips gender roles typical of murder mysteries, with two strong women detectives embodying the genre’s hallmark ennui and haunted pasts. Eddie, the quintessential Australian bogan, challenges stereotypes by falling in love with a man despite fitting the mold of a homosexual woman. Dulcie is the archetypal detective with a resentful girlfriend and a workaholic nature. Even the girlfriend, Cath, receives significant character development. In contrast, many of the male characters in Deadloch are one-dimensional, intentionally provoking our dislike. This upends traditional gender roles and sheds light on toxic masculinity.
Deadloch also tackles LGBTQ+ issues within a small rural town, where the number of homosexual couples seems unrealistic. Yet, it leads to fascinating relationship dynamics, although overt homophobia remains prevalent. The setting highlights the prominence of homophobia in the community, but it also showcases heartwarming moments like a mother enthusiastically supporting her son, transformed from a homophobe to an ally. Additionally, the show attempts to address racial issues through a subplot involving two Aboriginal characters seeking financial aid for college. However, this storyline feels disconnected from the main plot and lacks impact.
Amidst its comedy and revitalized murder mystery tropes, Deadloch successfully provides social commentary on gender politics. Its handling of this subject is delicate and clever, ensuring its strength shines through. While the racial politics storyline falls short, the overall show still offers a mix of unsettling moments and outrageous humor that makes it worth watching.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
