The Top End’s sweltering climate is more than just a backdrop in the latest season of Deadloch; it’s practically a character in itself, providing ample fodder for on-set banter and a visceral experience for its stars. Filming in Darwin, a far cry from the chilly climes of Tasmania where the first season was set, presented a unique set of challenges for the cast and crew, particularly for lead detectives Dulcie Collins and Eddie Redcliffe, portrayed by Kate Box and Madeleine Sami, respectively.
Battling the Darwin Heat
“We all went there expecting it to be hot,” admits Kate Box, 46, who is no stranger to intense filming environments, having previously starred in Wentworth. “But during the first week, we all thought, ‘this is fine.’ Then, about a week into being there, the heat and humidity really kicked in – and that’s about when we started shooting.” The relentless tropical weather became an exercise in hydration for everyone involved.
New Zealand-born Madeleine Sami echoed the sentiment, recounting a humorous anecdote about the local watering hole. “The small town we filmed in had one shop with a slushie machine,” she recalls with a laugh. “By 2 pm every day, the cast and crew had blue lips. I’ve never experienced anything like it. Kate and I have big pages of dialogue, so we’d be walking and talking in the heat for hours. It was extreme.” This stark environmental shift from the cool embrace of Tasmania to the oppressive humidity of the Northern Territory significantly impacted the production and, consequently, the on-screen narrative.
A Dramatic Shift in Setting, A Sharpened Narrative
The move to Barra Creek for the second season of Deadloch wasn’t just a change of scenery; it was a deliberate injection of adrenaline into the storyline. The detectives are initially dispatched to investigate the death of Eddie’s former policing partner, but their plans are swiftly derailed by a far more sinister series of events. The introduction of missing backpackers, a treacherous crocodile-infested river, and the rivalry between local tour companies creates a high-stakes, fast-paced mystery.
“We changed our environment so drastically that it gives the storyline so much adrenaline,” Box explains. Beyond the thrilling new setting, this season delves into more complex themes. “But this season asks the harder questions. It points the finger at institutions more than the first season did. And Dulcie needs Eddie so much in this environment, which is a feeling Dulcie is very uncomfortable with.” This internal conflict, amplified by the external pressures of the investigation and the environment, promises a deeper, more challenging viewing experience.
Madeleine Sami agrees that the intensity has escalated. “It feels like the audience has jumped on a treadmill at high speed,” she notes, highlighting the accelerated pace and heightened stakes of the new season.
Wildlife Encounters and Unexpected Neighbours
With Darwin’s abundant wildlife, the cast found themselves in close proximity to nature, sometimes a little too close for comfort. Kate Box, who has lived in Darwin previously and now resides there, shared a startling personal experience. “There’s a fishing spot round the corner,” she says. “A few months ago, I heard a low rumbling growl and thought, ‘I’d better get back to my car! They’re everywhere! I’m amazed I’m alive!’”
This constant presence of nature, a stark reminder of the untamed environment, adds another layer of thrilling unpredictability to the production. “See? It’s just constant adrenaline!” laughs Madeleine Sami, underscoring how the very environment contributes to the show’s thrilling atmosphere.
Luke Hemsworth Joins the Fray
The investigation into the duelling tour companies introduces a charismatic new player: Jason Wade, played by Luke Hemsworth. Wade runs one of the rival businesses, and Hemsworth relished the opportunity to bring the character to life. “Every character is a sort of caricature, and Jason is no different,” Hemsworth comments. “The attractive part is doing the over-the-top stuff. I’ve always loved making people laugh and being the class clown.”
Despite his notable roles in Hollywood productions like The Terminal List and Westworld, working with Deadloch‘s co-creators, Kate McLennan and Kate McCartney, was a personal ambition for Hemsworth. He reveals, “When I first started out, my agent got Kate McLennan’s number, and I called her out of the blue for advice [about how to get into comedy]. She basically said, ‘do more, see more comedy.’ Then I went off and did a bunch of serious stuff and a few comedy pilots that never saw the light of day. So, it’s been a long time coming.”
However, even with his involvement in a critically acclaimed series, Hemsworth jokes that his four children – Holly, Ella, Harper, and Alexandre – are still unlikely to tune in. “They’re so slack,” he laughs. “I’ve been trying to get them to watch Westworld because it’s intelligent and right up their alley. But they don’t really want to watch my stuff!”
Deadloch S2 is available March 20 on Prime Video.
