Discover the Hidden Gem: Stream ‘Last Resort’ Featuring Dichen Lachman Now!

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Initially making an impact as Ms. Casey in Apple TV+’s critically acclaimed sci-fi comedy-drama “Severance”, actress Dichen Lachman may have seemed new to some viewers, given the mystery surrounding both her character and herself. However, it’s important to note that “Severance” represents a significant milestone in Lachman’s career, as she has been gracing screens, big and small, for many years. Her journey began in her native Australia, where she first appeared on the long-running soap opera “Neighbours”.

In 2009, Lachman initially appeared on American soil as part of Joss Whedon’s short-lived series “Dollhouse.” After making guest appearances on numerous popular shows from that period, she landed her next leading role in 2012, on the political thriller series “Last Resort” which, like its predecessor, was terminated prematurely. This show, following a U.S. Navy submarine’s decision not to launch ballistic missiles at Pakistan, garnered positive reviews from critics and even earned nominations for visual effects and music composition in the Emmys. Despite this recognition, it was cut short after its first season of thirteen episodes, leaving fans on a cliffhanger after its dramatic finale. However, this brief setback didn’t deter Lachman, who has continued to maintain a steady career in both movies and television since then.

What Is ‘Last Resort’?

In the series “Last Resort”, produced by seasoned producers Shawn Ryan (known for “The Shield” and “The Unit”) and Karl Gajdusek (renowned for “Dead Like Me” and the first season of “Stranger Things”), the narrative revolves around USS Colorado, a U.S Navy submarine carrying ballistic missiles. The crew is instructed to launch nuclear strikes against Pakistan, but their captain, Marcus Chaplin, played by the late Andre Braugher, doubts the authenticity of these orders and refuses to comply. His replacement, Lieutenant Commander Sam Kendall (portrayed by Scott Speedman), also resists the order. Consequently, the sub and its crew are labeled as traitors by their own government, providing a pretext for an attack on Pakistan using nuclear weapons.

The team chooses to seize an outdated NATO base situated on the neighboring isle of Sainte Marina, using it as a strategic point to fend off persistent assaults from their own government and work towards vindicating themselves and discovering who framed them. On this island, Lachman’s character takes center stage as Tani Tumrenjack, an island local and proprietor of a popular tavern. Here, she becomes romantically involved with James King, one of the Navy SEALs aboard the Colorado.

As James grapples with remorse from the attack, he turns to excessive drinking at Tani’s bar in an attempt to suppress his emotional turmoil. Tani offers him comfort during this difficult time, and they slowly develop a budding relationship. Throughout the series, we see Tani struggling to reconcile the island’s traditional customs with the more contemporary influences from across the water, which she represents. At the same time, James finds himself wrestling between his allegiance and affection for Tani, ultimately choosing to remain on the island while some of his shipmates decide to depart.

The show faced tough rivalry from other broadcast channels and didn’t perform well in viewership, but its controversial plotline and messages about challenging corrupt authority and championing righteousness seem more relevant than ever. Although a revival seems improbable, especially given Braugher’s passing in 2023, perhaps its ongoing availability on streaming platforms will attract new fans.

Lachman’s Expanding ‘Severance’ Role

(Note: the following contains spoilers for Severance seasons one and two)

In the first season of Severance, much about Lachman’s character, Ms. Casey, remained a mystery until it was revealed that she was actually Mark S.’s (Adam Scott) “outie” wife Gemma, who Mark’s outer self believed to have perished in a car accident. The Season 1 finale concludes with Mark’s “innie,” emerging into the outside world, discovering a photo of Gemma in Mark’s home and piecing together the truth. This establishes one of the main ongoing storylines in Season 2: the innies’ quest to locate where Ms. Casey is being concealed and rescue her.

In the exceptional seventh episode of the second season, titled “Chikhai Bardo,” we gain a deeper understanding of Gemma’s character and Lachman’s performance. This episode takes us back to her early relationship with Mark and their hardships following a miscarriage. It is one of the standout moments in Season 2, as it brings a previously vague character into clear focus, intensifying the urgency behind the innies’ efforts to rescue her.

Lachman, an actor with two decades of experience under her belt, has landed another role in “Severance.” Although much of her career has been spent in guest appearances or prominent roles in lesser-known yet fervently loved series such as “Dollhouse” and “Last Resort,” it appears she’s about to break into mainstream success. With supporting parts in recent blockbusters like “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” and the “Jurassic World” franchise, it won’t be long before she takes on a leading role in a major film. In the interim, television enthusiasts can look forward to her continuing appearances on screens for some time yet.

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2025-03-14 05:02