As a seasoned viewer with a penchant for international dramas, I must say that Territory is a delightful addition to my viewing list. Having spent countless hours immersed in the vast plains of Yellowstone and the quirky charm of Australia, this six-part drama feels like a long-lost cousin in the sprawling family tree of Western television.
The Netflix algorithm will attempt to lure you into watching Territory for its familiarity.
The six-part series strongly resembles an Australian adaptation of “Yellowstone,” or a contemporary take on “Australia,” devoid of Baz Luhrmann’s distinctive visual elements. In essence, it can be likened to Amazon’s “Open Range” without the narrative gap at its core.
This show boasts a host of familiar American TV actors, each given the freedom to employ their native accents in diverse ways. Notable among them are stars from Fringe (Anna Torv), Longmire (Robert Taylor), the less-than-stellar Beauty & the Beast on The CW (Jay Ryan), and Patriot (Michael Dorman).
You might find yourself appreciating “Territory” in much the same way as many other forms of entertainment you’ve enjoyed. However, what kept me hooked on “Territory” were its unique aspects – for instance, the unique blend of Australian slang and cattle ranching terminology that feels like a different language, the stunning visuals of the Northern Territory, and indeed, the presence of familiar actors donning cowboy hats while discussing intricate details of international real estate. These elements might not seem particularly groundbreaking, but they are the few areas where this consistently engaging drama truly shines.
The Lawsons, rulers of the Marianne Station ranch – the world’s biggest cattle enterprise spanning lands as extensive as Belgium – take over the role previously held by the Duttons in Yellowstone. Colin (Taylor), a troubling embodiment of toxic masculinity, is the aging head of this family, who has transferred control to his youngest son Daniel (Jake Ryan) due to Graham’s (Dorman) unpredictable drinking habits and his marriage to Emily (Torv), from a rival clan infamous for stealing and rebranding Lawson cattle.
Colin clings to old ways, wearing Marianne down, while Daniel strives for progress. However, in the initial scenes of the series premiere, Daniel meets an unfortunate fate at the jaws of dingos or another typical Australian predator, leaving a significant power gap. This void is filled by Graham, Emily, Emily’s troubled ex (played by Jay Ryan as Campbell), the enigmatic mining magnate Sandra (portrayed by Sara Wiseman), the local Indigenous community led by Clarence Ryan’s character Nolan, a modest rancher, and other influential figures.
The situation becomes increasingly complex and soapy as Susie, daughter of Graham and Emily (Philippa Northeast), arrives from college brimming with ambitious plans for the station. She then starts showing romantic interest in Lachie (Joe Klocek), Sandra’s son, which stirs up more trouble. Meanwhile, Marshall (Sam Corlett), a less-than-ideal son of Graham from a prior relationship, arrives accompanied by questionable characters Rich (Sam Delich) and Sharnie (Kylah Day).
Originally developed by Ben Davies and Timothy Lee, Territory represents rugged, unabashed television, where all characters exude grittiness, sweat, and a layer of dust, seemingly to emphasize their bond with the Northern Territory.
If additional reasons are needed, the dialogue abounds with mentions of “family,” “homeland,” and “legacy.” The plot twists are simple, the love intrigues unremarkable, and the cliffhangers mostly foreseeable (though one surprise I thought would be avoided was surprisingly maintained). However, the devotion to every genre convention is entirely heartfelt. The attractive characters share affectionate moments, the bulls charge, and even if you can’t tell a “duster” (a jacket) from a “muster” (a roundup), the path through this rugged landscape has been so consistently laid out that the trip is almost too effortless.
In my opinion, Territory excels over Yellowstone when it comes to incorporating Native perspectives into its narratives. While the intricacies of land ownership in these regions can be quite complex, there’s no denying that when it comes to the conflict between appealing white characters declaring possession and the original inhabitants politely challenging them, the story primarily focuses on the Lawsons, despite its intellectual understanding of a different truth.
One might criticize director Greg McLean for his excessive use of drone shots showcasing the Outback, skillfully captured at both sunrise and sunset. However, this piece isn’t about revolutionizing cinematic aesthetics or exploring graphic violence (with plenty of bar brawls and occasional gunfire) or adult content (just some passionate kisses). Instead, it aims to leave you in awe with each stunning landscape or cattle herd, and it certainly succeeds. This production seems intent on setting new standards for using the term “escarpment” and visualizing massive escarpments, Territory. While it would be breathtakingly beautiful on an Apple Watch, I’d recommend watching it on a larger screen to appreciate the ruggedness of the older actors’ visages and admire the sharp features of the younger cast members.
In this complex narrative filled with death, betrayal, and strategic business moves, it’s understandable that the actors portray a wide range of intense feelings like “passion” and “exhaustion”. Graham’s character’s drunkenness allows Dorman to deliver an unpredictable performance, while Emily’s mysterious background, provided by her family upbringing, enables Torv to add layers of intrigue to her character. Delich and Dan Wyllie, as Hank, Emily’s brother who steals cattle with pride, are more flamboyant and wilder than the rest of the cast. On the other hand, Day and Corlett are in a more romantic and emotional storyline compared to others. Ryan, Hamilton Morris, and Tuuli Narkle, representing the Indigenous perspective, are involved in a more thought-provoking and occasionally controversial series. This series attempts to offer a deeper understanding of spirituality and history compared to other shows like Territory, although it may not have as much space for such nuances.
This show crams quite a bit into its brief runtime. Ever come across the saying “All style over substance”? Well, in the world of Territory, there might not be a vast array of genetic variation among the livestock – that’s an important plot element! – and the hats may appear a tad worn. However, whatever you’re searching for, this series delivers in abundance.
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2024-10-23 10:25