The Good, the Bad, and the What Could Have Been - "Pine Gap" Season 1

Introduction

Hi everyone, it's me once again for my The Good, The Bad, and The What Could Have Been series and this time, I went to watch a series from Australia. I recently dove into "Pine Gap," an Australian series that popped up on Netflix and ABC back in 2018. It's this intriguing mix of political drama and thriller, all set in the secretive world of intelligence and surveillance. The show centers around the Pine Gap facility, a real-life joint defense establishment operated by Australia and the United States in the Australian Outback. The series tries to peel back the layers of secrecy surrounding the operations that influence global diplomacy and security. It's quite the premise, right?

The People Behind

The brains behind "Pine Gap" are Greg Haddrick and Felicity Packard, with Mat King directing all six episodes. Haddrick is known for his gripping narratives in "Underbelly" and "Crownies," while Packard has her roots in shows like "ANZAC Girls." Both have a knack for drama that keeps you hooked, and it shows in "Pine Gap." Produced by Screentime, the company behind a bunch of successful Aussie shows, it seemed like the series was set up for success from the get-go.

_{Screenshot taken from IMDB website}

The Cast

The cast is a cool mix of Aussie and international actors. Parker Sawyers, who you might remember as a young Obama in "Southside With You," plays Gus Thomson, the American mission director at Pine Gap. Then there's Tess Haubrich, who I loved in "Wolf Creek," playing Jasmina Delic, a Serbian Australian who leads the communications intelligence team. Jacqueline McKenzie shines as Kath Sinclair, the Aussie deputy chief, and Steve Toussaint, who brings a lot of gravitas as Ethan James, the American chief.

The Plot

The main storyline kicks off with the downing of a civilian aircraft, which spirals into a massive international crisis. It's not just about the big geopolitical moves, though. The show also dives into the personal lives of the operatives at Pine Gap, from romantic entanglements to ethical dilemmas. It's this blend of high-stakes international drama with personal stories that kept me clicking "Next Episode."

_{Screenshot taken from IMDB website}

The Good

What really works for "Pine Gap" is how it humanizes the spy game. The characters are well-developed, with backstories and personal conflicts that feel real and relatable. The setting is another high point—the remote Australian desert against the backdrop of a high-tech spy facility makes for some stunning visuals. Plus, the pacing is just right, keeping the tension high across all episodes.

The Bad

However, it has its own shortcomings. At times, the show struggles to balance its ambitious political plots with the personal dramas, which can make the storyline feel a bit stretched. Also, the portrayal of the intelligence community can feel a bit too clean-cut, missing some of the grit and complexity that usually comes with the territory. And while it tries to tackle some big international issues, it sometimes oversimplifies them, which can be a bit of a letdown.

The What Could Have Been

I think "Pine Gap" could have really taken it to the next level by diving deeper into the moral complexities of intelligence work. More focus on the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters, and perhaps more perspectives from the indigenous communities in the Outback, could have added more depth and made the series stand out even more.

Conclusion

All in all, "Pine Gap" is definitely worth a watch if you're into political dramas or thrillers. It's got a solid cast, stunning settings, and a storyline that's engaging enough to keep you hooked. I just don't know if it will have a second season, which I definitely binge-watch should it have one. While it might not delve as deep into the espionage world as some might hope, it's a compelling look at the lives of those who operate in the shadows of global security. So, if you're looking for something to binge that'll keep you thinking and on the edge of your seat, give "Pine Gap" a shot.

That's all folks, thank you for taking time to read my piece and I hope you got something from it.