SCRUBLANDS: SILVER MEDIA COVERAGE & REVIEWS

Written By Keah Wright

The April 17 release of Scrublands: Silver has brought a flurry of beaming reviews and coverage as Martin and Mandalay return to Martin’s home town, uncovering the dark secrets of Martin’s and the town’s past.

Here are the exerts and links -

‘Scrublands: Silver review - gets the job done’

‘Windswept coast, a lighthouse atop a rugged cliff: right from the opening scene, this wants you to know it’s not a simple do-over of last season’s Scrublands.

That first season was built around the bush, filmed in central Victoria, packed with locations bone-dry and dirt coloured. Now it’s all ocean and shoreline scrub – until suddenly there’s a blood-splattered door and a body on a kitchen floor and we’re back in familiar territory…

Based on the second of author Chris Hammer’s Scarsden novels, this executes the time-honoured Australian crime drama pivot from a drought-stricken inland to lush water-logged setting (see also: The Dry movies) with the minimum of fuss.

A well-plotted murder mystery that wastes no time throwing suspects and secretive activities at the viewer, it balances out the plot twists and ever-growing list of People of Interest with the occasional glimpse into Martin’s teen years, complete with post-grunge soundtrack.

There’s also a string of strong performances, anchored by Arnold’s always effective ‘hang on a minute’ look. Heathcote is just as good as the emotional heart of the story, which is another way of saying her character gets put through the ringer.

And the large supporting cast – including David Roberts as Martin’s Uncle Vern, Tasma Walton as his partner Josie, and Debra Lawrance as Jasper’s mum – go a long way towards making Port Silver feel like a real place where there’s more going on than just murders and meaningful looks.

In the crowded field of small-town murders, Scrublands is the solid, reliable, not all that flashy player who gets the job done. The story will keep you guessing without going off the rails, Martin is a dependable investigator whether he’s trying to save others or set himself free from his past, and this season continues the entertaining thread of having dirtbag journalists – specifically, the one played by Toby Truslove – make the profession look like a collection of grubby bottom feeders who need nothing more than a good smack.

It’s almost as if they’re setting him up to be next season’s victim. Hope Martin isn’t expecting a break any time soon.

ScreenHub, Anthony Morris, 17 April ‘25

Further coverage below

Keah Wright
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SEASON 2 SCRUBLANDS: SILVER TO RELEASE 17th OF APRIL ON STAN