Underbelly: Season One- Review

Underbelly is an Australian true crime drama series that looks at many diverse underworld crime bosses within their private lives, public lives and work lives. All people and events presented in the show are real and each have made their mark on Australian streets and history.

This first season investigates the Melbourne Gangland Killings and the massive impact it not only had on the gangsters and police involved, but also the general public. Within the Gangland Killings, several other issues are presented; police corruption and the general marketing and manufacture of party drugs. Some prominent criminal faces shown throughout include the infamous Moran family and their rival, Carl Williams (along with his crew). Throughout the timeline of 1995-2004, the analysis of the Melbourne Gangland Killings is broken down into a 13-part miniseries. Each episode looks at the events that occurred and the police response while simultaneously incorporating the drama genre to paint a perspective on the individual personal lives lead by each of the appearing characters.

In terms of the performances, I found Jason Moran (played by Les Hill) and Roberta Williams (played by Kat Stewart) to be most successful in their roles. Les captured Jason Moran as a quick-tempered and sadistic businessman adamant to remain on top and in charge. Despite being a serious character, there were times where I thought he was quite amusing, particularly due to the way he would explode over particular issues faced.

As for Kat, I think she achieves playing strong-willed and stubborn female characters. Much like the role of Roberta (only quite watered down), she achieved the same thing in her role as Billie in Offspring. Prior to this show, I had actually forgotten that Roberta Williams was a semi-important figure within the Carl Williams/ Carlton Crew fiasco. To me,

she could have easily stolen the show by actually coming out on top as the female boss of the Melbourne drug trade. Or closer to reality, much like Judy Moran (the matriarch of the Moran family).

The Underbelly seasons continue, however they deal with different timelines and characters as they are in the form of prequels (and sequels to those prequels). Coming out of this season, I believe the other seasons will follow through just as well as this season did.

Underbelly is an engaging and informative criminal masterpiece that will keep any audience member on the edge of their seat as they are invited to be a fly on the wall between criminal activity and police activity.

Score: 9/10.