Underbelly: The Golden Mile (Season Three)- Review

Yet another prequel to the original Underbelly series and strictly set in Kings Cross, New South Wales, The Golden Mile once again introduces familiar crime boss George Freeman and a new set of faces who are looking to earn their right among royalty in the NSW drug trade. In particular, this season follows the lives of Kim Hollingsworth- an unenthusiastic prostitute that roams the neon-lit streets and John Ibrahim, a young high school drop out beginning to make his mark as a businessman at the tender age of seventeen. This season follows events occurring between 1988 and 1999.

I really love this season. Everything from its historical context right down to the aesthetically pleasing focus of the neon lighting. I have been down the streets of Kings Cross and just like focus, there are still active brothels, nightclubs, bars and cafes lined up on the streets. It is still a pretty dodgy place to be at night and I'd hardly be surprised if the drug trade was still operating (more secretly nowadays). It follows on from season two for a few episodes and then leads into the new historical figures taking over. I also enjoyed how the ever present idea of police corruption hangs over like a bad smell, enough to make me feel incredibly frustrated by the lack of support people in that position had at the time. Underbelly really does aim to cover all the big issues of the past (and not so distant past) and create a big picture for viewers in today's society.

I do want to talk about the two main characters. Kim Hollingsworth is played by Emma Booth. I've seen Emma once before in the feature film Hounds of Love and I thought she was spectacular. She's such a strong female lead and brought so much to the table in terms of an accurate performance but also how this was conveyed. As John Ibrahim, Firass Dirani also nails his portrayal. He has that typical school-boyish charm and cheek about him that seemed to just flow so naturally, like a second nature. I really enjoyed his performance and his ability to take on the role of someone quite a few years younger than himself. You can really see his character progression flourish and there wasn't ever a dull moment.

If this is the constant pace and energy that Underbelly can keep at for future seasons, then the series has officially gained my permanent attention.

Score: 8.5/10.