Reckless, a new Australian thriller, brings a sardonic twist to the sunlit streets of Fremantle, echoing the dark humor of Fargo. This series, which premiered on SBS and NITV, serves as a blackly comic reminder that it’s not the crime itself that leads to downfall, but the increasingly precarious attempts to cover it up. With a First Nations perspective both in front of and behind the camera, Reckless keeps viewers both bemused and tense, as they laugh at the protagonists’ blunders and fret over their fate.
For Indigenous siblings June, played by Tasma Walton, and Charlie, portrayed by Hunter Page-Lochard, a family gathering turns into a nightmare. Their prickly relationship is evident as Charlie drives them home after a family wedding. June, a successful lawyer, uses her position to draw unfavorable comparisons with Charlie, who owns a record shop. Their bickering takes a dark turn when they accidentally hit a pedestrian on a quiet suburban street.
The Unraveling of a Cover-Up
In the immediate aftermath of the accident, June insists, “He’s probably just winded,” setting the tone for the mordant humor that pervades the series. Outlined by the menacing red glow of brake lights, the siblings debate their next move. Charlie leans towards calling the police, while June, fearing professional disgrace and bankruptcy, opts for a cover-up. She uses the law as a tool of persuasion, painting a grim picture of jail time for Charlie and ruin for herself.
The siblings’ decision to move the body reveals more than they anticipated. The victim, an elderly man named George, had terminal cancer. June rationalizes their actions with dark humor, claiming, “We have given him the gift of a quick death.” This gallows humor is matched by the farcical attempts to stay ahead of the consequences.
Complex Interplay of Race and Identity
June’s most cutting remark to Charlie, a single father, highlights the racial undertones of their predicament: contacting the authorities would make him “just another absent black father in prison.” While race is never far from the surface, it’s more about the siblings’ contrasting views of their Indigenous community and the broader Western Australian society. They are first and foremost liars caught in a web of deceit, navigating from one precarious encounter to the next.
Their heritage adds layers to their characters, with Charlie teasing June as “the white sheep” of the family. Reckless, adapted by writers Kodie Bedford and Stuart Page from the Scottish drama Guilt, captures a strong sense of place and the lurking threats for those with guilty consciences. Charlie’s budding romance with George’s niece, Sharne, played by Jessica De Gouw, adds another dimension as she becomes suspicious of her uncle’s death.
Performances and Plot Twists
Walton and Page-Lochard deliver first-rate performances, embodying their characters’ contrasting personas. June is calculating, especially under the scrutiny of her demanding girlfriend, Kate, while Charlie struggles with guilt. The wildcard in their story is Clarence Ryan as Roddy, a drunken private investigator who becomes a thorn in their side, thanks to June’s ill-advised recommendation to Sharne.
Such unforeseen setbacks are typical of Reckless. As the dysfunctional duo spirals further into chaos, their misdeeds become a source of entertainment for viewers. The series airs at 8.30 pm on Wednesdays on SBS and NITV and is available for streaming on SBS On Demand.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch for Thriller Fans
Reckless is a compelling addition to the landscape of Australian television, offering a unique blend of dark comedy and thrilling drama. Its exploration of complex themes, such as race and identity, through a First Nations lens, sets it apart from other series. As viewers follow June and Charlie’s descent into chaos, they are treated to a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
For those seeking a new series to add to their watchlist, Reckless is a must-see. Its blend of humor, tension, and cultural commentary ensures that it will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
