This week’s television highlights offer a diverse array of stories, from a sun-soaked Spanish crime drama to a documentary on the controversial former Queensland premier, Joh Bjelke-Peterson. These selections promise to captivate audiences with their unique narratives and compelling character studies.
When No One Sees Us: A Spanish Crime Drama
When No One Sees Us, available on Max, is a gripping Spanish crime drama that unfolds in the picturesque town of Moron. The series begins with a laconic medical examiner noting, “We’re in Easter: pain, passion, expiation of sins,” setting the tone for an eight-part series where inner turmoil and public actions intertwine.
The plot, crafted by creator Daniel Corpas, weaves together two distinct worlds. In Moron, police detective Sergeant Lucia Gutierrez, played by Maribel Verdu, is caught between her ceremonial duties and a missing teenage boy. Meanwhile, at a nearby United States Air Force base, an AWOL IT specialist prompts an investigation led by Lieutenant Magaly Castillo, portrayed by Mariela Garriga.
The series is a study in contrasts and professionalism, with both women maintaining a formal distance even as they work together. The narrative explores the complexities of their lives, highlighting how their dedication to duty often overshadows personal relationships.
“The show has an understated calm: even as the crimes accumulate, life goes on for better and worse.”
As the authorities probe the connections between two disappearances, the series delves into the systems underpinning Moron and the air base, revealing potential corruption and the heavy burden of faith. Religious imagery punctuates the narrative, serving as a backdrop to the characters’ struggles.
Joh: Last King of Queensland – A Political Documentary
Joh: Last King of Queensland, streaming on Stan, examines the legacy of Joh Bjelke-Peterson, Queensland’s premier from 1968 to 1987. Known for his populist policies and controversial governance, Bjelke-Peterson’s impact on the state remains significant.
Filmmaker Kriv Stenders combines dramatic flair with documentary precision to explore Bjelke-Peterson’s rule. Richard Roxburgh delivers a compelling portrayal of the former premier, capturing his essence through dramatized soliloquies that offer insights into his political philosophy.
“Bjelke-Peterson was a satirist’s delight, but Last King of Queensland always casts a sombre eye.”
Stenders collaborates with writer Matthew Condon to present a multifaceted view of Bjelke-Peterson’s era, drawing on historians, family members, and those affected by his policies. The documentary highlights the premier’s hubris and the investigative journalism that ultimately led to his downfall.
The Waterfront: A Familial Drama
The Waterfront, available on Netflix, emerges as a potential successor to Yellowstone. Set in North Carolina, the series follows the Buckley family as they navigate the challenges of maintaining their commercial fishing empire.
Created by Kevin Williamson, known for Dawson’s Creek and Scream, the series is rich in plot and character conflict. Holt McCallany stars as patriarch Harlan Buckley, whose strained relationship with his daughter Bree (Melissa Benoist) forms the crux of the narrative.
“Neither the escalations nor resolutions are particularly striking, but on this waterfront the churning complications get by via never relenting.”
Despite its familiar themes, The Waterfront offers a compelling look at familial ties and the pressures of legacy, making it a noteworthy addition to the genre.
Heads of State: Action-Comedy with a Twist
Heads of State, streaming on Amazon Prime Video, is a lighthearted action-comedy featuring John Cena as a Hollywood star turned U.S. president. Alongside Idris Elba as the British prime minister, the duo finds themselves in a precarious situation when Air Force One is shot down.
Directed by Ilya Naishuller, known for Nobody, the film blends action and comedy, though it lacks the energy needed to elevate it beyond its formulaic premise.
“The two bicker and blow away bad guys in a formulaic take that has only a hint of the gonzo energy it requires to transcend its limitations.”
Despite its shortcomings, Heads of State offers moments of entertainment for fans of the genre.
These diverse offerings demonstrate the breadth of storytelling available on streaming platforms today. From intense crime dramas to insightful documentaries and light-hearted comedies, there is something for every viewer to explore this week.
