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Mystery Road is an Australian television series that was first released in 2018. It stars Aaron Pedersen as Detective Jay Swan, a charismatic Indigenous police officer who is tasked with investigating a series of mysterious disappearances and homicides in a small town in the Australian Outback.

The show is set in the fictional town of Patterson, which is situated in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia. This is an area renowned for its stunning natural beauty, but also for its harsh and unforgiving landscape. As Detective Swan begins his investigation, he quickly realizes that the case is much more complicated than he had initially thought. He finds himself embroiled in a web of intrigue and deceit that involves corrupt officials, drug traffickers, and powerful landowners who will stop at nothing to protect their interests.

Along the way, Detective Swan teams up with a variety of other characters who help him to unravel the mysteries of the case. These include Judy Davis as Emma James, the town's new police chief, who brings her own brand of tough and uncompromising justice to the investigation. Deborah Mailman plays Mary, a local Indigenous woman who is determined to find out what happened to her missing son. Wayne Blair is Sam, a veteran detective who has been investigating the case for years, and who knows more than he is letting on. Colin Friels plays Keith, a wealthy businessman who has a lot to lose if the truth about the case is ever revealed. And Anthony Hayes is Lee, a ruthless enforcer for a local drug syndicate who will stop at nothing to protect his boss.

One of the strengths of the show is the way in which it weaves together so many different threads of Australian life and culture. The series explores issues of land rights, race relations, and the legacy of colonialism in Australia. It also touches on topics such as drug addiction, corruption, and gender violence. Each character is given a rich and complex backstory, which adds depth and dimension to the show. The performances are uniformly excellent, with the cast bringing a sense of authenticity and nuance to their roles.

The cinematography is another standout feature of the series. The stark beauty of the Australian Outback is captured in all its glory, with sweeping aerial shots and stunning landscapes. The show's creators have said that they were inspired by western films such as No Country for Old Men and Hell or High Water, and this is evident in the way that the series combines elements of the police procedural genre with the cinematic style of a western.

The show is also notable for its use of Indigenous languages and culture. Many of the characters in the series are Indigenous, and their perspectives and experiences are integral to the plot. The show uses subtitles to translate the Indigenous languages that are spoken on screen, which adds to the sense of authenticity and respect for Indigenous culture.

Overall, Mystery Road is a compelling and engrossing series that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Its blend of crime drama, western motifs, and Indigenous culture make it a unique and engaging viewing experience. The show has been praised for its strong performances, its beautiful cinematography, and its nuanced exploration of complex issues. It is a must-watch for fans of crime drama, westerns, and Australian culture.

Mystery Road is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (20 episodes). The series first aired on June 3, 2018.