Redfern Now Season 3 Episode 1 Promise Me

The episode titled "Promise Me" is the first episode of the third season of the critically acclaimed Australian drama series Redfern Now. The show focuses on the lives of the residents of the Redfern neighborhood, a predominantly Indigenous population in Sydney, Australia. This particular episode explores the complicated and often fraught relationship between a mother and daughter.

The episode centers around the character of Maeve, a middle-aged Indigenous woman who has recently lost custody of her daughter. Maeve is a recovering alcoholic and struggling to build a stable life for herself. Her daughter Lily has been living with her grandmother, but the young girl is desperate to be reunited with her mother. Maeve's sister, Lorraine, is her biggest advocate and supporter, but even she worries about Maeve's ability to provide a suitable home for Lily.

As the episode progresses, Maeve receives some troubling news that threatens to derail her progress towards a sober and stable life. Meanwhile, Lily is dealing with her own challenges at school, where she is struggling to make friends and keep up with her studies. When Maeve discovers that Lily has been failing in school, she sees it as a sign that she is not capable of being a good mother. The situation only gets worse when Maeve's ex-boyfriend, who is also Lily's father, reappears in their lives.

Throughout the episode, Maeve is torn between her love for Lily and her own internal demons. She knows that she wants to be a better mother, but is afraid that she doesn't have what it takes. Lily, meanwhile, is desperate for her mother's love and attention, but is also struggling to deal with the complicated emotions of her parents' turbulent relationship.

In true Redfern Now fashion, the episode does not shy away from the complex issues facing Indigenous Australians today. Maeve's struggles with addiction and poverty are all too common in the community, as is the challenge of navigating the child protection system. At its core, however, the episode is a powerful exploration of the universal themes of family, love, and sacrifice.

The performances in the episode are outstanding, particularly by Deborah Mailman in the role of Maeve and newcomer Rarriwuy Hick as Lily. The show's creators have once again demonstrated their ability to weave together a compelling and emotionally resonant story that illuminates the realities of life in a marginalized community.

Overall, "Promise Me" is a moving and thought-provoking episode that highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous Australians and their families. The characters are complex and fully realized, and the story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Redfern Now continues to be one of the most important and powerful dramas on television today, and this episode is a testament to its enduring quality.