Underbelly Season 2 Episode 3 Brave New World

In the third episode of season 2 of Underbelly, titled "Brave New World," the focus shifts to the underworld of Melbourne during the 1990s. With the drug trade on the rise and new players entering the scene, the old order is being challenged. The city is changing, and those who refuse to adapt will be left behind.

We follow two storylines in this episode. The first revolves around drug lord Tony Mokbel and his associates, who are expanding their operations with the help of corrupt police officers. Mokbel is determined to become the biggest player in the game, but he has enemies both inside and outside of his organization. As tensions rise, it becomes clear that violence is inevitable.

The second storyline follows Detective Jim "Diamond Jim" O'Brien, who is tasked with investigating a series of unsolved murders. He's convinced that they're all linked and the work of a single killer, but the trail has gone cold. As he digs deeper, he discovers that the killer may have a link to the drug trade, and that his investigation is putting him in danger.

As the episode progresses, we see the two storylines start to intersect. Mokbel's operation is taking heat from all sides, and the pressure is starting to get to him. Meanwhile, O'Brien is getting closer to the killer, but he's also getting too close to the drug trade. It's only a matter of time before something explodes.

One of the strengths of Underbelly is the way it portrays the complex relationships between the various criminal organizations, as well as between the criminals and the police. In "Brave New World," we see how corruption has infiltrated the police force, with some officers willing to turn a blind eye to criminal activity in exchange for bribes.

At the same time, we see the brutal competition between rival drug dealers, each trying to gain an edge over the others. The violence is sudden and shocking, and it's made clear that no one is safe in this world.

One of the most compelling characters in this episode is Mokbel himself. He's a larger-than-life figure, charismatic and charming, but also ruthless and calculating. He's determined to succeed at any cost, and he's not afraid to use violence to get what he wants. Even as we're repulsed by his actions, we can't help but be drawn to him.

Another strong point of the series is its attention to detail. The costumes, sets, and music all contribute to creating a vivid sense of time and place. We feel like we're in Melbourne in the 90s, and we get a sense of the city's seedy underbelly.

Overall, "Brave New World" is a tense and well-crafted episode that keeps us on the edge of our seats. It's a great example of what makes Underbelly such a compelling show, with its complex characters, gritty realism, and attention to detail. Whether you're a fan of true-crime stories or just great television, this episode is definitely worth a watch.