Underbelly Season 4 Episode 1 The Worst Woman in Sydney

The Worst Woman in Sydney is the premiere episode of the fourth season of the Australian television drama series Underbelly. The episode focuses on the story of Kate Leigh, who was known as the 'Queen of the Underworld' in the early 20th century in Sydney, Australia.

The episode opens with a scene in which Kate Leigh, played by actress Kat Stewart, meets her rival Tilly Devine at a boxing match in 1927. The two women exchange harsh words and insults, indicating that their rivalry is about to intensify. The narrative then moves back in time, to the beginning of Kate Leigh's rise to power.

Kate Leigh is shown as a young girl who is orphaned and left to fend for herself. She turns to selling drugs to make ends meet and meets her future husband, a crook named Shady Allen. The two embark on a life of crime, and Kate Leigh starts running illicit gambling and drug operations across the city. She quickly gains a reputation as a powerful and feared criminal, attracting the attention of the police and other gangsters.

Kate Leigh's empire comes under threat when a new rival, Tilly Devine, enters the scene. Tilly is a flamboyant and aggressive woman who is determined to take over Kate Leigh's operations. The rivalry between the two women becomes intense, with both resorting to violence and intimidation to assert their dominance.

The episode portrays how Kate Leigh's personality and leadership style are shaped by her difficult past. She is shown as a ruthless but shrewd businesswoman who is not afraid to take risks. However, the narrative also reveals her softer side, as she takes care of her adopted son, Billy, and tries to help other young women escape poverty and abuse.

The Worst Woman in Sydney is a tense and gripping episode that sets the stage for the rest of the season. The period setting, with its attention to detail and historical accuracy, adds to the authenticity of the drama. The performances by the cast, particularly by Kat Stewart, are excellent, bringing the characters to life with depth and nuance.

Overall, The Worst Woman in Sydney is a great start to the fourth season of Underbelly. It is a compelling and well-crafted episode that explores the complex and fascinating world of organized crime in early 20th century Sydney. Fans of the series, as well as those interested in Australian history and true crime dramas, are sure to enjoy this installment and the rest of the season to come.