The Australian crime drama Black Snow is now available in full on BBC iPlayer, carrying a rare, perfect critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. The series follows Detective James Cormack, played by Vikings star Travis Fimmel, as he investigates harrowing cases in Queensland that pull him deep into the country's criminal underworld.
Cormack also confronts personal demons while balancing his career with the search for his missing brother. Viewers have taken to IMDb to praise the show, with one reviewer describing it as "filmmaking at its best".
Viewer praise and critical acclaim
The same reviewer wrote: "Australia may still hold a clear lead in the world of dramatic film, based on this example. The schlock and idiotic scripts which pass for success in American main-stream film are truly put to shame by season one of Black Snow. It has all the elements of good drama and story-development (except perhaps some weakness in the area of supposedly hip-music), and is an interesting blend of mystery (which holds to the end) and well-grafted production."
They added: "The cast is excellent all the way down, and the writing is tight throughout. I am glad to see there are some real alternatives to pulp-film still coming."
Comparisons to British detective shows
Another viewer labelled it a "gripping" detective series, writing: "As an Aussie, I usually watch British crime shows. This one is as good, if not better, than the great British detective shows. The concepts are new, and quirky, but also believable, and the characters are really great. The scenery is amazing and beautifully shot. The backdrop, characters and language are recognisably Australian, but at the same time do not come across with 'cultural cringe' which is a huge relief."
They continued: "It's great to see a show set in Australia that could also be anywhere in the western world in an urban (series 2) or rural (series 1) setting. I'm really invested and hope they make a series 3."
Cultural representation and performances
A further viewer described the crime drama as "bingeworthy", writing: "Recently started watching Black Snow when I saw it advertised on Stan and it was an absolute masterpiece. From the first episode tension begins I build, drawing the viewer in until you absolutely cannot look away."
They added: "I was so excited to be able to get a window into Australian South Sea Islander culture, communities and history. It was refreshing to see the history of slavery in Australia actually discussed for once rather than being swept under the rug, and to see the dark realities of the consequences of systemic racism in Australia brought to light. I hope we start to get many more shows like this. The performances from the cast, particularly Jemmason Power and Talijah Blackman-Corowa, were incredible. I can't believe this is the only thing they are credited in on IMDB. I am hanging out to see the next show that the talented cast from this show pop up in."
Black Snow is streaming now on BBC iPlayer.
