Season Two of Foxtel / Binge drama The Twelve embarks on its own story, under an all-female writing team.
Belgium’s De Twaalf, the basis for season one, only screened 10 episodes. Now applying the format elsewhere it shifts to Western Australia and its own originally-created saga.
Sam Neill as lawyer Brett Colby is the sole returning cast member (given Marta Dusseldorp’s Prosecutor would not logically cross state lines). Colby is joined by colleague Meredith Nelson-Moore (Frances O’Connor) in what becomes a joint murder trial in the small town of Tunkwell.
For this the legal fraternity are on the ‘circuit,’ taking justice to rural communities, if still managing to find a rather imposing courtroom in existence.
But Tunkwell has lost one of its most polarising local characters, ‘battleaxe’ farmer Bernice Price (Kris McQuade) whose body has been found at the bottom of a well. As the story progresses, it will be clear she had made her share of local enemies, allowing -presumably- for plenty of red herrings.
On trial are her daughter Sasha (Amy Mathews) and charismatic farmhand Patrick (Erroll Shand) who have been getting hot ‘n’ heavy in the hay bales when Bernice wasn’t looking. Prosecuting this season, in place of Dusseldorp, is ambitious barrister Jude (Fayssal Bazzi).
Like the first season, the trial plays out in the present with flashback scenes providing insight to the TV obseervers, if not necessarily the jury.
Once again there is a diverse range of characters including Thelma (Tasma Walton), currently looking after her ageing mother, local footy legend Joey (Josh McKenzie), waitress Stefanie (Claudia D’Angelo), a flour mill owner battling health issues named Winston (Anthony Brandon Wong) and more.
Add to this list a judge, witnesses, town locals, family members, cops, business owners… together with facts and flashbacks, there’s a lot to take in. But the jigsaw puzzle of the case draws in the viewer and early flashbacks helps to connect us more to the victim than were offered in S1. This means we are more invested from the get-go and care more about the outcome.
Being on ‘circuit’ also allows for more cross-pollination between the legal eagles, and it’s clear Brett and Meredith are sharing more than just notes when not at the bar. Or at least the legal bar.
“What happens on circuit, stays on circuit” – Justice St. John Ross.
Yet there are also secrets between the jurors and part of the lure of the series is watching how personal prejudice and expectations sway arguments around the juror table. Producers are to be applauded for casting so diversely once again, while audiences have the pleasure of watching some fine ensemble performances and character actors. Anthony Brandon Wong and Josh McKenzie are amongst early standouts.
They contrast with the elegant performances by Sam Neill and Frances O’Connor, whose refined delivery and attention to process, reminds us they are from well-bred stock -until the moments they too are defined by passion.
The Twelve also includes cameos from Anthony Hayes, Shareena Clanton and the final performance by Keith Robinson as the trial judge.
Written by Sarah L. Walker, Anchuli Felicia King, Anya Beyersdorf and Anna Barnes, and directed by Stevie Cruz-Martin, Mark Joffe, Ben Young and Emma Jackson, The Twelve holds up a mirror to bad choices when flawed people are pressed to make the right ones.
The Twelve screens 8:30pm Thursday on Showcase / Binge.
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