Nine’s fortunes with returnable dramas has a somewhat chequered history of late.
Doctor Doctor and Love Child enjoyed strong runs of 5 and 4 seasons, with House Husbands also at 5. But there have been short-lived seasons of SeaChange, Amazing Grace, After the Verdict, and Halifax: Retribution which was unfortunate given its strength.
New drama series Human Error, from Roadshow Rough Diamond, has its legacy in the long-running Underbelly brand which, to be fair seemed to be tacked onto any crime series (Melissa Caddick was not exactly a gangster).
The new six part drama, co-created by Underbelly stalwarts Greg Haddrick & John Silvester, together with Samantha Winston and Gregor Jordan, was originally due to screen in 2023. Despite such concerning signs, the results are really rather good.
Plenty of this can be attributed to its lead performer Leeanna Walsman -kudos to whoever cast her as opposed to a shortlist of leading ladies frequenting this genre.
She plays Det. Snr. Sgt. Holly O’Rourke, young mother to Alice (Rosie Mitchell), wife to DPP solicitor Luke (Matt Day) and daughter to former detective Bear (Steve Bisley).
She is assigned to the brutal murder of a suburban mother by a hitman in her front yard, in sight of her stepson. The drama “inspired by real events” takes on its own narrative life through Holly’s eyes and which constantly intersect between crime, policing and parenting.
Holly faces much of it with measured caution and a pursuit of justice. Assisting her is Det. Sgt. Jarred Pines (Rahel Romahn), Det. Snr. Const. Maia Kirsner (Emily Joy) and Det. Const. Gabe Kihn (Ethan Lwin).
Also featuring in State Police HQ (shot in the former Age building) are Det. Insp. Dylan McKenzie (Stephen Peacocke), Sgt. Gavin Butterfield (Rob Collins), Police Chief Kirsten Leigh (Daniela Farinacci) and forensics expert Rose (Katrina Milosevic). Supporting roles also go to Anthony J Sharpe, Sachin Joab, Jane Allsop, Gyton Grantley, Jasper Bagg and a cameo from Debra Lawrance.
The crime is so brazen it shocks the force, the city, the media and Holly as a detective and mother. But digging into the crime she will learn it may have been a case of mistaken identity, and there are clues close to the force which ramp up the level of suspicion and imminent threat.
Meanwhile her home life is also challenged, whether in conflict with husband Luke, or pressure from doting dad Bear, and having to push back against his expectations. Even daughter Alice has an inquisitive mind beyond her years asking questions Holly would prefer not answer. Not today.
Walsman delivers at every turn, remaining understated through a veritable shitstorm of demands pulling her in all directions. Her performance never shoots for the “hero cop” so prevalent in the genre, but strives for a righteous path, and getting back on it when the day goes awry.
The diverse ensemble cast complement her tremendously, including Rahel Roman, Matt Day, Steve Bisley and Anthony J Sharpe.
The writers navigate a range of twists and turns that help make this a satisfying Free to Air local crime series -it’s been a while. While crime writer John Silvester has doubtless drawn upon his knowledge of Melbourne’s criminal past, it comes with a female lens.
Director Fiona Banks and Mat King also capture Melbourne in a contemporary frame, not unlike the shine of Halifax: Retribution, but without the sensationalism of Underbelly‘s strip clubs and Carlton bars.
I would also encourage Nine to release further episodes on 9Now in advance of broadcast. Sure it may impact overnight ratings, but it would only build word of mouth.
Not everybody is likely to be comfortable with the narrative Human Error makes around its real event inspiration, but it does work as a springboard for an involving crime drama, and opens the door to a potential sequel around the talents of Leeanna Walsman. Surely long overdue.
Human Error screens 8:40pm Wednesday on Nine.
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