Total Control (TV series)

Total Control
Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	October 2019; 7 years ago
Headquarters	Australia
Products	Political drama television series

Total Control is an Australian political drama series that first aired on ABC TV in October 2019. Initially named Black Bitch, the show underwent a title change due to its provocative nature. The second season premiered on 7 November 2021, with the concluding season launching on ABC on 14 January 2024.

Premise

The story follows Alex Irving, a compelling Indigenous woman who captures public attention following a perilous event. Rachel Anderson, the astute yet embattled Prime Minister of Australia, appoints Alex as a federal Senator to enhance her public image and further her political objectives.

The plot also explores Alex's family dynamics—her son, mother, and activist brother—as well as rival factions in Winton, Queensland. Concurrently, it portrays political maneuverings in Canberra and features a young woman who fled youth detention, possessing incriminating footage that poses a threat to the Anderson administration.

The first two seasons portray a government akin to the Liberal-National coalition, while the third season transitions to a government resembling the Labor.

Main

Deborah Mailman portrays Alexandra "Alex" Irving, initially a Liberal-National Senator representing Queensland (Season 1), later serving as an independent MP for Freeman, Queensland (Seasons 2 and 3).
Rachel Griffiths plays Rachel Anderson, Australia's Liberal Prime Minister (Season 1), who subsequently becomes an independent MP for North Sydney, New South Wales (Seasons 2 and 3).
Rob Collins appears as Charlie Irving, Alex’s brother; beginning as a university lecturer in Sydney (Season 1), then Freeman campaign manager (Season 2), and advancing to Prime Minister Murphy’s Director of Policy (Season 3).
Wesley Patten acts as Eddie Irving, Alex's son.
Steph Tisdell features as Joely McKinnon, starting as Alex’s communications expert (Season 1) and progressing to senior advisor (Seasons 2 and 3).
Wayne Blair plays Paul Murphy, a Labor MP from New South Wales who becomes Australia's first Indigenous Prime Minister (Seasons 2 and 3).
Anthony Hayes portrays Damien Bauer, initially Liberal-National Minister for Immigration (Season 1), later Prime Minister (Season 2), and then Leader of the Opposition (Season 3).
Huw Higginson is Peter Solomon, Chief of Staff serving Prime Ministers Anderson, Bauer, and independent Anderson throughout Seasons 1 to 3.
Harry Richardson plays Jonathan Cosgrove, former staffer in the Prime Minister's Office and chief advisor to Senator Irving (Season 1).
William McInnes appears as Laurie Martin, Australian Labor Party Leader and Opposition Leader (Seasons 1 and 2).

Recurring

Trisha Morton-Thomas portrays Jan Irving, Alex's mother (Seasons 1 and 3).
Lisa Flanagan plays Faye Stanley, Alex’s cousin.
Malaki Williams acts as Clancy Stanley, Faye’s son (Seasons 2 and 3).
Daniela Farinacci features as Philippa Bailey, independent MP from Smithvale, South Australia (Season 2) who later becomes Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives (Season 3).
Anita Hegh appears as Helena Rossi, Coalition MP turned independent for Lennox, New South Wales; daughter of former MP Howard Clyde (Seasons 1–3).
Benedict Hardie acts as Shaun Keogh, Australian Greens MP representing Tucker in Melbourne (Seasons 2 and 3).
Fran Kelly provides her voice as herself (audio only).
Patricia Karvelas also voices herself (audio only).

Series 1

David Roberts portrays Kevin Cartwright, the Minister for Indigenous Affairs
Val Weldon appears as Marcie Maclean, an inmate at Macauley Detention Centre who is killed by a guard
Shantae Barnes Cowan plays Jess Clarke, an inmate who escapes from Macauley Detention Centre
Celia Ireland acts as Tracey Helliar, the office manager for Senator Irving
Adele Perovic takes on the role of Jillian Morell, Senator Irving’s social media strategist
James Sweeny is Christopher Bingham, advisor to Minister Cartwright
Tony Barry features as Phillip Anderson, father of Rachel
Aaron Pedersen appears as Tom Campbell Jnr., a friend and former romantic interest of Alex
Sacha Horler plays Kelly Campbell, Tom’s spouse
Gibson John acts as Tom Campbell Sr., father of Tom Jr.
Luke Carroll portrays Rob, a member of Alex's extended family
Rebecca Massey is Sharon, a Child and Youth Protection Services worker based in Canberra

Series 2

Alex Dimitriades stars as Nick Pearce, an operator at a think tank.
Harry Greenwood plays Leo Jacobs, Alex’s specialist in data analytics.
Colin Friels appears as Jack Ramsay, the sitting Coalition MP representing Freeman, Queensland.
Jason King acts as Scott McNally, the Labor Party candidate for Freeman, Queensland.
Angela Fitzpatrick portrays Gloria Vincent, an independent Christian candidate for Freeman, Queensland.
Tasneem Roc takes on the role of Mima Scott, Coalition candidate for North Sydney, New South Wales.
Rob Carlton features as George Jeffries, a long-serving and controversial independent MP from Illingworth, Western Australia.
Vico Thai plays Justin Yang, an independent MP representing Foster, Western Australia.
John Derum acts as Father Harry Woods, a religious left-wing candidate.
Tom Dawson portrays Henry Whittaker, a political staffer in Prime Minister Bauer's media office who conducts a racially charged hate campaign against Alex under the alias 'Bait15'.
Hamish MacDonald appears as himself.
Eve Morey plays Cassie.

Series 3

Lisa Hensley stars as Sharon Costigan, Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Murphy.
Rosie Lourde portrays Dee Rhodes, Charlie’s partner and employee at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Catherine McClements acts as Marion Beaumont, an investigative journalist.
Fayssal Bazzi plays Matthew Kohli, a moderate Coalition MP contemplating joining Rachel’s Independent Alliance.
Maya Stange appears as Kathleen Sloane, a billionaire.
Paul Winchester portrays Andrew Liddell, a Labor MP opposing Murphy’s leadership.
Josef Ber acts as Dominic, Alex’s driver.
Maliyan Blair plays Jay, a friend of Eddie’s.
Nicole Milinkovic is Tegan, secretary to Prime Minister Murphy.
Paul Goddard features as Counsel Assisting.

Production

Originally titled Black Bitch, the series premiered under this name at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival. However, due to objections regarding the racial implications of the original title, it was subsequently renamed Total Control. The first season’s writing team comprised Stuart Page, Angela Betzien, and Pip Karmel, with direction led by Rachel Perkins. Production was a collaborative effort between Perkins, Darren Dale, and Miranda Dear from Blackfella Films, alongside executive producers Rachel Griffiths, Kelrick Martin, and Sally Riley. The six-episode season was shot across locations including Canberra, Sydney, and Winton in Central West Queensland. Original music for the series was created and recorded by Missy Higgins.

For Season 2, direction was handled by cast member Wayne Blair, with writing contributions from Stuart Page, Larissa Behrendt, Angela Betzien, Pip Karmel, and Nakkiah Lui. Filming took place at sites such as Parliament House, Canberra, Sydney, and Broken Hill. Darren Dale continued his role as producer for both the second and third seasons.

The announcement for production of the third and final season was made on 31 May 2023. Direction duties were shared between Wayne Blair and Jub Clerc.

Release

Prior to its official debut on ABC TV in October 2019, select episodes from Season 1 were showcased during the Primetime segment at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival.

Season 2 began broadcasting on 7 November 2021.

The concluding season launched on ABC on 14 January 2024, with its final episode airing on 18 February 2024.

Critical reception

The first season garnered a range of responses, from mixed to favorable. Critics applauded the sharp dialogue, strong writing, and the depth of character relationships, with particular acclaim directed at Deborah Mailman’s performance. However, some reviewers pointed out the subdued pace and limited action despite the intense subject matter. The ensemble cast, especially Mailman, received widespread praise.

On Rotten Tomatoes, Season 1 achieved a perfect approval score of 100%.

Craig Mathieson of The Sydney Morning Herald emphasized the incisive dialogue and Mailman’s compelling "full-bodied performance." Luke Buckmaster from The Guardian acknowledged the talents of Mailman and Trisha Morton-Thomas but noted the drama was less gripping than anticipated. Chris Boyd at Screenhub critiqued the series for its shallow portrayal of action and political intrigue but lauded the performances by Mailman and Rob Collins, describing Mailman as "electrifying" and "unforgettable."

Laura Brodnik of Mamamia praised the relevant script and cast performances, highlighting Mailman and Shantae Barnes Cowan as exceptional. Dorothy Rabinowitz from The Wall Street Journal commended the show’s exploration of political conflict and ethical complexity. James Croot of Stuff NZ characterized it as a "scathing examination of Australian politics," noting memorable music by Missy Higgins alongside strong portrayals by Mailman and Rachel Griffiths. Joel Keller of Decider spotlighted the intelligent writing and powerful lead roles, expressing enthusiasm for the series’ future developments.

External links