Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities

Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities
Company type	Television series season
Industry	Television
Founded	February 9, 2009; 17 years ago
Headquarters	Australia
Products	Crime drama television series

Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities, the second installment of the Nine Network crime drama series Underbelly, was broadcast from 9 February to 4 May 2009. This thirteen-episode season draws loosely from true incidents linked to the marijuana trade in Griffith, New South Wales, spanning the years 1976 through 1987. The storyline highlights the operations of the Mr. Asia drug cartel and its influence on crime across Australia, showcasing key personalities such as Robert Trimbole, Terry Clark, George Freeman, and the Kane Brothers. Serving as a prequel to the 2008 Underbelly series that chronicled the Melbourne gangland killings, this mini-series explores earlier criminal events.

The show premiered on the Nine Network at 8:30 pm, with its two-part debut attracting an average national audience of 2.5 million in mainland capital cities, maintaining its position as Australia's top-rated program throughout its airing. In New Zealand, it was released starting 4 March under the title Underbelly: The Mr Asia Story, a nod to the syndicate’s nickname—initially assigned to Marty Johnstone by journalist Pat Booth rather than Terry Clark, who is frequently mistaken for "Mr Asia."

Following this series, Underbelly: The Golden Mile continues the narrative.

Synopsis

This series offers a dramatized portrayal of Australia's criminal underworld, loosely inspired by events occurring in New South Wales and Victoria between 1976 and 1987. It concentrates on criminal enterprises emerging from the Griffith marijuana industry, spearheaded by "Aussie Bob" Trimbole (Roy Billing) and New Zealand drug trafficker "Kiwi Terry" Clark (Matthew Newton).

Clark arrives in Sydney with ambitions to create a heroin distribution network. After initial clashes with crime boss George Freeman (Peter O'Brien), he forms an alliance with marijuana cultivator Trimbole. Their plans face opposition from local politician Donald Mackay (Andrew McFarlane); when extortion attempts fail, Trimbole independently orders Mackay’s assassination. Detective Liz Cruickshank (Asher Keddie) receives a tip-off but her superior Joe Messina (Peter Phelps) dismisses her concerns. Following Mackay’s murder at the hands of James Frederick Bazley (Scott Burgess), detective Warwick Mobbs (Matt Passmore) confronts police corruption hindering his inquiry.

Clark establishes the Mr Asia syndicate in Sydney, with Allison Dine (Anna Hutchison) becoming his partner and innovator in drug trafficking techniques. Concurrently, Trimbole aids Melbourne armed robber Ray 'Chuck' Bennett (Nathan Page) in executing a major heist that defies local enforcers Les and Brian Kane (Tim McCunn). A violent turf conflict ensues after Bennett excludes bully Chris Flannery (Dustin Clare) from his gang. Tensions heighten when Bennett's crew robs the Kanes, leading to Les Kane's murder. Isolated and targeted by an alliance including Brian Kane, Flannery, and Alphonse Gangitano (Elan Zavelsky), Bennett seeks protection inside prison from Mark "Chopper" Read (Renato Fabretti). Although acquitted of Les’ murder, Bennett is ultimately shot dead in court by Brian Kane with assistance from corrupt police.

Clark and his intermediary Andy Maher (Damon Gameau) expand their drug operations into Queensland using Kiwi couriers Doug and Isabelle Wilson. After a party results in Clark’s arrest and extradition to New Zealand, Doug breaks under interrogation revealing Pommy Lewis's burial location. Clark’s lawyer Karen Soich (Katie Wall) becomes romantically involved with him following his acquittal. Possessing a recording of Doug’s police statement, Clark instructs Trimbole and Tizzoni to eliminate the Wilsons; Tizzoni contracts Bazley for the assassination.

In England, Clark attempts to broaden his business interests. Bazley carries out the Wilson hit but their bodies are quickly discovered, prompting Victorian and Federal authorities to establish a joint task force led by David Priest (Jonny Pasvolsky), which includes Mobbs, Cruickshank, Messina, and Sydney CIB detective Trevor Hakens (Dieter Brummer), who is linked to corrupt NSW officer Dennis Kelly (Paul Tassone). Kelly’s faction seeks dominance over drug trafficking while misleading interstate police by shutting down Freeman’s gambling establishments. Allison begins questioning her involvement after corrupt narcotics officer Jack Smith (Samuel Johnson) frames her by planting drugs for arrest. Freeman ventures into new criminal enterprises but survives an assassination attempt.

While exiled in Britain, Clark grows increasingly paranoid about Allison’s detention and persuades Trimbole to arrange her murder. Trimbole hires Flannery but cancels the contract following Allison’s possession arrest; Clark also retracts the order. Trimbole assists Allison's escape to America. Freeman recovers from his shooting while enforcer Lenny McPherson (John McNeill) eliminates Freeman’s would-be assassin. In Britain, Clark and Maher meet "Mr. Asia" Marty Johnstone (Merrick Watts), their supplier based in Singapore. Doubting Johnstone’s loyalty, Clark orders Maher to kill him.

After Johnstone’s murder is uncovered, British authorities detain Clark. Allison is apprehended by the FBI and returned to Australia as a key witness against Clark. Trimbole arranges a large-scale Lebanese cannabis import with Dr Nick Paltos (Wadih Dona). Legal secretary and mob attorney Brian Alexander (Damian de Montemas) comes under intense police scrutiny as a vulnerable member of the syndicate. Allison implicates the entire network, connecting Trimbole to Mr Asia activities. The prime minister initiates a Royal Commission, disbands the Federal Narcotics Bureau, leading to demotions for Jack Smith and nearly 150 corrupt officers. However, Trevor Haken warns associates within NSW Police about upcoming raids; Freeman alerts Trimbole who escapes abroad. Alexander succumbs to alcoholism and is murdered by corrupt officers Dennis Kelly and Jim Egan (Daniel Roberts) fearing betrayal. Frank Tizzoni is arrested transporting marijuana but agrees to cooperate against Trimbole and Clark concerning the Wilson murders. Suspicion arises that Haken is leaking information.

Allison testifies against Clark in England; he is convicted of murder and sentenced to twenty years imprisonment. While on the run in Ireland, Trimbole becomes involved in IRA arms dealing while financing cannabis imports alongside Paltos. Chris Flannery relocates to Sydney, eliminating rival dealers for Freeman but his unpredictable nature draws law enforcement scrutiny. Freeman orchestrates Flannery’s killing after manipulating him into killing competing mobsters.

Clark dies of a heart attack while incarcerated. Under mounting pressure, Trimbole—suffering prostate cancer—is arrested on fabricated firearm charges in Ireland but later released and flees to Spain. Paltos completes a drug shipment but is apprehended by Mobbs; Haken avoids implicating him due to police connections but is expelled from the Joint Police Group without formal charges. Unintentionally revealing his whereabouts through a bugged phone call, Trimbole dies before Priest can arrest him.

The epilogue reveals that Freeman and McPherson continue illicit activities for another decade; Laurie Prendergast disappears amid suspicions involving Freeman; NSW Police corruption persists. The closing scene depicts Kelly and Haken smuggling drugs through customs facilitated by corrupt agent Jack Smith, setting up future narratives about police corruption in "a whole other story."

Episodes

Template:Episode table

Cast

The opening credits list five principal actors: Roy Billing as Robert Trimbole, Anna Hutchison portraying Allison Dine, Matthew Newton in the role of Terry Clark, Asher Keddie as Detective Senior Constable Liz Cruickshank, and Peter Phelps playing Detective Inspector Joe Messina. Several other significant performers appear in episodes where their characters are central, including Andrew McFarlane depicting Liberal politician and anti-drug advocate Donald Mackay, alongside Peter O'Brien as Sydney criminal figure George Freeman. Kate Ritchie makes two appearances as Judi Kane, spouse of the murdered standover man Les Kane. The character Marty Johnstone, Terry Clark’s primary supplier, is played by Merrick Watts. Narration duties are carried over by Caroline Craig, who returns from the first installment. Other notable cast members include Samuel Johnston, John Wood, and Diane Craig.

Due to legal constraints preventing depiction of actual officers, the Victorian Police characters Joe Messina and Liz Cruickshank are fictional composites.

Main cast

Matthew Newton as Terry Clark, leader of the Mr Asia drug syndicate.
Roy Billing as Robert 'Aussie Bob' Trimbole, Clark’s Australian associate.
Anna Hutchison as Allison Dine, Clark’s lover and chief drug courier.
Asher Keddie as Senior Detective Constable Liz Cruickshank, part of the Victoria Major Crime Squad.
Peter Phelps as Detective Inspector Joe Messina, Cruickshank’s commanding officer.

Recurring cast

Jonny Pasvolsky as Detective Inspector Dave Priest, head of the Federal task force.
Matt Passmore as Senior Detective Constable Warwick Mobbs, a detective from NSW.
Peter O'Brien portraying George Freeman, a bookmaker and operator of illegal casinos.
Dustin Clare as Chris Flannery, known as Melbourne’s hitman "Mr Rent-a-Kill".
Damian de Montemas playing Brian Alexander, legal counsel for the syndicate.
Wadih Dona in the role of Dr. Nick Paltos, surgeon and trafficker.
Martin Dingle-Wall and Tim McCunn as Les and Brian Kane, Melbourne-based standover men.
Additional actors include Samuel Johnson, Paul Tassone, Simone Kessell, Damon Gameau, Katie Wall, and Caroline Craig.

Guest cast

Guest appearances feature John McNeill as Lenny McPherson, Jenna Lind portraying Maria Muhary, Suzannah McDonald as Ann-Marie Presland, Elan Zavelsky in the role of Alphonse Gangitano, Luke McKenzie playing Mick Gatto, among others representing prominent underworld figures and their associates.

Production

Filming took place in Sydney and Melbourne up until March 2009. Areas such as Richmond and Warwick Farm were utilized to replicate 1970s Griffith; episodes seven and eight were filmed at a residence in Wahroonga; scenes set in Freeman’s casino were shot at a hotel in Sefton. Writers Peter Gawler and Greg Haddrick acknowledged that this series contains more explicit nudity and sexual content than its predecessor.

Critical reception

Kate Ritchie earned acclaim for her depiction of Judi Kane, with reviewers highlighting her successful shift away from earlier soap opera roles. The series generally received favorable critiques but was also met with criticism for dramatizing historical events. Columnist Keith Moor pointed out discrepancies concerning timelines and character participation in significant crimes. For instance, contrary to the show’s portrayal, Brian and Les Kane were involved in the Great Bookie Robbery.

Audience Metrics

The series launched with a double-episode premiere drawing an average of 2.5 million viewers nationwide, marking the most-watched non-sporting debut since 2001. By the third episode, the average audience remained strong at around 2.49 million per installment, outperforming previous top-rated programs such as Seven's Packed to the Rafters.

Overall Season Ratings

Television Season	Broadcast Time	Premiere Date	Finale Date	Weekly Position	Viewership (Millions)	Annual Ranking
2009	Monday 8:30pm	9 February 2009	4 May 2009	1	2.158	1

Weekly Viewership Details

Episode Number	Episode Title	Air Date	Broadcast Slot	Viewers (millions)	Nightly Position	Weekly Position
1	"Aussie Bob & Kiwi Terry"	9 February 2009	Monday 8:30pm	2.582	1	1
2	"Bad Habits"	9 February 2009	Monday 9:30pm	2.397	2	2
3	"Brave New World"	16 February 2009	Monday 8:30pm	2.476	1	1
...	...	...	...	...	...	...

The series maintained an average audience of roughly 2.16 million viewers per episode, securing the top national ranking.

Follow-up Series

The third installment, Underbelly: The Golden Mile, was broadcast in 2010, serving as both a sequel to this series and a prequel to the original. Director Peter Andrikidis confirmed that the writers crafted a third chapter bridging the two series, chronicling events up to the mid-1990s involving previously introduced characters.

The Nine Network revealed that this sequel centers on intensifying police corruption and organized crime within Sydney’s Kings Cross area from the late 1980s through to reforms prompted by the Wood Royal Commission in the mid-1990s.

External links

fr:Underbelly