Secrets and Lies
Network Ten
8.30pm Mondays
A LITTLE boy’s mysterious death in a south-eastern suburb on Brisbane’s fringe starts the six-part series Secrets and Lies.
It’s a regular ‘whodunnit’ crime/drama series but, as always, the murder is only part of the action.
Ben Gundelach, played by Martin Henderson of The Ring fame, is a painter whose marriage is slowly falling apart.
He discovers the body of his neighbour’s boy and almost immediately he becomes the prime suspect.
Suddenly the father-of-two is caught up in the investigation in a trial by media scenario.
The show boasts some fine Australian actors and talent, as well as a fairly strong plot.
There are problems with execution – especially with Ben’s daughters – who don’t seem to be able to portray the wounded children particularly well.
Henderson leads the show well as the bemused and confused regular Joe who hates the spotlight and is losing jobs as word gets out that he’s a suspect.
As always, this reviewer is happy to see local talent and locally produced content.
The story line is weak in places though and it is predictable and typical.
Secrets and Lies isn’t groundbreaking or even particularly memorable but if you’re into crime shows and murder mysteries, it’s worth a watch.
There’s also a strong interactive element where viewers are encouraged to head to the website and try and solve the crime, as well as through social media.
Certainly, though, it doesn’t seem to have a cult following online or otherwise but hooray to a show with some locally grown talent.
– Danielle Galvin
