Ep 3. Ray Denning - The Runner

In season 2 episode 3 of Australian Crime Stories, viewers are taken on a journey into the life of Ray Denning - known as ‘The Runner’. Ray’s life of crime is explored in depth, starting from his humble beginnings in Sydney’s Kings Cross, where he was a part of the art scene and ran a business. We follow Ray as he gets involved with drugs and starts a new career as a criminal runner, transporting drugs across the country.

The episode covers Ray’s involvement with infamous drug lords including Nasser Kalache and Robert Trimbole, and the role he played in their drug distribution network. Denning’s dangerous and lucrative career as a runner led to his eventual downfall and arrest in Melbourne. The episode also showcases how Ray and his wife, Bernice found themselves at the centre of a drugs investigation that led to one of Australia’s greatest criminal investigations.

Ray’s story is told through interviews with former detectives and crime experts, who give us a unique insight into the criminal underworld. We also hear from people who knew Ray, including his wife and former friends. The episode captures the darker side of the Australian underworld, and how drugs and crime can completely take over a person's life.

The production quality of Australian Crime Stories season 2 episode 3 is excellent, with expert interviews interwoven with re-enactments and archival footage of the crime scenes and news coverage of the events. Every scene has been well researched and thoroughly put together by a dedicated team of filmmakers.

One of the most compelling aspects of the episode is the insight into the mind of Ray Denning. The team behind the show have done a great job of painting a picture of a man who became increasingly involved with the drug trade and wanted to live a life of excess. The audience is left with an uneasy feeling of empathy for Ray, as he is a man who clearly lost his way and was caught up in a dangerous and violent criminal underworld.

Overall, Australian Crime Stories season 2 episode 3 is gripping, with excellent production value, well-researched content and expert interviews that provide a fascinating insight into the life of Ray Denning. It is an engaging and thought-provoking look at the effects of drugs and the criminal underworld on everyday people and the impact it can have on the lives of those involved. This episode is recommended for anyone with an interest in true crime, or anyone wanting to dive deeper into the underbelly of Australian society.