Watch The Unusual Suspects

The Unusual Suspects is a 2021 Australian TV series that premiered on SBS. The show is a dark and thrilling crime drama that revolves around a group of misfits who form a peculiar team to solve a crime. The series is set in Melbourne and follows five employees of a catering company who become unwittingly embroiled in a criminal conspiracy. They are Louise (Miranda Otto), a former police officer who was forced to leave the force after a scandal; Nina (Aina Dumlao), a Filipino immigrant who is struggling to make a life in Australia; Pete (Michala Banas), a single mother who is trying to keep her head above water; Lachlan (Mark Leonard Winter), an eccentric and socially awkward chef; and Pierce (Benjamin Hoetjes), a young and ambitious apprentice chef.

Initially, the five employees are only connected by their workplace and their friendship is very tentative. However, when a wealthy businessman is murdered at a high-end function catered by their company, they find themselves at the center of a complex and dangerous investigation. Despite their lack of expertise in law enforcement, they decide to use their unique skills and unorthodox methods to uncover the truth and clear their names.

The storytelling in The Unusual Suspects is suspenseful, engaging, and addictive. Each of the five characters has their own backstory and motivations, which are slowly revealed through flashbacks and character interactions. The narrative is driven by a series of twists and turns that keep the audience on their toes, and the show artfully balances humor with drama.

The series explores themes of class, identity, and corruption in modern Australia. The show portrays the lives of the working-class characters with empathy and nuance. It also uses its diverse cast to touch upon issues of racism and xenophobia that Asian immigrants face in the country.

One of the strengths of The Unusual Suspects is its cast. The show features a group of talented actors who imbue their characters with distinctive personalities and quirks. Miranda Otto delivers a masterful performance as Louise, a flawed but determined character who is plagued by guilt and regret. Aina Dumlao brings an understated vulnerability to Nina, and Michala Banas is magnetic as Pete.

The production design of the show is also noteworthy. The series is shot in Melbourne, and the city's landmarks and streetscapes provide a vivid backdrop for the action. The cinematography is stylish and often uses unconventional angles to create tension and mood.

Overall, The Unusual Suspects is a thrilling crime drama that is well worth watching. The show combines a thoughtful narrative with likable characters, sharp writing, and clever direction. It is an enjoyable and addictive series that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Unusual Suspects is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between June 3, 2021 and on SBS