'Troppo' Season 2 Review: Thomas Jane and Nicole Chamoun's partnership shines in dark whodunit
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Thomas Jane and Nicole Chamoun pair up once again to play private detectives in Season 2 of 'Troppo'.
The Australian crime series, scheduled to arrive on Prime Video on July 25, 2024, takes us back into the murky depths of North Queensland, where the sun is fierce, and the mysteries are even fiercer.
Based on Candice Fox’s bestselling book series 'Crimson Lake', the second season follows the gritty adventures of disgraced ex-cop Ted Conkaffey (Thomas Jane) and ex-con Amanda Pharrell (Nicole Chamoun).
'Troppo' Season 2 delivers a compelling murder mystery
'Troppo' Season 1 saw Ted and Amanda solving the case of a missing Korean businessman while dealing with the traumas of their own pasts.
Despite knowing the truth about her past, Amanda is still battling her inner demons in Season 2. Ted's past also continues to haunt him despite his attempt at moving on.
The imperfect duo is hired to investigate the killing of a retreat leader, found dead in the woods alongside an unrelated woman.
This season's mystery is rich with twists. It starts with a murder investigation led by a new cop Detective Pip Sweeney (Zindzi Okenyo), who also forms an intimate connection with Pharrell.
The investigation takes an interesting twist with the exposé of a croc poaching gang and a drug ring.
The story moves forward with a good pacing, making sure to not bore the audience with the lingering mystery while managing to keep them hooked till the end.
The backdrop of tropical Australia provides a refreshing setting to the plot with beautiful locations and wildlife interactions.
Thomas Jane and Nicole Chamoun shine in 'Troppo'
While some may find 'Troppo' as another addition to the crowded whodunit genre, its strength lies in its characters and their broken, yet resilient, spirits.
Amanda and Ted aren't your regular protagonists. Amanda was convicted of murder while Ted was accused of raping a 13-year-old girl.
These broken characters pick themselves from their traumas to build a new life for themselves. A peak into their messed up past alongside the murder case, keeps the plot interesting.
Nicole Chamoun's portrayal of Pharrell is mesmerizing, capturing the character's anguish, fear, and vulnerability with raw intensity.
Thomas Jane’s performance as the brooding, level-headed ex-cop is a perfect counterbalance to Chamoun’s fiery Pharrell.
Their chemistry is electric, becoming the cornerstone of the show’s appeal.
Radha Mitchell returns as Kelly Conkaffey in Season 2 and plays her part with conviction. Simon Lyndon as Twist skillfully balances his evil and good qualities, especially as his family takes center stage.
Zindzi Okenyo, Miah Madden, Ethan Lwin, and Ursula Yovich, the new additions to the cast, are able to perfectly complement the energy of the lead characters.
'Troppo' is a recommended watch for those looking for intriguing mystery and good performances.
'Troppo' Season 2 arrives on Prime Video on July 25, 2024.