Underbelly

Underbelly is a well-known Australian crime drama television series produced by the Nine Network and first aired from 2008 to 2013. It comprises six independent but interlinking series that use a unique narrative style to recreate real events, shedding light on some of Australia's most infamous criminal cases. Each season offers stand-alone stories about the extensive network of organized crime syndicates and high-profile criminal incidents that rocked Australia during different periods, with a main focus on Melbourne's underworld.

The inaugural series of Underbelly modestly dubbed as the "Underbelly 13," made its debut in 2008. It dove headfirst into the gritty, dark world of organized crime, with a keen eye on the Melbourne Gangland Killings that transpired from 1995 to 2004. This 13-episode leg served as an entryway into a hidden world of illicit power struggles, corruption, and violence, setting the tone and the narrative style that the succeeding series adopted.

The second season, titled "Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities," is set in the period from 1976 to 1987. This series skilfully portrays the rise and fall of the drug trade, specifically marijuana and heroin, in both Melbourne and Sydney. The show effectively uses the backdrop of feuding crime families and law enforcement agencies struggling to maintain order to tell the story.

"Underbelly: The Golden Mile", the third season, focuses on the years 1988 to 1999 in Sydney's infamous Kings Cross district, know as "The Golden Mile." This series showcases the dark underbelly of organized crime, political corruption, and the constant battle between law enforcement and crime syndicates in the region.

The fourth installment of Underbelly, “Underbelly: Razor", returns to earlier years, covering events from 1927 to 1936. It hones in on the "razor gangs" that controlled Sydney's underworld during that time, with dynamic and influential figures like Tilly Devine and Kate Leigh emerging in prominence.

The fifth season, "Underbelly: Badness", departs from the previously established format, documenting a modern-day situation that occurred between 2001 and 2012. This series puts the spotlight on the criminal activities in Sydney during this era, specifically focusing on the heinous crimes committed by Anthony Perish and his gang.

Finally, the sixth season “Underbelly: Squizzy” brings the audience back to the past again, chronicling the life and times of Joseph Theodore Leslie Taylor, commonly known as Squizzy Taylor, a notorious gangster in Melbourne between 1915 and 1927.

Produced with high standards of quality, Underbelly successfully utilizes dramatic re-enactments, authentic scenery, and enthralling narrations to paint a vivid picture of Australia's longest-running crime stories. Each season comprises a standalone tale, driven by complex characters, tightly woven narratives, and the eternal struggle between law and lawlessness.

The series also shines for its ensemble cast of actors who deliver powerful and compelling performances that bring these infamous historical figures to life. Characters are intricately developed, making the audience feel a range of emotions from scorn to sympathy, highlighting the show's aim of detailing not just the criminality, but also the humanity within these notorious figures.

Underbelly is more than just a television drama; it serves as a cultural and historical documentation of Australia's dark past painted through a crime lens. It offers viewers a gritty and illuminating journey into the dynamics and intricacies of the country's criminal underworld, replete with tales of power, ambition, corruption, rivalry, and moral ambiguity. Covering over a century of criminal activities, the series also reflects how Australian society has evolved when dealing with crime and punishment.

The series has also extended its impact beyond television. In addition to winning numerous awards, it has sparked interest in, and discussions over, the nature of crime and justice in Australia. The impact of Underbelly speaks to its strength as a narrative spectacle and its successful engagement with audiences.

Although the series has ended, Underbelly's legacy lives on, continuing to intrigue audiences with its captivating exploration of Australia’s criminal underworld. For those who have an interest in crime dramas or Australian history, Underbelly is certainly worth the watch.