User Reviews

Deborah Mailman seizes our attention from the start and holds it unwaveringly in the first episode and the script writing and camera work back her all the way. The caricature of the 'Canberra bubble' carried by a cast of instantly recognisable and strong actors fitted comfortably into my prejudices while Rob Collins gave a moving performance as the Senator's brother. This series is exciting - almost enough to wipe the lingering aftertaste of "Pine Gap"!

Anyway Deborah Mailman shines as the central character of a Queensland senator handpicked by the PM to fill a vacancy. Having watched the first episode it has so much potential and already questions arise about the motives of the PM (Rachel Griffiths) and where this is going to head. Looking forward to the next episodes,

I wasn't quite sure how the story in season 2 would develop, but after just watching the first two episodes, I'd say it's better than season 1. This season feels a little more grounded in reality, with Mailman continuing to excel in the role.

Well, I just watched the final episode, and all I can say is WOW. Well done to the writers, and the overall quality is excellent. I love the use of the old Parliament house chambers. The cast give powerful and emotional performances, particularly Deborah Mailman as Alex Irving, Rachel Griffiths as Rachel Anderson and Harry Richardson as Jonathan Cosgrove. Celia Ireland as Tracey Helliar is really growing into her part. Shantae Barnes Cowan as Jess Clarke is a natural, taking us all with her. Gosh William McInnes as Laurie Martin has come a long way since Sea Change, always brilliant. To all the cast and crew, thanks for this very entertaining series. It will become a classic.

Really fabulous series. Very interesting with a range of interesting and believable characters. A great story line with great acting throughout.

Absolutely riveting. Congratulations to all who have contributed to this gripping series.

Just binged this series. Enjoyed the political setting and realities of the behind the-scene negotiations. (I'm from Canada) so timely. The acting was excellent.

I was thinking the first couple of episodes were rather formulaic, not believable and a tad pedestrian. There are some ponderous issues raised, such as how an unknown woman from the bush (and not even a party member) becomes a senator to occupy a casual vacancy. Members who've been going to branch meetings for years will be extremely disappointed by the low entry price Alex had to pay to become a senator.

Another point I had incredible difficulty with was how an aboriginal rights campaigner ends up joining the Liberal/National government. Okay, I'm aware of Neville Bonner and even Ken Wyatt, but I still can't see why Mailman's character - completely upset over lack of indigenous services in the bush - could join the (now) government.

As the episodes proceed, however, and we get to know the characters, the emotional side starts to shine through, and the series massively improves. Not wishing to reveal spolers, I think the main change occurs when Mailman has to race back to her home town to deal with a pressing issue there. That's treated with humour and sensitivity, and humanises the character and the whole series.

Some of the political procedures shown are simply not correct, but perhaps the series can be forgiven for taking shortcuts. However, to a regular watcher of parliament, it grated on me a little about how someone can just stand up in parliament and make a statement or even move a motion without going through the correct procedural processes.

What's interesting is that most of the imagery in parliament house is shot in the new parliament house (Opened in 1987), but when we enter the House of Reps or Senate chamber, we find ourselves down the road at Old Parliament House. I suppose it was a lot easier for the locations manager to book old Parliament House than the new, or indeed for a set to be constructed.

Certainly a worthwhile watch, and I encourage people to not judge this on its first two episodes - it gets a lot better - but far from perfection as some reviewers here would have you believe.

Deb Mailman is incredible in her role. I love love this tv series. Series one was fantastic but Series two....is awesome.

The story of Australian politics is so up to date with what is happening right now.

May the independents win the next election and leave out 2 party idiots out of the game altogether.

While I enjoyed watching both series to see strong women in control, series 2 episode 4 had a serious flaw that is effectively gaslighting the viewing public.

As much as Scott Morrison wants to introduce voter ID laws, it is not required at polling stations and a prospective MP would know that. Alex was asked by a snippy woman but her brother was not. I get that it was supposed to reflect casual racism but it was a dangerous and erroneous inclusion. It casts doubt and unease on the rest of the series.

You need ID to register to vote in Australia but because voting is compulsory for registered voters there has been little evidence of voter fraud.

Yes, as the nay-sayers mention, parts of the storyline are implausible as most 'deux ex machina' are - ie they are just devices to structure a story, a plot and the characters' actions.

It is fiction after all, story-telling, and the storyline is not meant to be realistic, any more than "CleverMan" or "Secret City" were. Doesnt mean it doesnt have something important to say about Australian reality, while also making entertaining television.

As for those thinking Rachel was a Gillard-style character - I saw her more as a Julie Bishop style character, as in the 'moderate conservative' :-) I would have preferred an Amanda Vanstone style character - just for the novelty of seeing a poorly dressed female PM - but a minor point :-)

Cast, direction, script, the camera-work - all excellent.

Also as a Canberran, and as ex-PS, many elements also made me both laugh and cry. (But enough with the "cold" jokes!)

Excellent drama stripping down the moral facade of the Canberra political scene and the overarching desire for power and the associated greed that goes with it.

Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths give powerful performances. Of course, both characters needed to be women to bring validity to a narrative that seeks to expose male hypocrisy. If Rachel Griffith's charater as prime minister had been a male, this would have fueled the argument that the intent was steeped purely in feminist male-bashing and reduced its overall effect.

Perhaps the only criticism I have is the cleverly nuanced portrayal of indigenous people with only minor flaws while those outside their community are beyond help.

Great acting by all concerned and terrific direction by Rachel Perkins.

Two episodes in and this is still hugely watchable and entertaining. A strong cast and some great characters make for compelling viewing. Deborah Mailman is brilliant, as usual. It is easy to feel for her character; she draws you in easily. The juxtaposition of bland maiden speech and her first interview works so well. Rachel Griffiths makes a great prime-minister. Believable and strong. The supporting case is equally proficient, and I look forward to more screen-time with them. Highly recommended.

Wow! Wow! Wow! Tell it like is with no punches pulled! About bloody time and with the black fellas up-front too!

Strong characters, interesting story. This is a show with heart as well as soul. Well written, and you care about the people.

I watched this to get away from all the usual formula stuff from the US and wound up staying up until 3 AM watching the entire first season. I was pleasantly surprised at how excellent it was. AND it has ROB COLLINS! It was also nice to see Shantae Barnes-Cowan again. She never fails to impress with her range and her depth. Deborah Mailman is new to me, but I look forward to seeing anything else she's in.

This series starts slow and just keeps building, like all the character. It also brings full forward the problem of the world which is prejudice in all shapes and sizes and colors. And the convoluted games played n politics.

Most importantly, to me, it was about people who care for one another and do everything in their power to make things better for them.

Yes, there are parts where you have to suspend your belief and go with the flow of the story. It's a good one. Enjoy.

In the first episode of the second season of Total Control, the new Prime Minister offered Rachel Anderson (Rachel Griffiths) the position of Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Big mistake!

Australia does not have embassies or ambassadors in any Commonwealth country, including the United Kingdom; they have a High Commission and High Commissioners.

In this show, they do not live in a fictitious country; they live in Australia.

You would think they would get something as simple as this correct.

The first episode was gripping, hopefully more to come.

Mailman is brilliant! Great drama. Wonderful team great writing and direction!

Perkins has done an excellent job So has Dale they are an excellent team.

Can't wait to see the rest if the series

More please!!!

When so many reviewers call a show "gripping", I get suspicious. Some people are racist by praising anything, no matter how poor, that features aboriginal actors. This mini-series has a lot of positives but there is no way that it deserves a '10 star' rating. Deborah Mailman is better suited to comedy roles but her work here is good. Several other aboriginal actors also show their experience and talent. That said, there is a lot of 'wood' in the supporting cast. Rachel Griffiths is the 'Big Name' star and does well as a conservative version of Julia Gillard. 'PC Garfield' is a bit hammy, as usual. William McInnes reprises a role he played in another political drama. Many plot lines are based on recent events in Australian politics (though nothing can match the reality of Australian politics). The main problem with the production is credibility. As another reviewer pointed out, there are too many implausible events. There have been a few very good TV series with aboriginal themes in recent years but this one, though interesting, is not quite good enough.

... there are two programs being aired this season ... wildly-popular (Yellowstone) & another many might not even know about (Total-Control) ... one-American.. other Australian ... important-subject-matter at times similar yet contrast of styles could not be more-self-evident ... watching both mho highly recommend only one.

On seeing seasons 1 and 2 I have to bow in acclaim. This was my first contact with Deborah Millman and I just will say she is a tremendous actress! All the spectrum of human emotions she can deliver and shine. Rachel Griffith composes a perfect performance. (The actor playing Charlie seems to have just one single facial expression and throw it to the camera in every scene, a pity).

The show is centered on the strength and vulnerability of two main female characters--a veteran cunning PM and a newcomer to the political game. The themes bring to the table important issues, while the development focuses on individual action as a seed of change. It is perfectly well performed and directed, and is as thrilling and nail-biting as it can get until the last minute.

Together with The Newsreader, it set a high standard for Aussie TV and it is a refreshing, highly engaging and powerful show.