“Territory” is a Netflix series created by Ben Davies and Timothy Lee. It stars Anna Torv, Michael Dorman, Robert Taylor, Sam Corlett, and Jay Ryan.
“Territory” is one of those series that adheres to a tried-and-true formula, executes it well, and most importantly, entertains. The creators know precisely which audience they are targeting and have mastered the art of captivating them right from the start. If you enjoyed HBO’s “Succession,” you’ll find that “Territory” incorporates much of that formula, albeit set in the Australian outback and centered around the most powerful cattle ranching family, the Lawsons.
This series offers a bit of everything, reminiscent of the powerful American family dramas from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. And yes, it also has its fair share of soap opera elements, or a touch of the 19th-century novel, depending on your perspective. The ensemble cast features a range of characters across six episodes, each with their own storylines, all converging around a significant inheritance.
Although the series does not stand out as particularly original or groundbreaking, its primary strength lies in its Australian setting. The show is adorned with wide-brimmed hats and possesses a certain raw, violent edge that distances it from traditional TV dramas.
About the Series
The series kicks off with the death of the youngest Lawson son, an event that brings the family back together, despite their strained relationship with the patriarch. From there, the narrative unfolds with stories of cattle ranching, power struggles, envy, and the daily operations at Marianne Station, the country’s most prominent cattle farm.
Elements of the Series
Does it have a lot of “soap opera” elements? Absolutely, and that’s because “Territory” aims to capture a bit of every element that has contributed to the success of numerous TV films to date. It takes a page from the 80s series focused on sprawling vineyard estates, this time set in Australia with Robert Taylor leading the cast. It also borrows heavily from the recent success of HBO’s “Succession,” and incorporates a touch of thriller to add violent and tense moments to the action.
This amalgamation of successful elements may not render “Territory” original, but it certainly ensures entertainment and creates that comforting television experience that its audience craves. It is engaging, packed with interwoven stories, twists, major business dealings, desert gangsters’ intrigue, and a few quirky, colorful characters to fulfill the show’s primary objective: to entertain.
The standout feature: the setting. It transports viewers to Australia’s wild and beautiful landscape, complete with its exotic wildlife and stunning natural scenery. It’s a chance for the audience to escape urban settings and take a virtual tour of this remarkable territory.
On the flip side, is it too generic, overly televisual, and overly focused on pleasing the audience? It has a bit of that too, but such series have always existed and will continue to do so, achieving a good balance between solid production values and functional character development.
Our Opinion
“Territory” is a good series that, while not significantly distinguishing itself from countless others we’ve seen, offers a unique landscape and setting that transport viewers to the expansive cattle ranches of Australia. It combines a bit of everything and, although it doesn’t excel in any one area, manages to strike a harmonious balance among its various genres and storylines.
Where to Watch “Territory”
