Total Control (TV series)

Total Control is an Australian television political drama series first screened on ABC TV in October 2019. Its working title was Black Bitch, but that was deemed too controversial and the series was renamed. Season 2 of the show is currently being filmed for an intended release late in 2021.
Synopsis.
Rachel Anderson is the embattled but cunning Prime Minister of Australia. Alex is a charismatic Indigenous woman who finds herself the centre of media attention following her admirable actions in a high-risk situation. Rachel wants to use Alex to boost her popularity and further her own agenda, and recruits her as a senator.
The government in the series appears to represent the Liberal-National coalition, with various factions and other parties mimicking current ones in Australia. There are several storylines and characters, including Alex's son, her mother, an ex-lover and rival clans in Winton, Queensland, her activist brother in the city, various other players in the Canberra political and office sphere, and a young woman who has escaped youth detention with some footage which could severely damage the government, or in particular the right-wing faction.
Production.
The working title of the series was "Black Bitch", however it was changed after complaints that the title was a racial slur. It is written by Stuart Page, Angela Betzien, Pip Karmel and is directed by Rachel Perkins. It is produced by Darren Dale and Miranda Dear for Blackfella Films with Rachel Griffiths, Kelrick Martin and Sally Riley as executive producers. The six-part first season was filmed in Canberra, Sydney and Winton in Central West Queensland. Season 2 filmed scenes on location in Parliament House, Canberra as well as Sydney and Broken Hill.
New music was written and recorded by Missy Higgins and featured in the series.
In advance of its broadcast premiere on ABC TV in October 2019, several episodes of the series received a preview screening in the Primetime program of the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival.
Critical reception.
The program has received mixed to positive reviews from critics. The dialogue, relationships between the characters, and Alex's characterization were widely praised, but recurring criticisms were that the series lacked action and the storytelling was too meek and subdued despite its intense subject matter. However, the cast's performances received critical acclaim, especially Deborah Mailman's.
In a positive review from "The Sydney Morning Herald" by critic Craig Mathieson, he said of the series "It's hard to remember the last time an Australian drama had dialogue as biting, juicy, and telling as the lines that ricochet back and forth – simultaneously revealing power and defining personalities." Mathieson in praise of Mailman said that she gives a "full-tilt and full-bodied performance". In a mixed review from critic Luke Buckmaster of "The Guardian" said "There are times when it feels like we may be in store for a Bulworth-style spectacle, revolving around a shoot-from-the-hips political newbie with nothing to lose. However, the drama in Total Control is meeker than that, and the stakes feel surprisingly low, given several hot-button issues explored." Buckmaster praised the performances of both Mailman and Trisha Morton-Thomas. He declared Mailman's performance to be "superb" and said that she was the series' "one unquestionably outstanding element". 
In another mixed review Chris Boyd from "Screenhub" stated that "As an action drama, "Total Control" is unconvincing and poorly executed. As a political thriller, it’s sketchy and forced. The Canberra intrigue is shallow to the point of parody." Boyd in his review praised the performances of both Mailman and Rob Collins. When it comes to Mailman's performance he said "Increasingly blunt, and foul-mouthed, Mailman is electrifying. Tectonic. Unforgettable." Laura Brodnik from "Mamma Mia" gave the series a positive review saying "with a cutting and topical script, this is a series that secures a spot as one of the best Australian offerings of the year." Brodnik praised most of the cast but singled out Mailman and Shantae Barnes Cowan for the most praise. She called Mailman's performance a "stand out". And said Barnes Cowan "delivers some of the shows most emotional moments in scenes that are light on dialogue, so it’s left up to her facial expressions to convey the gravity of what is really going on."