2003 sees Zoe Jacobs, played by Jana McKinnon, vanishing from her 21st birthday celebration after an early exit. At the party, “Where’s Your Head At” by Basement Jaxx fills the air as family and friends enjoy fireworks, oblivious to the fact that the main attraction has slipped away, carrying a large backpack, suggesting she was readying herself for this unexpected moment. Fast-forward to the present day, Detective James Cormack (portrayed by ) establishes a base in Moorevale, Queensland, Australia, seeking answers regarding Zoe’s mysterious disappearance.
Entitled “Jack of Clubs,” Season 2 maintains the “whodunit” structure from Season 1, but instead focuses on a missing persons case involving both Zoe and James’ estranged brother, Ritchie. As series creator and showrunner Lucas Taylor raises the possibility that both Zoe and Ritchie might still be alive, Black Snow delves deeper into an emotionally charged investigation, exploring the profound impact of missing person cases on the families and loved ones of the victims. Black Snow is particularly driven to portray the various manifestations of grief to compensate for the seemingly ordinary case of Zoe Jacobs.
Black Snow Season 2 Finds a Work-Life Balance
Season 2 Gives More Attention to James’ Personal Circumstances
In the first episode of Black Snow‘s second season, much like many crime shows, we meet the new characters involved in the plotline, some of whom become suspects as the enigma deepens across six episodes. Interestingly, Samara Kahlil, portrayed by Megan Smart in the current timeline as a rival for James, appears to be the least questionable character. However, it’s Victoria Haralabidou who delivers a truly remarkable supporting performance as Nadja Jacobs. Her depiction of Nadja’s striking transformation from 2003 to the present day is so convincing that it feels like two distinct actors are portraying the character.
Modern whodunits pose a challenge due to their tendency to lean towards the predictable, with villains usually standing out conspicuously. However, credit should be given where it’s due as the novel “Black Snow” successfully maintains its secrecy surrounding the plot twists. The actual culprit turns out to be far from who the viewers suspect.
In the second season of “Black Snow,” as Zoe’s standing becomes clearer, the show also delves deeper into the Ritchie Cormack case. This split season allows Fimmel more personal performances compared to Season 1, which he handles flawlessly. However, much like in Season 1, the reason behind Ritchie’s disappearance and its connection to Isabel’s death remain ambiguous, as they were coincidental. Instead, “Black Snow” explores how Ritchie’s case affects James psychologically, shedding light on the effects of childhood trauma on an adult’s life. This focus makes James a more complex character this season. The resolution of this storyline sets up a compelling cliffhanger for a potential third season, making it worth keeping an eye on.
Black Snow Fully Utilizes the Australian Landscape
Black Snow Season 2 Has Profound Cinematography and Storytelling
Black Snow carefully chooses the settings for its stories each season. The first season unfolded in a vibrant Australian South Sea Islander community, steeped in a rich culture, yet marred by a troubling past of slavery that surfaced in the 1994 narrative. In contrast, Season 2 introduces the fictional town of Moorevale, where political intrigue and residential development intersect, making the natural surroundings both an escape and potentially a site of sorrow.
In Black Snow Season 2, the Glass House Mountains serve as a significant and intriguing element. Unlike showcasing them as mere visual wonders, they function more like a watchful character in the storyline. The Glass House Mountains’ Australian setting provides an ideal backdrop for Black Snow to shine as a visually captivating series. The cinematography masterfully portrays the expansive fields with the mountains in the distance, which symbolizes freedom for Zoe during her most vulnerable moments. Conversely, the show uses close-ups and fast pacing while following Zoe through narrow trails surrounded by trees to express her feeling of isolation and the predicament she’s put herself in. The Australian wilderness in Season 2 presents a blend of breathtaking beauty and unsettling danger, which is why it’s often advised not to venture too deep into national parks alone.
Season 2 Is a Step Down From Black Snow Season 1, But Maintains the Excitement
Season 1 Still Overshadows Black Snow Season 2
The setting of these towns – their social, political, and cultural landscape – is central to the enigma of “Black Snow,” and it’s this backdrop that becomes crucial in Season 2. In the first season, the context within the Australian South Sea Islander community brought attention to a culture often overlooked in cinema and television. Isabel’s personal identity made her struggles against injustice more relatable, particularly her fight for herself and her niece. “Black Snow” further emphasized that the complex power relationships and troubled history between the South Sea Islanders and white Australians were significant factors contributing to Isabel’s death.
Season 2 doesn’t shy away from social critique. It explores the harmful effects of high-end housing projects driven by political agendas on the disadvantaged community, and Zoe finds herself right in the thick of it. However, her quest for justice – a likely factor behind her disappearance in previous events – doesn’t seem to carry the same deeply personal weight as Isabel’s did in Season 1. Jana McKinnon delivers a familiar yet intriguing portrayal of Zoe. She embodies a woman who genuinely cares about issues beyond her small town, yet remains unpolished and learning from her privileged background. This makes McKinnon an excellent counterpart to Fimmel. Unfortunately, the series takes too long to fully develop Zoe into a complex, compelling character that warrants our support, stretching across several episodes.
In a similar vein, a brief narrative structure like Zoe’s story in “Black Snow” fits snugly within this compact series. Some elements from the first season are set aside to accommodate Fimmel’s personal journeys, yet they are tastefully done. Fimmel excels in his acting, particularly in “Black Snow,” where he conveys trauma through delicate gestures and trembling expressions without uttering a word. Moreover, Fimmel showcases his directorial prowess for the first time in the Season 2 finale, further highlighting his versatility. To put it simply, Travis Fimmel is at the peak of his career, and “Black Snow” seems to be reaping the rewards along with him.
Black Snow Season 2 premieres Thursday, April 24 on .
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2025-04-21 22:13