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13 Bizarre and Unusual Facts About the BBC Show “High Country”
High Country is a gripping BBC series set in the eerie wilderness of Australia’s Victorian High Country, blending crime, mystery, and supernatural elements. The show’s title has a double meaning: it refers not only to the mountainous area where it is set but also to the themes of drug use and addiction that run through the storyline. Here are 13 bizarre and unusual facts about the show that make it stand out.
1. Filming Location Rarity
“High Country” was filmed in the Victorian Alps, a location rarely captured on screen, giving the series a unique and authentic atmosphere that enhances its eerie and mysterious tone.
2. Rapid Production
The entire first season, comprising eight episodes, was shot in just 36 days. This intense filming schedule is unusual for a series with such complex storylines and settings.
3. Broadcast Shuffle
The series premiered on BBC One but switched to BBC Two for its final four episodes. This unusual move accommodated the series’ dark themes and later time slots.
4. Cultural Integration
“High Country” integrates First Nations perspectives and themes, thanks to the talents of lead actress Leah Purcell and the creative team. This inclusion provides a fresh take on the crime drama genre.
5. Psychic Elements
The show features a local teacher and self-professed psychic, Damien Stark, whose visions play a crucial role in the storyline. This blend of crime and supernatural elements adds a unique twist to the narrative.
6. Realism in Setting
The Victorian High Country’s harsh and remote environment plays a significant role in the series, creating a sense of isolation and danger that is central to the plot’s tension and mystery.
7. Character Depth
The protagonist, Detective Sergeant Andrea ‘Andie’ Whitford, is portrayed as a grounded and diligent cop who faces spiritual challenges, adding depth and complexity to her character.
8. Mystical Encounters
The series includes mystical and eerie encounters in the woods, enhancing the suspense and otherworldly feel of the storyline, which keeps viewers on edge.
9. Critical Acclaim
Despite some critiques about its adherence to genre clichés, “High Country” has received positive reviews for its setting, performances, and unique integration of cultural themes.
10. High Viewership in New Zealand
The entire first season was made available on New Zealand’s streaming service ThreeNow before its UK broadcast, highlighting its international appeal and strategic release planning.
11. Artistic Elements
The series incorporates an artists’ retreat as a significant setting, where characters explore artistic pursuits, adding layers of creativity and personal development to the plot.
12. Complex Web of Deceit
“High Country” features a tangled web of deceit, murder, and magic realism, keeping viewers guessing and engaged throughout its twists and turns.
13. Fast-Tracked to Streaming
All episodes of “High Country” were made available on BBC iPlayer following the broadcast of the first episode, allowing for binge-watching and catering to modern viewing habits.
Conclusion
“High Country” stands out for its unique blend of crime, supernatural elements, and cultural integration, set against the backdrop of the rarely seen Victorian High Country. These bizarre and unusual facts highlight what makes the series captivating, offering viewers a mix of suspense, mystery, and cultural richness.
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