At the beginning of the episode, a representative of the president of the United States arrives to speak with Prime Minister Rachel Anderson (Rachel Griffiths). America is trying to build upon its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. He sits down with Rachel moments later. America wants one more thing from the Australians and they don’t care about past loyalty. Rachel tells Peter (Huw Higginson) that they need to get in touch with Alex Irving (Deborah Mailman). Jonathan (Harry Richardson) tells Alex that she forgot the tag on her shirt before she heads in to meet with Alex.

Alex thanks Rachel for the shoes Angela Merkel recommended. Then, they get to the point of the conversation. Rachel spoke with the Secretary of State and he wants to establish another defense base. The base would need to be placed on native title lands. They want Alex to negotiate a deal with her people. Or, they could go above their head and take the land without their permission. They want Alex to secure the deal so the move will not hurt Rachel’s chances in the upcoming election. Alex wants to deal with the situation without Jonathan but he is not going to leave her side.

Alex is stopped by Kevin Cartwright (David Roberts) to chat about the death of Marcie Maclean. Kevin is expecting the findings and he wants to keep Alex up to date. Meanwhile, Jonathan insults Daphne and introduces himself to Christopher Bingham (James Sweeny). Alex argues with Jonathan until they head to Winton. Alex calls Tom Campbell JR (Aaron Pedersen) asking him to bring the families together. Alex makes a stop to ask one of the leaders to attend the meeting before returning to Jonathan. Meanwhile, Kevin holds a press conference to disclose that Marie died as a result of an asthma attack.

He clears the security guard and detention center of any wrongdoing as well. Meanwhile, Marcie’s friend continues her journey. She steals a purse and enters a store. She steps outside and tries to call Alex. However, she hangs up quickly when Tracey (Celia Ireland) answers the phone. Marcie’s friend is offered a ride from a stranger. Jonathan and Alex enter a pub where Alex speaks with Patsy. The Campbells are there as well. Alex thanks them for agreeing to come. Patsy tells them not to worry about old man Campbell because the town needs jobs and new people. Alex lets Jonathan know that women do not get political among her people.

Matthew (Matt Doran) interrupts and tells Alex that she is going to have a tough time finding support. Jonathan decides to go his room which he doesn’t like in the least. He watches as Alex speaks with Tom Jr outside. Tom doesn’t believe they’re going to agree and he cannot support the deal either. Tom gives her something before he leaves. Meanwhile, Marcie’s friend finds out that the stranger has stopped the car for a drink. He is a bit odd but he doesn’t bother her. That night, Alex speaks with her mom Jan. Alex wants her mother to be at the meeting although Jan doesn’t think it’ll make a difference. Jonathan goes over paperwork and checks out his dating app.

He looks at the people around him and changes his mind. Alex gives her mother a pair of the Angela Merkel shoes. That night, Alex meets with Tom Jr in the middle of nowhere and they get cozy together. They kiss and such too. In the morning, everyone prepares for the upcoming meeting. Before too long, everyone arrives for the meeting before non-native title holders are forced to leave. As Alex begins talking her brother Charlie (Rob Collins) enters. Meanwhile, Marcie’s friend tries to call Alex once again. She speaks with Tracey and attempts to get Alex’s phone number. Tracey says she’ll ask Alex first and she tells the young girl to call her back that afternoon.

Jonathan gives Peter an update but he learns that Damien Bauer (Anthony Hayes) is stirring up trouble about the meeting. Tom and Charlie speak out against the deal until Jan stands up and speaks up for her daughter. Alex encourages them to listen to the details before deciding. Alex begins turning around but Premiere Timothy knight ruins it by speaking out against the arrangement. Matthew enters the meeting and tells everyone about Timothy’s words. Damien speaks out against Rachel but denies he is going to be challenging for the leadership. Jonathan tries to convince Alex to keep fighting but she doesn’t believe she can get them back into the room at this point.

Damien calls so Alex gives him a piece of her mind. Charlie speaks with his sister that night. She wanted her brother to stand up for her. He says they’re not sure if they should trust her before apologizing. Marcie’s friend tries to take a swim in a pool that night. The owner approaches her and snaps a few pictures. He won’t call the police as long as she gives him something. She knocks him out, takes his phone, and runs away. Jonathan and Alex decide to visit the woman who wouldn’t attend the first meeting. It happens to be Alex’s aunt. She wants to show Alex something. They go the Kirrendirri which is a very special place for the local people.

Alex promises to look after the country and culture. After that, she goes to Tom and tries to convince him to negotiate. She reminds him that the state government won’t be able to say anything about it. Alex tells him that they need to do a deal now or lose it. Before too long, Alex learns that they want to negotiate. Everyone returns for another meeting. She says the government wants a 100-year lease and she says they should refuse the offer. She says 25 years is better. The group discusses what they want in exchange for their land. Alex calls Rachel and lets her known moments later. Later, Jan and Alex says they’re proud of one another. Then, Alex receives a call from Marcie’s friend. She wants to tell Alex the truth about Marcie’s death.

She says they shot tear gas into the cell and laughed at Marcie as she died. She reveals that she filmed it all too. The friend hangs up when Alex tries to find out where she is.

 

Total Control

Total Control has some potential to be good. It stirs up the emotions from time to time. However, the biggest problem with the show is the credibility. It is clear that the writer or writers started with an agenda. The world isn’t a perfect place but it is nowhere near as bad as this show wants it to be. Also, the characters are not the most realistic. I would think Marcie’s friend would be a bit smarter. You can’t hop into cars with strangers without even worrying about it.

Alex’s role wouldn’t be as significant as they make it out to be either. Finally, I am not sure why they decided to take Alex out of her comfort zone only to put her back in her comfort zone this episode. That felt like a step backward. The episode was mediocre. It scores a 6 out of 10. Previous recaps of Total Control can be found on Reel Mockery.