Tangle – Season 1 (2009)
The affluent Kovac and Williams families in Melbourne are bound by old affairs and new secrets. When a disgraced sister returns home, she exposes fault lines, setting off a chain reaction of political scandal, marital betrayal, and a serious cover-up involving their teenage children that shatters their comfortable suburban lives.
Length: 8h54m
Genre: Drama
This Title is: Adult Secrets, Family Dysfunction, Moral Ambiguity
Cast
Justine Clarke, Kat Stewart, Catherine McClements, Ben Mendelsohn, Joel Tobeck
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: M – Mature themes, Infidelity, and Drug References
FAQ
- Is Tangle – Season 1 (2009) Based on a True Story?: No. It is a fictional Australian drama series, though it was loosely inspired by William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel *Vanity Fair*.
- Where was Tangle – Season 1 (2009) filmed?: Primarily filmed around Melbourne, Australia, specifically in affluent suburbs like Kew and Malvern East, as well as locations like Parliament House.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: Bryony Marks composed the theme music and score for the series.
Filmmaker Profile
The acclaimed producing partnership of John Edwards and Imogen Banks oversaw this production, which completes their informal trilogy of Australian life dramas. Working with writers Fiona Seres and Tony McNamara, they maintain a signature focus on emotional authenticity and the complex textures of everyday adult and family relationships.
Why It’s Worth Watching
The show excels in its realistic portrayal of family complexity and moral ambiguity, avoiding simple labels of right and wrong. The tight direction and sharp writing create a pressure-cooker atmosphere where characters struggle constantly to maintain their public facade in the face of mounting crises. It is premium Australian television.
Main Character Deep Dive
Christine Williams, portrayed brilliantly by Catherine McClements, anchors the emotional weight of the season. Her internal conflict stems from her struggle to trust her husband after his past affair, leading to intense personal isolation. McClements’ exceptional performance captures the immense human difficulty of preserving a family unit, making her journey both relatable and heartbreakingly memorable to watch.
Unforgettable Quote
“I know it’s very hard to find out that parents are human.”
Trivia
- The creative team considers the show the third part of an informal trilogy of Australian dramas, following *The Secret Life of Us* and *Love My Way*.
- The series was loosely inspired by the themes of betrayal and ambition found in William Makepeace Thackeray’s 1848 novel, *Vanity Fair*.
- Ben Mendelsohn (Vince Kovac) won the ASTRA Award for Most Outstanding Performance by an Actor: Male for his performance in Season 1.
Trailer
Streaming Link
Stream Tangle – Season 1 (2009) on:
Our Review
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I was immediately drawn into the complicated lives of the Kovac and Williams families. The storytelling is incredibly sharp, painting a sophisticated picture of suburban Australia where deceit hides just beneath the polished, respectable surface. The creators masterfully construct layers of personal turmoil, ensuring that every character’s flawed decision has a serious, far-reaching consequence for everyone else in their circle. The performances delivered by the main ensemble are truly outstanding; Kat Stewart and Ben Mendelsohn especially shine as morally grey, yet utterly authentic, individuals. I found myself completely engrossed in their struggles with marriage, ambition, and the confusing weight of parenthood. The whole production feels taut and is beautifully shot against the gorgeous Melbourne backdrop. It is a highly satisfying series that handles difficult, emotional subjects with refreshing maturity and unflinching honesty. This show is a masterclass in how to manage high-stakes domestic tension across two generations, creating a truly memorable experience.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you appreciate character-driven, emotionally rich television that explores the painful, messy consequences of infidelity, ambition, and long-held family secrets in high-stakes environments.
