EXCLUSIVE: The brand new season of Scrublands is finally here.
Scrublands: Silver is plunging viewers back into the gripping world of Martin Scarsden and Mandy Bond, this time in the picturesque but perilous town of Port Silver.
Stream every episode of Scrublands and Scrublands: Silver only on Stan.
With a fresh mystery, compelling performances and a stunning backdrop of Augusta, Western Australia, Season 2 promises even more twists and turns than its predecessor.
Bella Heathcote, who reprises her role as the enigmatic Mandy Bond, spoke to 9Entertainment about the show’s return and what we can expect from the new episodes.
“Getting the band back together was great,” she beamed. “I made so many friends during Season 1, and it’s so fun getting to work with your friends again.”
This season sees Mandy and Martin (Luke Arnold) seeking a fresh start, only to be immediately embroiled in a murder investigation.
“Right off the bat, Mandy is implicated in the murder of one of Martin’s childhood best friends, and it doesn’t get much better from there for a long time,” Heathcote revealed.
READ MORE: Luke Arnold and Bella Heathcote return for electrifying new season of Stan’s hit series Scrublands
The emotional intensity of the series demanded a strong support system on set.
“It was even more pertinent to have people that felt like friends and allies on that job, because the content is pretty dark,” the actress explained.
“If I was going to do it in any environment it would be that one, because [director] Ben Young and everyone are just a delight to be around.”
Filming in Augusta provided a unique and memorable experience.
“Before I left, my husband and I were Googling it, thinking – where do you get the good coffee? Where do you want to stay? Where’s the sun going to rise? Staying in that place… well, Google doesn’t do it justice,” Heathcote said.
“Everyone in the town was heaven. Half of them would just come on and be background [extras] or whatever. So it just felt like we were really in the community, and it was so stunningly beautiful.”
Sarah Roberts, returning as the determined journalist Beth, also praised the Augusta setting.
“I loved it. It was so beautiful. And I think it actually makes the show look [fictional town] Port Silver,” Roberts told us.
“I think that’s what’s so great about Australian noir. Augusta was such a quiet country coastal town, and I think that really bleeds through into the show.”
READ MORE: Luke Arnold and Bella Heathcote return for electrifying new season of Stan’s hit series Scrublands
Roberts expressed her excitement about Beth’s expanded role in the second season.
“I love that my character had so much more to do in Season 2. It was great, actually, being able to act opposite other actors,” she said.
“In Season 1, all of my scenes were shot with an AD [assistant director] as Beth only appeared via video call/telephone.”
The cast formed a close bond during filming. “We all just became really close, I think. That’s what happens when you do an away shoot,” Roberts said.
“Luca Carroll and I are really good mates now. He would walk me home most nights after the pub. It was great meeting Debra Lawrence. I’d never met her before, and we would have lunch together on set and have great girly chats.”
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Both Heathcote and Roberts are eager for viewers to experience the gripping narrative and exceptional performances in Scrublands: Silver.
“There are some incredible performances. It’s a really compelling show, with all this incredible Australian talent,” Heathcote said.
Roberts added: “I’m so excited for everyone to see Season 2, and just to get to know Beth more as well, ’cause I don’t feel like audience members got to know Beth that well.”
With the potential for a third season, both actresses are keen to return.
“I’ve read the third book, and I ripped through that in two days,” Heathcote said.
Stream every episode of Scrublands and Scrublands: Silver only on Stan.
Nine Entertainment Co (the publisher of this website) owns and operates the streaming service Stan.
