Pine Gap Season 2: Everything We Know So Far

 

“Pine Gap” is an Australian political thriller series available on Netflix. Created by Greg Haddrick and Felicity Packard, the show takes its name from the real-life Pine Gap satellite tracking station located in the Australian outback.

 

This espionage drama revolves around the collaborative efforts of Australian and American intelligence personnel at Pine Gap to monitor global threats with an emphasis on cybersecurity and espionage. The cast includes experienced actors like Parker Sawyers, Tess Haubrich, Jacqueline McKenzie, and Stephen Curry.

 

Their performances contribute to the series’ portrayal of the high-stakes world of intelligence and its ethical dilemmas. Although “Pine Gap” may not have received widespread international recognition or numerous accolades, it received positive reviews for its suspenseful storytelling and exploration of the complexities of modern surveillance and international relations.

 

The series offers a unique glimpse into the often-secretive world of intelligence agencies and their role in global security. While it may not have achieved the same level of success as some other Netflix originals, it remains an engaging option for viewers interested in political dramas and espionage thrillers.

 

 

 

Official Announcement on Pine Gap Season 2

 

Pine Gap is an espionage thriller drama jointly produced by Australia’s ABC network and Netflix. The show premiered in October 2018 on the ABC network and on Netflix in November 2018.

 

While the first episode was launched with much fanfare and garnered a good viewership, the numbers declined by the end of the season. It was not able to keep up with high numbers on a global scale.

 

This made ABC and Netflix reluctant to give it a season 2. Moreover, in November 2021, a minor international incident broke out over this series. In two of the episodes, the series depicts the map of Southeast Asia featuring the ‘Nine-Dash Line’.

 

This was deemed unacceptable by both the Philippines and Vietnam, who opposed this Chinese occupation. As a result, Netflix was forced to remove those episodes from the show in those regions.

 

This further affected the prospects of the revival of Pine Gap Season 2 for both ABC and Netflix. Hence, as of now, it can only be confirmed that Pine Gap has not been renewed for another season.

 

 

 

Previous Seasons and Episodes of Pine Gap

 

Pine Gap was created in 2018 by Greg Haddrick and Felicity Packard based on a script they created. The series had six episodes that were an hour-long each, and it revolved around the world of spies, international relations and suspense.

 

The series was praised by some critics to be a realistic reflection of military, inter-governmental, and inter-departmental mind games. The clash of loyalties to one’s own ideologies and countries mars a joint defence intelligence facility that is run by American and Australian nationals.

 

On the other hand, the series was also slammed as a slow-moving, boring spy drama that was poorly written. Another publication called the series an attempt at creating favourable propaganda of US-Australian relations, with token representation of aboriginal actors.

 

However, Pine Gap also received surprising support from Stephen King. He commented that the show was highly engrossing and that he was looking forward to the next season.

 

 

 

Where To Watch Pine Gap

 

The series is available on Netflix for streaming in the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom. Although Netflix was ordered to remove a few episodes in a few countries like Vietnam and the Philippines, other countries can watch the complete series.

 

 

 

Pine Gap Season 2 Google Trends Data Analysis 

 

On Google Trends, we see that the Australian series Pine Gap has enjoyed a declining yet choppy popularity. Fans loved the series when it was telecast in 2019, but its fame declined in the years since.

 

However, in 2021, the controversy surrounding the use of the ‘Nine-Dash Line’ while showing a map of South East Asia reignited its popularity, albeit temporarily. The number of searches for Pine Gap season 2 has also fluctuated greatly over the past 12 months.

 

While the fans want to watch the show, the negative publicity caused by the controversy and the negative reviews are holding back many potential viewers.

 

 

Pine Gap Season 2 Social Media Engagement 

 

As with Google Trends, even on social media platforms like Facebook and X (Twitter), activity has been sparse. During the telecast of the show in 2019, the activity was lively and high.

 

Since then, much of the buzz around the show has declined. Discussions picked up for a bit when the ‘Nine-Dash Line’ controversy occurred. However, it dropped back down. In fact, there is nil activity among fans and followers around the topic of Pine Gap season 2.

 

It appears all this negative news has driven them away from the series.

 

 

Expected Plot of Pine Gap Season 2

 

The plot of the first season of Pine Gap centres around Sino-US relations after a missile downed a small passenger aircraft in South Asia. At the same time, Australia decided to maintain neutrality with China in view of the growing economic relations between the two countries.

 

As the series progresses, the espionage drama deepens with a number of agents from Pine Gap getting embroiled in some form of deceit of the other. Towards the end of the season 1 finale, matters come to a head with a number of leaks and weak points being exposed in the Australian and American parties.

 

Although the main trouble point has been resolved in the end, Australia and America still have to contend with the growing influence of China and their vast network of spies that constantly pose a danger.

 

This is a plotline that needs to be tackled in season 2. Chinese business has gained clearance to establish its gas-mining company in Alice Springs, close to Pine Gap. They abuse the Aborigine protection laws and their strained relationship with the government to stir up trouble and gain clearance.

 

This will become a flashpoint that will feature prominently in season 2.

 

 

Top Characters In Pine Gap

 

1. Gus Thompson

 

Gus Thompson is a driven and ambitious American mission director at Pine Gap, a joint US-Australian intelligence facility. He is fiercely loyal to his country and team, and he is not afraid to make tough decisions, even when they have far-reaching consequences.

 

Gus is a brilliant strategist with a deep understanding of the geopolitical landscape. He is also a skilled manipulator, able to get people to do what he wants without them even realising it.

 

However, Gus’s ruthlessness can sometimes lead him to make questionable choices. Gus is portrayed by Parker Sawyers in the series. In the world of Pine Gap, where secrets and lies are the norm, Gus is a master of both.

 

He is a man who is always several steps ahead of everyone else, and he is always playing the long game.

 

2. Jasmina Delic

 

Jasmina Delic is a Serbian-Australian communications intelligence team leader at Pine Gap. She is a brilliant analyst with a knack for uncovering hidden patterns and insights. Jasmina is fiercely loyal to her team and her country but she is also fiercely independent and unafraid to speak her mind.

 

Jasmina’s role in Pine Gap is to provide critical intelligence to both the US and Australian governments. She is responsible for monitoring and analysing communications from around the world and she is often the first to identify potential threats.

 

Jasmina’s work is essential to keeping both countries safe. In addition to her technical skills, Jasmina is also a skilled diplomat. She is able to navigate the complex relationships between the US and Australia, and she is always mindful of the delicate balance of power between the two countries.

 

Tess Haubrich played the role of Jasmina in the series.

 

3. Kath Sinclair

 

Kath Sinclair is a shrewd and experienced Australian deputy chief of Pine Gap, a joint US-Australian intelligence facility. She is a master of navigating the delicate power dynamics between the two countries, ensuring that Australian interests are always prioritised.

 

Kath is a pragmatist who is not afraid to make difficult decisions, even if they are unpopular. She is fiercely loyal to her country and her team but she is also willing to bend the rules if it means achieving her goals.

 

Kath’s sharp intellect and keen understanding of the geopolitical landscape make her a formidable opponent. She is always several steps ahead of her adversaries and is always prepared for any eventuality.

 

Jacqueline McKenzie portrayed Kath in the series. In the world of Pine Gap, where secrets and lies are the norm, Kath is a beacon of stability and authority. She is a woman who is not easily swayed, and she is always true to her convictions.

 

4. Ethan James

 

Ethan James is the enigmatic and imposing American chief of Pine Gap. A seasoned intelligence operative with a deep understanding of the global power struggle, he commands respect and fear in equal measure.

 

His role is to oversee the facility’s operations and ensure that American interests are met. However, his motives are often shrouded in mystery, and his allegiances are not always clear.

 

James is a master manipulator, adept at playing people against each other. He is also a ruthless pragmatist, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. Steve Touissant played the role of Ethan James in the show.

 

In the murky world of Pine Gap, Ethan James is a figure of intrigue and power. His role is pivotal to the unfolding drama, and his actions will have far-reaching consequences.

 

5. Jacob Kitto

 

Jacob Kitto is a cunning and ambitious Australian mission director at Pine Gap. He is fiercely loyal to his country and his superiors, and he is not afraid to take risks in order to achieve his goals.

 

Kitto is a skilled manipulator, able to charm and deceive others in order to get what he wants. He is also a master of compartmentalization, able to keep his personal and professional lives separate.

 

Beneath his polished exterior, Kitto is a deeply conflicted man. He is haunted by the past, and his actions are often driven by a desire for revenge. He is also capable of great cruelty and will stop at nothing to protect his own interests.

 

In the world of Pine Gap, where secrets and lies are the norm, Jacob Kitto is a dangerous man. Jacob Kitto is played by Stephen Curry in the series.

 

 

Important Crew Members of Pine Gap

 

1. Creators – Greg Haddrick and Felicity Packard

 

Pine Gap was created by Greg Haddrick and Felicity Packard. Haddrick is an Australian writer and producer with a long history in television. He has created and produced shows such as Rake, Janet King, and The Code.

 

Haddrick is known for his sharp writing and ability to create complex and compelling characters. Felicity Packard is an Australian writer and producer who has worked on a variety of television shows, including The Code, Janet King, and Wentworth.

 

Packard is known for her strong female characters and ability to write engaging and suspenseful storylines. Together, Haddrick and Packard have created a unique and compelling series that explores the complex relationship between the United States and Australia.

 

Pine Gap is a gripping thriller that sheds light on the world of intelligence and the high stakes involved in global espionage.

 

2. Writers – Greg Haddrick and Felicity Packard

 

Greg Haddrick and Felicity Packard have also worked as writers of the series. Apart from the production of series, their speciality also lies in writing strong and water-tight scripts that capture the audience’s imagination.

 

They have done a masterful job of creating a world that is both realistic and suspenseful. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is full of twists and turns.

 

Pine Gap is a must-watch for fans of political thrillers.

 

3. Director – Mat King

 

The Netflix series Pine Gap was directed by Mat King. This Australian director and producer directed all six episodes of the series and helped to create the perfect ambience of suspense, thriller, and intrigue.

 

Apart from working on Pine Gap, King has many other prestigious projects like Wentworth, My Life Is Murder, Doctor Who, and more. He is no stranger to suspense thrillers as he previously worked on Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Law & Order: UK, DCI Banks, etc.

 

4. Music – Burkhard Dallwitz

 

Burkhard Dallwitz is an Australian composer who has worked on a variety of film and television projects. He is best known for his work on the television series Wolf Creek (2016) and Pine Gap (2018), as well as the feature film Locusts (2019).

 

Dallwitz’s music is known for its atmospheric and suspenseful sound. He often uses a combination of electronic and orchestral elements to create a unique and unsettling soundscape. His work on Pine Gap is particularly notable for its use of Japanese folk music to create a sense of mystery and intrigue.

 

In addition to his work in film and television, Dallwitz has also composed music for a number of documentaries and short films. He is a versatile and talented composer who is able to create music that is both beautiful and unsettling.

 

 

Top 5 Shows Like Pine Gap

 

1. The Unlisted

 

The Unlisted is a 2019 Australian sci-fi series available on Netflix. The show revolves around two identical twin brothers, Dru and Kal, who discover a sinister government conspiracy targeting children through mind-controlling devices.

 

They join a secret organisation to combat the threat and protect their peers. The series explores themes of identity, surveillance, and resistance while delivering action-packed adventures. With a gripping storyline and a young cast, “The Unlisted” offers a unique blend of mystery and social commentary, making it a thrilling watch for both young audiences and adults interested in dystopian narratives.

 

2. A Spy Among Friends

 

A Spy Among Friends is a gripping exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the devastating consequences of deception. Based on the true story of Kim Philby, a British intelligence officer who betrayed his country by becoming a double agent for the Soviet Union, A Spy Among Friends delves into the complex relationship between Philby and his closest confidant, Nicholas Elliott.

 

As their friendship deepened over the years, Philby’s allegiance to the Soviet Union remains a closely guarded secret. Elliott, unaware of his friend’s treachery, becomes increasingly suspicious of Philby’s activities.

 

Amidst the backdrop of the Cold War, the two men are drawn into a high-stakes game of deception and betrayal. As the truth about Philby’s double life gradually emerges, the foundations of their friendship are tested to their limits.

 

3. Top of The Lake

 

Top of The Lake is an American mystery series from Prime Video. In the desolate town of Laketop, Detective Robin Griffin is drawn into a labyrinthine investigation surrounding the disappearance of Tui Mitcham, a 12-year-old girl found standing inexplicably in the icy depths of the lake.

 

As Robin delves deeper into Tui’s world, she uncovers a web of secrets buried beneath the seemingly tranquil surface of the community. The town’s inhabitants harbour their own hidden agendas, and Robin soon realises that no one is telling the whole truth.

 

In a world where nothing is as it seems, Robin must navigate a treacherous landscape of deceit and betrayal. The truth lies hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be unearthed.

 

4. Treason

 

Treason is also a Netflix series from Britain. In the murky realm of espionage, where loyalty is a fragile commodity, Adam Lawrence, a rising star in MI6, finds himself entangled in a perilous game of deceit and betrayal.

 

When a close associate resurfaces with a shocking revelation, Adam’s carefully constructed world is turned upside down. As the lines between friend and foe blur, he is forced to question everything he holds dear.

 

With secrets buried deep within the corridors of power, Adam must navigate a treacherous landscape where trust is scarce, and danger lurks around every corner.

 

5. Glitch

 

Glitch is a Netflix series from Australia. In the remote town of Yoorana, a bizarre phenomenon unfolds as seven local residents mysteriously return from the dead. With no memory of their past lives, they are thrust back into a world that has moved on without them.

 

As they struggle to piece together their fragmented identities, they are drawn into a web of secrets and conspiracies that threaten to unravel the very fabric of their existence. Glitch is a captivating blend of mystery, suspense, and emotional drama that explores the profound impact of loss and the enduring power of human connection.