Top of the Lake

Episode five
Even at his most menacing, police chief Al gives off a bit of an ‘Accidental Partridge’ vibe. Tonight, mute, disturbed Jamie is brought in for questioning – Al’s Guantanamo-via-North Norfolk Digital vibe is something to behold.

In truth, moments of droll levity in ‘Top of the Lake’ are becoming increasingly few and far between as the endgame approaches. Instead, there’s a sense of incipient tragedy; Jane Campion’s use of New Zealand’s glorious, mutable landscape is truly remarkable – tonight, as Robin (Elisabeth Moss) decides to go after Peter Mullan’s Matt, its size and grandeur accentuates the sense of her vulnerability and isolation. A masterful series – and next week’s finale will, we promise, leave you gasping.