Total Control

Total Control is an Australian television political drama series first screened on ABC TV in October 2019. Its working title was Black Bitch, but that was deemed too controversial and the series was renamed. Season 2 began airing on 7 November 2021. On 31 August 2022, a third season was announced by Screen Australia production for the third and final series was announced on May 31, 2023. Synopsis Rachel Anderson is the embattled but cunning Prime Minister of Australia. Alex is a charismatic Indigenous woman who finds herself the centre of media attention following her admirable actions in a high-risk situation. Rachel wants to use Alex to boost her popularity and further her own agenda, and recruits her as a senator. The government in the series appears to represent the Liberal-National coalition, with various factions and other parties mimicking current ones in Australia. There are several storylines and characters, including Alex's son, her mother, an ex-lover and rival clans in Winton, Queensland, her activist brother in the city, various other players in the Canberra political and office sphere, and a young woman who has escaped youth detention with some footage which could severely damage the government, or in particular the right-wing faction. Cast and characters Main Cast Deborah Mailman as Alexandra "Alex" Irving, Coalition Senator for Queensland (Series 1) and now independent MP for the seat of Freeman, Queensland (Series 2). Rachel Griffiths as Rachel Anderson, the Prime Minister of Australia (Series 1) and now independent MP for the seat of North Sydney, New South Wales (Series 2). Harry Richardson as Jonathan Cosgrove, former staffer in the Prime Minister's Office and chief advisor to Senator Irving (Series 1). Rob Collins as Charlie Irving, Alex's brother who worked as a university lecturer in Sydney (Series 1) and who now heads up Alex's campaign for the seat of Freeman (Series 2). Anthony Hayes as Damian Bauer, Minister for Immigration (Series 1) and now the Prime Minister of Australia (Series 2). William McInnes as Laurie Martin, Leader of the Australian Labor Party and Leader of the Opposition (Series 1 and 2). Huw Higginson as Peter Solomon, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister. Wesley Patten as Eddie Irving, Alex's son. Series 1