Territory is Netflix’s latest addition to the Western genre, following the power struggles of the Lawson family in Australia’s northern cattle country. The series opens with the death of Daniel Lawson, the owner of the Marianne Cattle Station. With no clear successor, a bitter fight breaks out among the Lawson family members and local rivals, all eager to control the land.
The series explores complex family dynamics and rivalries, mixing elements of traditional Westerns with the unique culture and harsh environment of the Australian Outback. Territory stands out because of its strong focus on an Australian setting, which is entirely cast with Australian and New Zealand actors.
The show explores the complexities of land ownership, family loyalty, and the gritty reality of rural life, creating an intense narrative around each character’s ambitions and loyalties. Featuring some of the best Australian thespians, such as Anna Torv, Michael Dorman, Robert Taylor, and Sam Corlett, this article explores the Territory Season 1 cast and characters and their significance to the storyline.
Territory Season 1 cast and characters
1) Anna Torv as Emily Lawson
Emily Lawson is a pivotal figure in the Lawson family saga. As Daniel Lawson's widow, she navigates the tumultuous aftermath of his death, balancing her role in the family business with the underlying tensions that arise from her wealth and status.
Emily is depicted as a strong and determined character who tries to assert herself in a male-dominated environment while managing complicated family relationships.
Anna Torv is well-known for her role as Olivia Dunham in the sci-fi series Fringe, where she showcased her range by playing a character who navigated parallel universes.
She also played Wendy Carr in Mindhunter, a show about the early days of criminal psychology and profiling at the FBI. Recently, she appeared in The Last of Us as Tess, a character who faces moral dilemmas in a post-apocalyptic world.
2) Michael Dorman as Graham Lawson
Graham Lawson is the eldest son of the Lawson family. He struggles with his identity and place within the family after being overshadowed by his deceased brother, Daniel.
As the story unfolds, Graham's motivations and ambitions become increasingly complex, reflecting the intense rivalries and emotional scars that define the Lawson family's dynamics.
Michael Dorman is recognized for his role as Gordo Stevens in the critically acclaimed series For All Mankind, which explores an alternate history of the space race.
He also starred in The Invisible Man as Tom Griffin. He had a significant role in the Australian series The Secret Life of Us, which helped establish his reputation in the industry.
3) Robert Taylor as Colin Lawson
Colin Lawson, the patriarch of the Lawson family, carries the weight of legacy and tradition. Though he is no longer the head of the family business, his influence lingers, especially in the eyes of his sons.
His relationships with Graham and the rest of the family reveal the complexities of familial loyalty and the challenges of letting go. Robert Taylor is best known as Sheriff Walt Longmire in Longmire, a modern Western series that garnered a dedicated fanbase.
His portrayal of a small-town sheriff dealing with personal and professional challenges received critical acclaim. Taylor also appeared in The Matrix as Agent Jones, showcasing his versatility across genres.
4) Sam Corlett as Marshall Lawson
Marshall Lawson is Graham's son, who has been away for years but returns for his uncle's funeral. His return stirs old conflicts and brings fresh perspectives to the family's struggles. Marshall's character arc explores themes of identity and reconciliation within a fractured family.
Sam Corlett gained popularity for his role as Leif Erikson in Vikings: Valhalla, a continuation of the Vikings saga that follows the adventures of the legendary Norse explorer. He also appeared as Caliban in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, where he showcased his acting chops in a supernatural setting.
5) Philippa Northeast as Susie Lawson
Susie Lawson, Graham's daughter, has just returned from college and is eager to make her mark in the family business. Her determination to assert herself adds a new dynamic to the family drama, particularly as she navigates her father's expectations and ambitions.
Philippa Northeast is known for her role as Evelyn MacGuire in the long-running Australian soap opera Home and Away. She also starred in The Newsreader, a series that explores the challenges faced by women in the news industry during the 1980s.
6) Sara Wiseman as Sandra Kirby
Sandra Kirby is a local figure with complex motives. Her interactions with the Lawson family reveal deeper layers of intrigue, as her character embodies the interconnected relationships of the community surrounding the Marianne Cattle Station.
Sara Wiseman has a long-standing career in Australian television, with roles in series like Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, High Country, and A Place to Call Home.
7) Daniel Wyllie as Hank Hodge
Hank Hodge is a veteran cattleman whose knowledge and experience bring weight to the narrative. His character often finds himself between loyalty to the Lawsons and the realities of their conflicts with rival factions.
Dan Wyllie has appeared in notable productions such as Love My Way, where he played a significant role in the ensemble cast, and Romper Stomper.
8) Clarence Ryan as Nolan Brannock
Nolan Brannock is a local who interacts closely with the Lawson family. His role adds to the story's texture, showcasing the relationships between community members and their ties to the Lawsons.
Clarence Ryan is emerging as a notable actor, recognized for his role in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, which showcases his ability to handle intense dramatic narratives. His experience in various Australian productions positions him as a rising star in the industry.
9) Jay Ryan as Campbell Miller
Campbell Miller adds tension and complexity to the family dynamic. His motivations and connections to the Lawsons create a web of intrigue that drives the narrative forward.
Jay Ryan is best known for his role as Jack Scully in the Australian soap opera Neighbors and for his performance in It Chapter Two as the adult version of Ben Hanscom, showing his capacity for both drama and horror.
Produced with a local Australian cast, Territory focuses on capturing the authenticity of Australian life. The decision to use only actors from Australia and New Zealand adds an extra layer of realism.
Territory is an exciting addition to Netflix’s lineup, offering viewers a unique Western drama. With powerful performances and stunning landscapes, this show will appeal to fans of family epics and Westerns alike.
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Territory is available exclusively on Netflix, joining the platform’s collection of gripping dramas.
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