‘Mystery Road: Origin’ Recap – ‘Episode 1’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Mystery Road: Origin’.
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The mystery/crime genre is rife with one common element, the grizzled detective. That intense individual that has seen it all, done it all, and been a part of stunning cases. The kind that has helped to jade them a bit, in fact… it was likely an ugly case that truly made them who they are. Which isn’t a bad element in these stories by any means. Simply because this type of character is often quite human and accessible believe it or not, for their gruff nature comes from the fact that they do still care about what they see, they simply want to work harder to eradicate it. Giving us insight into the fact that they have a great heart and great constitution and will stop at nothing to make the world a better place. 
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But it does leave one to wonder… is it really just one bad moment or only ugly case that makes a person that jaded and stilted? Or is there more at play with how they view the world and why they guard themselves? Well, those are questions that a brand-new series on Acorn TV is looking to answer. For yesterday saw the debut of Mystery Road: Origin. A series that takes us back to 1999 to meet a far younger Jay Swan. Back when he was a far younger officer of the law and still perhaps a touch bright eyed and bushier tailed than when we met him in the original Mystery Road saga and well, going this route in the series premiere… allows for us to immediately understand that yes, there is more to jading sometimes than meets the eyes. 

For we quickly come to learn in this tale, that Jay’s return home isn’t exactly the joyous occasion that he was hoping it would be. Not because he’s about to make detective and enjoy a new chapter in his career in the town that forged a great deal of his personality, but because… the past hangs heavy in this town. For Jay has a strained relationship with his father, who is… quite traditional for fathers of that era. Since all that matters to Jack Swan is being a man and enjoying the wonder of independence and keeping emotions out of the mix. Which are traits that frustrate Jay to no end, since they don’t allow for healing and don’t engender trust between a father and son, and Jay is clearly hoping for more with his father upon his return home… to find peace between them. 

Which means there is a fair chance that this series is going to focus heavily on that relationship and its dynamic, and how that could have made Jay quite sour in nature. Which leaves one nervous for certain that implies emotional tragedy, the kind where Jay likely won’t get the answers or closure he seeks. Not to mention… there’s darkness in this town as well. Since there is a local band of thieves that are quick to threaten and harm to get what they want, and their ruthless nature and desire to have whatever they want, whenever they want… could lead to heartbreak and trouble as well. Since that kind of ruthless nature can indeed bring about great harm to people emotionally, especially when one considers how many close and ugly calls Jay had with them in this particular tale.

But while this definitely set the stage for a powerful and emotional journey, one that will indeed answer those questions, there were wonders to be found here as well. For this episode did indeed bring forth the arrival of Mary, his once and future wife and their first meeting was realistically awkward to say the least. In a manner devoid of love at first sight and how they come to move past that and marry will be fascinating to learn and well, in the end… this is simply a magnificent series premiere. One that exhibited care for the future and the source material, all while giving us something fresh through those robbers. But most important of all, it really did inform us that Jay’s future stoic nature is ground in so much more and it will be fascinating to see how that all comes to life as this prequel continues along. Until next time.

To learn more about how Mark Coles Smith brought a younger Jay Swan to life, check out our interview with Mark, right here.   

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