Tatau - Episode 1 - Advance Preview + Dialogue Teasers

© BBC Pictures
Tomorrow sees the launch of BBC Three’s latest supernatural drama from the Being Human creators, Touchpaper TV, and their New Zealand partners South Pacific Pictures. This time, however, there isn’t a werewolf, vampire, ghost or zombie in sight, just two normal 20-something London lads off backpacking around the world seeking sun and adventure.

We catch up with them in the Cook Islands. Somewhere one of our characters, Kyle (Joe Layton), has long felt he has wanted to visit, so much so that he got himself a self-designed Māori tattoo before leaving home. Both he and his lifelong friend, Paul ‘Budgie’ Griffiths (Theo Barklem-Biggs), could be said to be running away from complications at home in the UK, the mysteries of which will unfold over the course of the season.

For now though, the lads have immersed themselves in the island life. Kyle has started a relationship with an American barmaid, Tyler (Tai Berdinner Blades), and Budgie fancies himself as the local lothario, which causes problems when he falls for the wrong girl on the beach. They’re also just about to sample a regional hallucinogenic drink with bar owner Dries (Barry Atsma) which will change the whole course of their holiday in ways they could never have imagined.

This first episode does well to set up the initial plot, although the pacing is a tad off in places. The opening is very rushed, for example, I would have preferred a little more of the two leads relationship before diving into the story perhaps. Layton and Barklem-Biggs play off each other very well, so it’s a shame that we don’t get to see more of their friendship before things start to go wrong. The middle also ambles along slightly before we get to the reveal at the end, but it is less noticeable, and to be fair all the other episodes I have watched flow very well in comparison.

Much like Poldark is boosting the nation’s love of the Cornish coastline, I can see Tatau having a similar effect for the Cook Islands. The local traditions and Māori culture play a large part in the overall story, and then of course you have the many magnificent landscapes that the island possesses. From the golden beaches with their inviting azure waters, to the dense and mystical woodland surrounding the volcanic peaks, the scenery is simply stunning.

Episode 1 airs on Sunday 12th April at 10pm on BBC Three and Saturday April 18 on BBC America at 10pm. Don’t forget to come back and vote in our poll after the episode and let us know what you thought.


“You’ve got to stop thinking that what people tell you is the truth”

“There’s something else I need to warn you of, an encounter you might have. The White Lady of Manutaki”

“He said no-one’s missing, and we accept that. Thank you sergeant and apologies again”

“You might wanna get that translated, in case it’s offensive”

“What if I could have saved her? I need to know Budge, that it wasn’t my fault”

“Although she is far away, she is in our hearts always and forever”

“We can tell the police where to look, anonymously. Without getting involved”

“Nah, I’m in Norwich. I’ve got a score lined up”

“It’s a sacred drink to some of the locals. You know what it does?”

“And that makes lying in boat, naked, acceptable does it! Cover yourself up and get the hell out of my house!”


Trailer Teaser

“You’re cracking up mate, can’t you see that!”

About the Author - Sandi

Sandi is part of the Senior Staff at SpoilerTV having been a contributor from back in the Lost days of DarkUFO, and who now writes previews for Banshee, The Musketeers, Poldark, and other BBC shows. She also enjoys watching and commenting on other shows such as Reign, Hannibal, Game of Thrones and Elementary.

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