Last week, Binge unveiled its hotly-anticipated second season of Strife.
Throughout the first season, Strife focused on Evelyn Jones (Asher Keddie), a modern woman and publisher on her journey from lounge room blogger to becoming a force in women’s media.
When we last saw the ‘Eve Life’ team, Evelyn discovered that her old workplace was creating their own website. But she was even more concerned that her second-in-command, Christine (Maria Angelico), had jumped ship to take the role and team up with Peter (Jonathan LaPaglia).
Meanwhile on the home front, Evelyn and ex-husband Jon (Matt Day) thought to try the ‘bird-nesting’ technique in the wake of their separation.
When we pick up for the second season, six months have passed and the team at ‘Eve Life’ have grown with new hires in shape of former Vogue employee Lily (Karis Oka), new techie Guy (Tony Armstrong), and accountant Helen (Gabrielle Chan), joining Opal (BeBe Bettencourt), Jeet (Olivia Junkeer), and Paul (Rhys Mitchell).
The team are working hard to make sure their rival doesn’t steal their growing audience. But the reality is that Evelyn needs to find an investor to keep her ship sailing while also dealing with online trolling and venturing into podcasting.
While at home, the bird-nesting is continuing as Jon and Evelyn explore dating again… but with other people. They must also deal with Alex (Darcy Tadich) growing up while Addy (Willow Spears) is seeking more independence, and Evelyn’s mother Ginny (Tina Bursill) increases her presence in their lives.
Creator Sarah Scheller and the team have expanded on season one with a clear focus on Evelyn’s personal life and anxieties. But there’s an easy balance to allow for all of the cast to have their moment to shine alongside Keddie.
Guest appearances of note are Tim Minchin as a philosophy lecturer, and Dylan Alcott as an intimacy counsellor, both of who add to an already strong second season.
The drama of the world of online media is not to be missed with this return to Strife.
4 Stars
Stife is now streaming on Binge, with new episodes every Thursday until June 5.
