ABC's new drama series, Savage River, was partly filmed in the Alpine Shire. Our journalist Nathan de Vries is reviewing each episode.

AS 'Savage River' passes the halfway point of its season, we finally get into the good stuff – mystery, suspicion, and conspiracy, oh my!

The fourth episode picks up with former missing person Laila being reacquainted in the town, and revealing local bad boy and all–around terrible bloke Nick was the father of her baby, a pregnancy she terminated.

The murder mystery around Hugh Lang turns up more clues, including a direct tie to the meat works and a suspected murder weapon showing up in Miki's locker.

The episode culminates with a town hall meeting where the proverbial 'it' hits the fan – the workers want to know if the meat works is being sold, the police put out a call for information about the murder weapon, and Miki drops the bombshell that she has it and it was planted.

For the first time, the series actually allows itself to breathe – everything has been established, all the main players have settled into their roles, and it allows the story to be more character driven rather than driven by plot.

Virginia Gay's character of Rachel almost threatens to take the limelight from Katherine Langford's Miki – the way she interacts with the other characters, especially police sergeant Bill Kirby, just feels so grounded and believable.

Speaking of the good sergeant, we learn he may or may not be involved in a conspiracy to frame Miki no matter what – good twist!

Miki's mother Lynne also shines as an accomplice, giving off some fierce mother bear energy as she attempts to keep her daughter's name in the clear.

The gorgeous landscapes of the Alpine Shire still are on full display, with the establishing shots for the meat works shot literally just up the road.

There is still a lot going on – a lot of characters are given a scene or two to build on their personality, none more so than Nick, who went from a completely terrible character to a terrible character with a partner.

The series seems to be taking an upturn, focusing on the mystery element and, now that all characters have been established, the writing looks to be picking up.

There are only two more episodes left, so be sure to check out 'Savage River' on Sundays at 8.30pm or anytime on ABC Iview.