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TV Central: One on One Podcast
Marta Dusseldorp (Bay of Fires S2)
In a windswept corner of Tasmania’s wild west coast, where danger hides beneath breathtaking scenery, Bay of Fires makes its explosive return for a second season—and with it, so does one of Australia's most formidable creative forces: Marta Dusseldorp.
On this week’s episode of TV Central: One on One, we’re joined by the brilliant Marta herself—actor, producer, and co-Artistic Director of Archipelago Productions—for an in-depth conversation that dives deep into the world of Bay of Fires, the power of storytelling, and the vital role of culture in Australian life.
As Bay of Fires gears up for its season two premiere on Sunday 15 June at 8.00pm on ABC TV (with all episodes streaming on ABC iview), we revisit the unique blend of dark comedy and thriller that captivated viewers in its debut. Marta, returning as the fierce and flawed Stella, now finds her character juggling single motherhood, small-town politics, and the ever-looming threat of a criminal underworld.
But the stakes are higher now. The tone is darker. The danger more imminent. Season two doesn’t just pick up the threads of the story—it plunges headfirst into Stella’s past, exposing secrets and intensifying the emotional and physical risks for her and her family. And yet, at its core, Bay of Fires still brims with the same offbeat humanity that made it so original.
In this conversation, Marta reflects on the surprising mass appeal of a show she once thought might become a cult favorite, and shares how Tasmania isn’t just a setting—it’s a character, a muse, and a home. She opens up about working with her on-screen children, the evolution of Stella, and what it’s been like to shape narratives that push the boundaries of Australian television.
Topics we cover in this episode include:
- 📺 Whether the success of Bay of Fires exceeded expectations
- 🔄 A quick recap of where Season 1 left off and what’s ahead in Season 2
- ⚖️ The tonal shift to a darker, more dangerous world
- 🧩 Exploring Stella’s backstory and the return of familiar faces
- 💔 The emotional depth of scenes with Stella’s children, Iris and Otis
- 🌤️ Whether there’s any hope on the horizon for Stella and her family
- 🧭 Plans for Bay of Fires—will this be the final season or is there more to come?
- 🎭 The vision behind Archipelago Productions and what sets it apart
- 🎬 Marta’s approach to choosing bold and critically acclaimed roles
- 🌀 Reboots and revivals—what fans most want to see return
- 🌍 Why Tasmania is so creatively and personally important to Marta
- 🌟 The legacy Marta hopes to leave in Australian film, TV, and theatre
Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering the haunting, hilarious world of Bay of Fires, this conversation offers rare insight into the mind of one of Australia’s most influential creatives.
Bay of Fires returns for Season 2 on Sunday 15 June at 8.00pm on ABC TV, with all episodes available to stream on ABC iview.
For more TV news, streaming info, reviews, ratings, guides and podcasts, head to www.tvcentral.com.au.
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