Nina Oyama Returns to Crime Comedy in Deadloch Season 2

Nina Oyama is back in the spotlight as she reprises her role as Constable Abby Matsuda in the second season of the hit Australian crime comedy Deadloch. Set to debut on March 20, 2025, on Prime Video, the new season shifts from the cooler climate of Tasmania to the heat of the Northern Territory, where Oyama and her co-stars will face new challenges, including a fresh murder case.

Reconnecting with Characters and Cast

Oyama, who gained recognition for her performances on shows like Taskmaster Australia and Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee, expressed her excitement about returning to the role of Abby. She noted, “It was surprisingly easy. I always think my inner-monologue is very similar to Abby’s outer-monologue.” This connection allows her to portray Abby’s character with authenticity, reflecting her own anxieties while also embracing Abby’s more open stress.

Re-establishing her rapport with co-stars Kate Box and Madeleine Sami has also been seamless for Oyama. She mentioned that their chemistry is “baked into the script” and now feels innate among the actors. “It’s like riding a bike… for people that can ride bikes,” she quipped, highlighting the ease of stepping back into their roles.

Adapting to the Heat and Challenges of Filming

The shift to warmer weather presents unique challenges for Oyama, particularly as her character engages in physically demanding scenes. “I love it. Everyone keeps comparing me to Tom Cruise,” she joked. “Maybe I’ll jump off a cliff or whatever, do a bit of a Mission: Impossible dance in my underwear.” She finds that the sunny conditions energize her, contrasting the cold she experienced during the previous season.

Oyama also addressed the mental challenges of portraying Abby. She admitted that sometimes she unintentionally goes “method,” leading her to experience anxiety similar to her character’s. “I’ve gotten pretty good at managing it though,” she said, adding that she has developed coping strategies that do not involve alcohol.

Finding the right balance between comedy and drama is crucial for Oyama. She believes that playing Abby seriously allows the humor to shine through, stating, “My character doesn’t know that she’s funny. I know that she’s funny, but I think that I play her with a real seriousness that I don’t have about myself.”

Looking Ahead to Season 2

In preparation for her role, Oyama read all the scripts, which provided insights into Abby’s growth as a forensic pathologist. This season, Abby is navigating her internship while dealing with challenging colleagues, adding depth to her character’s journey. “She’s kind of been thrust into the real world,” Oyama explained, noting Abby’s struggle to find herself after a difficult relationship.

Reflecting on the success of the first season, Oyama felt a sense of validation. “We always had a sense that we were creating something really, really special,” she said. The positive audience reception confirmed their instincts, allowing the cast and crew to celebrate their accomplishments. “The Kates wrote brilliant scripts, and I felt like they just created a really beautiful world,” she added.

As the release date approaches, fans eagerly await the return of Deadloch, where Oyama’s performance is sure to be a highlight in this captivating blend of comedy and crime.