Every Song & When They Play In Netflix’s Western

Territory season 1 embellishes its dangerous neo-Western story and setting with scarce but effective song choices. The new Netflix series puts impressive effort into developing its drama with authenticity, building every aspect of its world with high-quality production value. Aside from outstanding performances from Territory’s cast and a solid script, what the TV series really excels at is establishing a unique atmosphere that’s simultaneously dangerous and captivating. Music is a vital tool in making that work.

While music is fairly abundant in Territory, a majority of the soundtrack is the musical score from composers Johnny Klimek and Gabriel Mounsey. The two have collaborated on various projects, such as The Matrix Resurrections, and they’ve also both worked on other Netflix TV shows like Boy Swallows Universe and Sense8. Territory is a succession story set on Marianne Station, the world’s largest cattle ranch, and it follows the Lawson family through their struggles to maintain their property following the death of owner Daniel Lawson.

Territory Season 1 Episode 1 Songs

“Episode #1.1”

“Valhalla” – Skegss: Marshall Lawson’s first scene shows him tricking a man into letting him enter a chopper, which he steals. As Marshall lifts off the ground in the vehicle, Valhalla by Skeggs starts blasting in the background. This chopper is used throughout the season by Marshall to help Rich and Sharmie pull off their odd crime jobs. The scene also importantly demonstrates Marshall’s desire for freedom as he flies over the Australian outback examining the dangerous wildlife below him.

“Elephant” – Tame Impala: Just after Marshall’s scene where he steals the helicopter, audiences are introduced to Rich and Sharnie, his friends, who are getting it on in a trailer. Their romantic involvement is shown here, and Territory also explains that they’re cattle thieves. The Tame Impala song is playing in the background throughout the sequence.

“Good Thing” – Ash Grunwald: The dynamic between Marshall Lawson, Rich, and Sharnie is introduced shortly after the death of Daniel Lawson. In an early scene, they arrive at a bar where Good Thing by Ash Grunwald is playing in the background. Marshall ends up in a brawl with local guys, and the music begins playing more loudly as the violence ensues. Notably, Rich starts the fight but gets Marshall to carry it out for him.

Territory Season 1, Episode 2 Songs

“Episode #1.2”

“Breakfast for Pathetics” – Tired Lion: In episode 2, Marshall and Sharnie are back to their old antics after leaving Marianne Station, and they’re using the helicopter to steal crocodile eggs. Marshall watches over Sharnie with a rifle as she snatches eggs from a nest and places them into a carrier. The moment is suspenseful due to the crocodile threat, but it’s meant to show Marshall and Sharnie bonding through the dangerous situation.

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“Down to My Soul” – Paul Kelly & The Stormwater Boys: Later in the episode, Marshall and Sharnie are alone after Rich was injured in their cattle heist. The pair have some bonding time as they sit by a fire and talk about their lives. The song “Down to My Soul” can be heard faintly in the background as Sharnie inquires about Marshall’s life as a Lawson, asking if he misses it. He confirms that he enjoys being free and with her and Rich instead.

“Casual Encounter” – Divinyls: Marshall and Sharnie return to the cattle they stole earlier in the episode, which is being gathered by a mysterious group of armed men. The song plays in the background as the credits roll, leaving audiences with the mystery about who those men were and why they’re stealing the stolen cattle.

Territory Season 1, Episode 3 Songs

“Episode #1.3”

“Spirit Voice of the Enchanted Waters” – Australian Chamber Orchestra: One of the more emotional songs in Territory’s soundtrack is played in the background during a scene where Nolan walks along the beach just before he meets with Sandra Kirby. It’s revealed that this coastline area is sacred Indigenous land, and the episode sees Nolan contemplating the idea of letting Sandra build a port there.

“Fire” – Bad Flamingo: The only song in episode 3 is set during Susie’s romance scene with Lachie. After Lachie gets into his first bar fight with Ethan Hodge, he feels empowered and moves in for a passionate kiss. The scene cuts away to them taking off their clothes in a car together as “Fire” by Bad Flamingo starts playing in the background. Shortly after, they return to the bar, and Hank Hodge teases Susie for stepping away. Lachie

Territory Season 1, Episode 5 Songs

“Episode #1.5”

“Tjukurpa Wiru” – The Desert Stars: The song can be heard very early in the episode during a conversation between Uncle Bryce and Keeley, where they debate the merits of working with billionaire Sandra Kirby. Sandra holds a conference with reporters while meeting with locals, and music plays faintly in the background.

“Road Dog” – Power: “Road Dog” can be heard in the background in the scene where Lachie and Ethan sit outside drinking. Lachie mulls over how his mother messed things up with Susie. Ethan then encourages Lachie to go win Susie back over, but encourages him to get more wasted before going to do so.

Territory Season 1, Episode 6 Songs

“Episode #1.6”

“Kingdom” – Dan Sultan: The final song comes in Territory’s season 1 ending, when the mysterious man arrives at Marianne Station with Daniel Lawson’s lost horse. This is the first time Colin Lawson has seen the horse since his son died, and the man also leaves him a few bullet shells. Audiences know what actually happened to Daniel due to Territory’s flashbacks, but Colin learns his son was murdered for the first time as the scene comes to a close.

A power struggle erupts after the death of the Lawson family patriarch, leaving their massive cattle station without a clear successor. Rival factions, from cattle barons and Indigenous elders to billionaires and gangsters, vie for control. Tensions rise as the once-dominant Lawson family faces betrayal from within and outside forces.

Cast

Anna Torv , Michael Dorman , Robert Taylor , Sam Corlett

Character(s)

Emily Lawson , Graham Lawson , Colin Lawson , Marshall Lawson

Release Date

October 24, 2024