Shark in the Park - Lamb to the Slaughter (Series One, Episode Three)

The role of women in a traditionally male-dominated profession is highlighted in this episode of Wellington police drama Shark in the Park. New arrival 'Wally' (Jo Briant) faces a baptism of fire from her colleagues — and a rough ride on the streets, as a drunken couple's antics escalate into major problems for the thin blue line. This episode from early in season one also features Robyn Malcolm in her first screen role, as a young woman wanting to join the police to annoy her father. Mark Wright provides some late 80s colour as an inebriated yuppie. The episode was penned by Norelle Scott and directed by Ginette McDonald. 

Shark in the Park is not looking to revolutionise the formula — the ambition of the series seems to be to do it well, to do it within their means and to make it more locally relevant.

– Writer Ken Duncum on Shark in the Park in Illusions 11, July 1989, page 7

Key Cast & Crew

Norelle Scott

Writer

Jeffrey Thomas

As: Inspector Brian Finn

Russell Smith

As: Detective Bernie Gregory

Robyn Malcolm

As: Janice

Jo Briant

As: Margaret Wallace (Wally)

Ginette McDonald

Director