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Does The Split’s return to the BBC live up to expectations?

BBG News

As a longtime fan of “The Split,” I can confidently say that it feels like reuniting with old friends after a long absence. Nicola Walker’s coats alone are reason enough to tune in, but the return of the Defoe family is the real draw. The news of another outing was a true Christmas treat, offering much-needed escapism during these cold, dark December nights.

For nearly three years now, the Defoe family has been absent from our screens, captivating viewers with their intricate love quandaries, courtroom dramas, and exquisite workplace wardrobes (who could forget Nicola Walker’s stylish coats?).

Fans believed they’d bid farewell to Hannah (Walker) and Nathan (Stephen Mangan) in the emotional season-three ending, but a delightful announcement for another installment came along with May.

The group is reunited once more, heading off to Spain for a family wedding in “The Split: Barcelona”. This series unfolds across two radiant episodes set this month.

It’s a true Christmas treat for fans from Abi Morgan, bringing with it a much-needed dose of escapism in cold, dark December. Expect the usual ingredients of messy family dynamics, divorce and drama, topped off with a hint of holiday romance, in what is a comforting and charming, if predictable special.

Two years after their divorce, as depicted in the initial episode, Hannah and Nathan continue to maintain a friendly relationship, despite their separation.

Stepping back into familiar company once more, I find myself surrounded by Nina, Rose, Ruth, and Ronnie – my exes who feel like family. The room fills with our typical camaraderie, the banter flowing freely as we poke fun at one another. However, the focus shifts when Nathan’s new accessory catches everyone’s eye.

They are gathered together and swiftly transported from Barcelona airport to an enchanting vineyard setting, which will likely spark envy as you consider booking a similar stay on Airbnb.

It’s fortunate that the relationship between the two is cordial, as Hannah and Nathan play significant parts in the upcoming wedding, where their eldest daughter Liv (Elizabeth Roberts) will marry her long-time partner Gael (Alex Guernsman).

In this story, Valentina (Romina Cocca) and Alvaro (Manu Fullola), the couple who own the vast oasis and are parents of Gael, make their appearance. They exude elegance and impeccable style. Before their upcoming wedding, they indulge in nostalgic reminiscences, a moment filled with affection that causes Hannah and Nathan to exchange a slightly sarcastic, knowing glance. However, as we’ve learned from the series The Split, appearances can be deceiving.

Besides Toby Stephens, there are other fresh faces joining the cast as well. Notably, he is known for his roles in “Die Another Day” and “Percy Jackson,” where he portrays Archie Moore. This character is an engaging yet distant lawyer who coincidentally attends the same wedding as the Defoe family, and happens to be single like Hannah.

Could a sunny weekend perhaps resolve the past issues and current difficulties, leading to a romantic commitment between them?

During our stay for the wedding, the will-they-won’t-they dynamic between Hannah and Archie in The Split: Barcelona seems like a reprisal of its classic form. Once more, Morgan skillfully portrays second-chance love on prime-time television, capturing both the promise, pain, and anxiety that come with it.

In the finale of season three, Hannah experienced a satisfying conclusion, not necessarily romantic, emphasizing that happiness doesn’t rely on a partner. Two years later, she seems fulfilled with her life – experiencing family bliss and professional advancements. However, there remains space for love as an extra source of joy, if it were to arise.

In their fifties, trusting love isn’t a simple task for Hannah and Archie, considering their past heartbreaks and life lessons. The fear of being hurt often overshadows the anticipation of hope, and there’s a certain exposure when you start to reopen your heart to the journey and the individual involved.

Don’t you think everything worth doing is a little bit scary?” This question Archie asks Hannah during their late-night conversation on the beach, where they delve into this very concept. Morgan’s writing once again draws us in, making us empathize and root for her characters, hoping they find the courage to move forward, even when the path seems clear.

Recognizing the strong devotion fans have towards the entire family, Morgan incorporates touching and amusing side stories for Rose and Nina. Among these, Nina’s new romance stands out as a source of humor.

In the narrative, they incorporate a divorce case, a familiar theme from The Split, where these legal professionals fight for justice on behalf of their latest client. Nevertheless, this storyline seems hurriedly inserted, as if it’s been added just to fulfill a requirement rather than being seamlessly integrated into the plot. A keen observer will likely anticipate the twist before it occurs, thanks to subtle clues that are dropped well ahead of the season premiere’s climactic ending.

Regardless, the series “The Split: Barcelona” offers an ultimate fan experience akin to a long-awaited gathering with your most cherished Quality Street treats. Despite the lapse of time, it retains its charm and familiarity, making it difficult not to retain fond feelings for the Defoes, and anticipate further escapades in the future.

The television series titled “The Split: Barcelona” will broadcast on December 29 and 30, starting at 9pm, on both BBC One and the BBC iPlayer. For those eager to catch up, seasons 1-3 can currently be streamed on the iPlayer platform.

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2024-12-28 03:49

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