BBC’s returning 80s-set crime drama has problems but ultimately delivers a strong satisfying season 2

The BBC’s ’80s-era crime drama, “The Gold,” is returning to continue the story of the second half of the Brink’s-Mat heist.

I’ve been eagerly following this captivating series for a smidgen over two years now, and it was during the break that our beloved detectives learned they had been tracking just half of the missing bullion all along. After the initial shock, they’re now fully focused on retrieving the remaining gold. I can hardly wait to see how this unfolds!

In the first season of “The Gold“, both critics and viewers found it exceptionally well-liked, with one spectator even comparing it to a “bold, rich red wine worth savoring” (according to Rotten Tomatoes)). This certainly indicates high praise. However, the question remains: will season two live up to such poetic compliments?

What to Read Next

Without a doubt, it puts forth a commendable attempt, launching the last chapter of the tale with vigor. Here, we encounter the antagonists, catching up on their current situations in a way that feels like revisiting old acquaintances.

Some individuals are frantically trying to convert gold into substantial profits, while others have triumphantly capitalized on their finds. However, the constant threat of repercussions and anxiety looms over them, and this tension begins with Hugh Bonneville’s character, Brian Boyce, and his team.

In the series Downton Abbey, Lady Bonneville consistently provides a convincing and sincere portrayal of DCS Boyce. Her powerful, resolute performance adds a sense of weight and seriousness to the unfolding storyline.

Each member of Boyce’s taskforce team – Nicki Jennings (Charlotte Spencer), Tony Brightwell (Emun Elliott), and the unorthodox Tony Lundy (Stephen Campbell Moore) – contributes unique abilities, creating a dynamic and intriguing chemistry within their group.

However, what’s gold without the thieves and money launderers? In other words, we’re seeing a return of some familiar characters such as John Palmer (Tom Cullen), Charlie Miller (Sam Spruell) and Kenneth Noye (Jack Lowden). Additionally, new troublemakers are introduced, including Logan Campbell (Tom Hughes) and Douglas Baxter (Joshua McGuire).

The group of villains puts on an entertaining show that cannot be denied. Cullen’s character, John, exudes a devil-may-care charm in a suit, making him both incredibly appealing and alarmingly sharp. On the other hand, Spruell’s Charlie has a common man’s mischievous charm, almost persuading you to overlook his serious wrongdoings.

Their portrayal of these characters is so convincing that you might struggle to decide your loyalty, sometimes siding with the police for their capture, while other moments find you sympathizing with the idea of owning a share in their enterprise. After watching the first episode, you’ll understand what we mean.

In a heartbeat, I’d say McGuire shines as Douglas, the squirmy, weasel-ish, intentionally grating newcomer to our cast that feels uncannily right at home in this intriguing world. He simmers with a blend of desperation and festering resentment, and when it all bursts (even if it’s fleeting), it’s nothing short of breathtaking.

It’s understandable that there are certain characters whose actions or personalities don’t resonate with us, contributing to the storyline’s development this season.

This season’s narrative seems to be leaning towards characters that I find hard to support, which might be intentional.

Both sentences convey the same meaning but in slightly different ways.

Neil Forsyth, both the creator and executive producer of the series titled “The Gold,” has openly discussed that the final episode would delve into the repercussions experienced by various significant characters throughout the show. Consequently, it should come as no shock to fans that this climactic chapter may feature some characters mentioned earlier.

The series seems designed to delight in the demise of a greedy and manipulative group, gradually revealing their undoing through a process that resembles decay or erosion. As the story unfolds across six episodes, the tension steadily rises, leading to the slow, piecemeal collapse of their lives – one moment, one decision at a time, often due to poor choices they’ve made. Watching this downfall is quite engaging.

Regrettably, certain parts of this show can feel slow-moving, leaving you wishing for a faster tempo, especially at the start. But fear not, as the latter part more than compensates and the ending provides an incredibly gratifying resolution.

The entire second season of The Gold series can currently be streamed on BBC iPlayer, with new episodes premiering every Sunday at 9pm. Previous season 1 episodes are also accessible for streaming on BBC iPlayer.

Experience the premiere of Digital Spy’s first print magazine, “British Comedy Legends,” available for purchase at local newsagents and online outlets. The exciting new issue can be yours for only £3.99!

Read More

2025-06-08 09:19