BBC’s popular returning crime drama with David Morrissey does not disappoint

As a seasoned crime drama aficionado who’s spent countless hours poring over gritty British series, I must say BBC’s Sherwood has left me utterly spellbound with its gripping second outing. The shift from real-life murders to an original narrative set in the present day adds a fresh perspective that breathes new life into Nottinghamshire.


Sherwood episode 1 and 2 spoilers below.

The popular BBC series “Sherwood” is back on our televisions, and its second season, overseen by showrunner James Graham, introduces some new elements.

In its second season, the spotlight shifts to the Sparrow family as they navigate a grim narrative that differs from the previous one by not being based on actual murders. Furthermore, this season is set in the current era, providing a unique ambiance for Nottinghamshire, and unlike before, it does not alternate between the 1980s and 2010s.

What hasn’t changed, however, is how insanely gripping and tense Graham’s thriller is.

In the once-thriving mining town now known as ‘Shottingham’, discontent has grown due to the decline of the industry and an increase in gun violence and gang activities. It’s here that our key characters for season two are found, with troubled drug addict Ryan Bottomley (played by Oliver Huntingdon) serving as the main catalyst for the unfolding events.

BBC's popular returning crime drama with David Morrissey does not disappoint

His hasty choice to shoot Sam Buchanan, also known as Nicky Branson, following an argument sparked a chain of retaliation that wouldn’t be halted even by Ryan’s incarceration.

If anything, Anne, Nicky’s mother (played by Monica Dolan), was heavily coated with sorrow and bitterness. The ruthless matriarch of the crime family’s grief was as unyielding as stone, demanding retribution in the harshest possible way. Her husband, Roy Branson (Stephen Dillane), willingly joined her in this brutal pursuit for vengeance.

1. After witnessing Nicky’s death along with his long-lost sister, Rachel, young Ronan found the sparrows neatly tucked within a gory scene.

Graham has written a chilling tale filled with the ideal balance of fear and anticipation, skillfully brought to life by his talented ensemble.

BBC's popular returning crime drama with David Morrissey does not disappoint

In this gripping game, I found myself embodying Dolan, a character who showcased an unexpected facet of her acting talents. With a mesmerizing blend of calm control and raw ferocity, her pain was palpable beneath the surface. I channeled a chilling energy that compelled the Sparrows to act, goading them into revealing Ryan’s kin so they could exact their revenge on one of them.

Sharlene Whyte portrays the role of Pam Bottomley, Ryan and Stephie’s stepmother, who is played by Bethany Asher. Whyte skillfully transitions between moments of desperation and fierce protection as she strives to ensure the safety of herself, her brother Dennis (David Harewood), and Stephie.

Nevertheless, the surprising maneuver by Stephie towards the end of episode two might serve as a testament to the cleverness demonstrated by the show Sherwood.

MAJOR SPOILER BELOW

BBC's popular returning crime drama with David Morrissey does not disappoint

In the end, the Bransons overstep bounds in their relentless pursuit of justice, unfortunately resulting in the deaths of not only one Bottomley, but both Pam and Dennis as well. This tragic turn leaves Pam without any legal guardianship.

In the series, the youngest character Bottomley, who has Down syndrome, is consistently depicted as sensitive and requiring safeguarding from the outset. Initially, she’s shielded from her troubled brother Ryan, then again when her mother Pam placed her in a police car following a shooting incident at their home.

Sherwood effectively conveys a sense of vulnerability to the audience following the deaths of Pam and Dennis. The haunting scene of a distraught Stephie, all by herself, searching for coins with her metal detector after the killers had fled, leaves an indelible impression of despair.

BBC's popular returning crime drama with David Morrissey does not disappoint

Sherwood momentarily pauses to let you ponder over Stephie’s situation as she stands virtually on her own. However, this pause lasts only a moment. Swiftly following, she exacts her revenge by stabbing one of the Branson’s with dangerous garden tools, seemingly leaving him mortally wounded. In an instant, she exhibits a strength that surpasses what was initially assumed of her.

It’s clear that the scene subtly touches upon societal oversights towards people with disabilities, who are frequently undervalued due to their abilities being underestimated. This particular scene, however, prompts us to reconsider Stephie’s significance in this season and her position within a challenging environment, making it quite refreshing.

The second installment concludes as Stephie receives comfort from the police. Although it’s clear that difficult, seemingly insurmountable challenges lie ahead for her, there’s an undeniable sense of anticipation about witnessing how these fresh circumstances will push her towards growth and prosperity.

Clearly, if the quality demonstrated in Sherwood’s second season’s taste is any indicator, we plan on seeing it through to the finish.

BBC's popular returning crime drama with David Morrissey does not disappoint

Read More

2024-08-28 19:19

Previous post Dana White triples down on Jon Jones, Strickland and MGK’s feud & Ilia Topuria on Forbes
Next post Peacock sets premiere date for Based on a True Story Season 2 (with first-look images)