Darker, grittier and more exciting: Stephen Graham’s returning period drama changes for the better

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A new season of Steven Graham’s gritty boxing drama, A Thousand Blows, is here, filled with intense action and compelling stories.

Okay, so jumping back into season two felt really familiar at first – it looks and feels just like the first season, which is great! I loved how alive the world was, and all the characters still feel so real and unique. But honestly? It’s not just more of the same. Something’s definitely different under the hood.

Beneath the show’s familiar exterior, creator Steven Knight has dramatically reshaped its winning formula for a second season that’s darker, more realistic, and ultimately, even more compelling. It’s like a tough fighter revealing hidden strength.

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It’s been a year since the dramatic end of the first season, and the effects are still being felt in 19th-century Wapping. Boxer Hezekiah Moscow is still grieving the loss of his friend Alec, and Mary Carr, who used to rule the powerful 40 Elephants gang, has been overthrown.

Treacle and Sugar, played by James Nelson-Joyce and Graham respectively, had a fierce fight that deeply damaged their relationship as brothers.

The characters are broken and struggling, and that emotional devastation drives the change in the show’s mood from season one to season two. They’ve lost the joy and energy that originally made the series so appealing.

Building on the characters’ sadness and struggles, A Thousand Blows fully embraces its already present dark and realistic tone, creating a more immersive and believable story.

Even after being hurt, Mary refuses to give up. True to form, she doesn’t need any encouragement to get back on her feet – according to the story’s outline, the former gang leader plans to return to town with her trusted ally, Alice Diamond, rebuild her crew, and take back control.

Despite their personal disagreements, the larger problems continue to grow, causing more and more pain. Everyone feels trapped, which increases the suspense and makes the unfolding events even more captivating.

Everyone is struggling under immense pressure, but Sugar feels it most acutely. He’s fighting his own inner demons and a growing reliance on alcohol as he desperately tries to safeguard what he values.

Graham delivers a captivating performance as a tough, damaged man seeking redemption.

Graham consistently impresses with his ability to blend raw power and delicate emotion, and Sugar’s inherent gentleness shines through even in the most violent scenes. Together, they create a captivating and nuanced dynamic.

Sugar and Hezekiah are competing for the title of most journeys taken this season, and Kirby delivers a powerful performance. He’s a whirlwind of intense emotions – anger and sadness – but his good heart prevents him from giving in to numbness. He’s constantly searching for something, unable to settle, and that makes him a particularly compelling character this season.

Doherty is a standout performer, sparkling like the diamonds Mary wears. She brings a captivating presence to her powerful and commanding character, completely drawing the audience in so you’re mesmerized by everything she says.

Beyond the central storyline, Knight delivers some unexpectedly brilliant scenes. Even though the second season is generally more serious, it still has plenty of lighthearted moments, thanks to the consistently funny antics of 40 Elephant.

Season two builds beautifully on the fantastic first season. It keeps everything we loved about the original while raising the stakes and exploring more serious themes, making both the emotional impact and the action feel incredibly powerful.

A Thousand Blows seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream now on Disney+.

The latest issue of Living Legends is now available, and it’s dedicated to the incredible Dolly Parton! You can purchase ‘Dolly at 80’ at newsstands or online for only £8.99.

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2026-01-09 13:49