Why Mint killing off Arran may be its smartest twist yet

by

Viewers of the show Mint were stunned during Monday night’s episodes when the new romance between Shannon and Arran abruptly ended in tragedy. Just as their secret relationship offered a hopeful moment amidst family drama, Arran was shot in front of Shannon, destroying what felt like the central love story of the series.

The shocking twist occurred during a violent fight at the races, sparked by escalating tensions between rival gangs. Shannon and Arran had been secretly pursuing their relationship despite the dangerous feud between their families, hoping their love could overcome the conflict. Unfortunately, the show’s creator, Charlotte Regan, unexpectedly ended that hope.

Even though viewers still don’t know who killed Aran (the complete series can be watched on BBC iPlayer), his death proves one thing: Mint was always intended to be more than just a simple love story.

Right from the start, the series Mint draws parallels to the story of Romeo and Juliet. We meet Shannon (Emma Laird) as a naive young woman whose world is turned upside down when she falls for Arran (Benjamin Coyle-Larner). Arran initially seems like the classic bad boy with a heart of gold – appearing strong and rebellious, but offering Shannon a way out of a violent environment.

The romance feels intensely magical and captivating. Through secret moments and passionate connection, the couple becomes the heart of the story, highlighting Shannon’s journey to adulthood. The show suggests that even with difficult times ahead, love could help them create a future together.

When Mint unexpectedly kills off Arran halfway through the series, it’s more than just the loss of a main character. It shatters Shannon’s illusions and subverts what viewers thought the show was about. What began as a seemingly stylish, crime-driven love story is revealed to be far more brutal and unforgiving.

What to Read Next

Arran’s death dramatically changes the tone of Mint, moving it away from a simple love story and into a more challenging and somber exploration of loss. Instead of focusing only on Shannon’s first romance, director Charlotte Regan pushes her character to grapple with intense grief and questions about who she is.

For the first three episodes of Mint, Shannon mostly saw her relationship in a positive light, viewing love as a way to break free and escape her problems. However, Arran’s murder has completely shattered that idealistic view.

Now that Shannon’s partner is gone, she can’t define herself by their failed relationship anymore. She has to face the dangerous criminal conflict that involves her family and figure out her own path forward within it.

This new direction really suits Regan’s personal creative vision. She told The Big Issue that she wasn’t interested in telling typical gangster stories, but instead wanted to explore how those actions affect the gangsters’ families.

Charlotte explained she’s always been fascinated by gangster movies, like those directed by Martin Scorsese or The French Connection. However, she often found herself thinking about the families behind those criminals – what it was like for their children growing up in those circumstances and what their everyday lives were like.

She explained she was more interested in understanding the women’s perspectives. She didn’t want to focus on the men discussing their plans, and found the women’s side of the story much more compelling.

This theme is clear throughout the series, especially in the difficulties facing Shannon’s family. Her parents, Cat and Dylan (played by Laura Fraser and Sam Riley), are dealing with a failing marriage, and Shannon’s grandmother, Ollie (Lindsay Duncan), provides much-needed emotional support.

With Arran’s death, the story in Mint is expanding its focus. What happens next week will likely be very important for the rest of the series. Shannon’s reaction – specifically, blaming her family – could lead her in several different directions, including falling apart emotionally, rebelling against them, seeking revenge, or becoming self-reliant.

The show Mint has the potential to become truly captivating, going beyond its initial promise. It now seems focused on exploring the aftermath of lost dreams and what happens to someone who grew up surrounded by violence when the person they hoped to build a future with is no longer there.

While Arran’s death is deeply sad, it could also be the turning point where the true nature of Mint is revealed. Beyond the initial spectacle, a more disturbing narrative emerges—one exploring grief, what it means to be a woman, and the struggle to survive when love isn’t enough.

Mint airs next Monday on BBC One at 9pm. All episodes are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.

The latest issue of Living Legends, a beautiful, full-color 100-page tribute to Sir David Attenborough, is now available! You can purchase it at newsstands or online.

Read More

2026-04-28 00:23