The second season of Broadchurch starts off right where the first one left off. Joe Miller (Matthew Gravelle) takes the spotlight, as he becomes the center of attention in the courtroom. Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) and Alec Hardy (David Tennant) quickly come back together, as they become witnesses in the case and also work to discover the truth about Alec’s previous case in Sandbrook.
Once Joe pleads not guilty, the town is thrown into disarray. Although reluctant at first, Jocelyn Knight (Charlotte Rampling) eventually agrees to prosecute Joe, while her former pupil, Sharon Bishop (Marianna Jean-Baptiste), takes on the defense role. This creates a compelling showdown between teacher and student, with a few underlying surprises.
Ellie and Alec remain mainly consumed, when a former witness to Sandbrook, Claire Ripley (Eve Myles) enters the picture. Her ex-husband and Alec’s primary suspect, Lee Ashworth (James D’Arcy), arrives in Broadchurch and hopes to rekindle the relationship. Alec and Ellie end up taking several trips to Sandbrook, where they encounter the victim’s parents, Ricky Gillespie (Shaun Dooley) and Cate (Amanda Drew), as well as Alec’s ex-wife, Karen White (Vicky McClure).
All of the previous season’s action are revealed in court, with both sides attempting to prove their case. As it drags on longer, more and more secrets emerge and the town’s residents are forced to deal with their secrets and questionable actions. This creates tension inside and outside of the courtroom.
Eventually, the events regarding the disappearance of Lisa Newbery (Eliza Bennet) and the murder of Pippa Gillespie (Hollie Burgess) are unveiled. Both of the actors perform excellently, during their short stints. The courtroom drama is fairly realistic and plays out at a pace that kept me entertained throughout.
Eve Myles and James D’Arcy make exceptional additions to the show. Ultimately, everything is summed up in this season, which leaves question marks for the third season, which has already been confirmed. This isn’t to say that the conclusion is foreseeable, because it certainly isn’t. I have read that many viewers were unimpressed with the second season. I am definitely not in that boat.
Truthfully, I felt the season season was more interesting and compelling than the first. I personally loved the bitter showdowns between Jocelyn and Sharon. The conclusion was definitely fulfilling, but will leave a little to the imagination. The courtroom drama was enough to keep me amused and the addition of the Sandbrook investigation only spoiled me. Definitely looking forward to the 3rd season. The second deserves a 9 out of 10.
Jay Skelton is a fan of all television shows and movies. He tries his best to keep up with the latest foreign television shows and movies. Jay loves skinny dipping in the dark too.
