by Cookie N Screen
If you opened up your dictionary and looked up the term “sophomore slump” then you’ll see a picture of Broadchurch Season Two. It is a massive shame because the first series was met with much critical acclaim and had us grasping our faces screaming “holy shit this was so good.” Unfortunately, this year it hit many faults and couldn’t escape the quicksand of its own plots – trying to do too much mystery and drama all at once with Sandbrook and the trial of the original case. As we draw to a close, we all wait with bated breath, in hope that it could reclaim its greatness.
And do you know what? Whilst a little lacklustre, it really did.
If you opened up your dictionary and looked up the term “sophomore slump” then you’ll see a picture of Broadchurch Season Two. It is a massive shame because the first series was met with much critical acclaim and had us grasping our faces screaming “holy shit this was so good.” Unfortunately, this year it hit many faults and couldn’t escape the quicksand of its own plots – trying to do too much mystery and drama all at once with Sandbrook and the trial of the original case. As we draw to a close, we all wait with bated breath, in hope that it could reclaim its greatness.
And do you know what? Whilst a little lacklustre, it really did.
So the verdict for Joe Miller’s case has arrived and unfortunately, Danny’s killer has been found not guilty thanks to the twisting stories that his lawyers powered through. Now released back into the village, the victims of his act are destroyed that he is walking free. On the other side of the sea, the Sandbrook case is finally unravelling as Claire admits to taking the locket that destroyed the case when it was first being explored. Will all the pieces come to place and will the killers be revealed?
Last year the season finale had us gripping the edge of our seats, astonished by the outcome as the sick twisting knots filled our stomachs. Honestly, to repeat that amazing conclusion was never a possibility – it’s unparalleled. What this Broadchurch finale did was strip it back and make it emotionally resonant. The conclusion of the original case is respectful and poignant, seemingly more real than if they killed Joe or allowed him to rampage through the village again. The tight knit community that were pulled harshly apart came together in order to expel the past and start over, literally. Heart wrenching and poignant, it was a softly done and well-acted finale that leaves us wondering whether the titular town will be left alone as Alec Hardy romps around the country.
Last year the season finale had us gripping the edge of our seats, astonished by the outcome as the sick twisting knots filled our stomachs. Honestly, to repeat that amazing conclusion was never a possibility – it’s unparalleled. What this Broadchurch finale did was strip it back and make it emotionally resonant. The conclusion of the original case is respectful and poignant, seemingly more real than if they killed Joe or allowed him to rampage through the village again. The tight knit community that were pulled harshly apart came together in order to expel the past and start over, literally. Heart wrenching and poignant, it was a softly done and well-acted finale that leaves us wondering whether the titular town will be left alone as Alec Hardy romps around the country.
Though the Sandbrook case came to a close, the truth unfurling like sparks of tension in the air. Whilst the messy, complex story, set to only really underline Hardy’s past mistakes and mirror Ellie’s problematic life, was underwhelming, this was a powerfully done conclusion. Though predictable, it established the desperation of Claire and the manipulative nature that burnt in her eyes. The actors here, Shane Dooley, James D’arcy and Eve Myles, were abandoned by lazy writing. However , they pull together to make the truth dizzyingly enthralling.
Overall, Broadchurch regained some of its hard-hitting charm and reminded us exactly why Olivia Colman and David Tennant have their BAFTAs. The term “victim of its own success” really applies here. In its feverish attempts to reclaim the near perfection of the first series let it down. The team really should’ve focused here. Because trying hard to keep us at the edge of the seat had the opposite effect. We flomped down and relaxed too much for Broadchurch to make impact this time round.
Overall, Broadchurch regained some of its hard-hitting charm and reminded us exactly why Olivia Colman and David Tennant have their BAFTAs. The term “victim of its own success” really applies here. In its feverish attempts to reclaim the near perfection of the first series let it down. The team really should’ve focused here. Because trying hard to keep us at the edge of the seat had the opposite effect. We flomped down and relaxed too much for Broadchurch to make impact this time round.
What Did You Think?
Did you enjoy the finale?
Do you have any predictions for Series Three?
Let us know in the comments!
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