Time to Visit Broadchurch Again

I very clearly remember when they announced there would be a second series of this critically-acclaimed, fantastic show Broadchurch, and thinking, how on Earth is that possibly going to work? If you’ve seen the first series, it is quite clear, cut, and dry. The ending is a complete wrap-up. Sure, maybe there are a few lingering questions, but nothing that couldn’t be swept away with a short epilogue or possibly even left hanging on purpose to have the viewers realize that nothing is ever completely tidey. But, nonetheless, since the first series was amazing and the acting was spot on, how could I resist not coming back to Broadchurch for another visit? I hoped with crossed fingers the producers knew what they were doing and this wasn’t just a cash grab to keep a wayward series going, ie. Lost-style.

Immediately in the first episode, I felt completely puzzled. I had binged the entire first season off my DVR in a week’s time. Series 2 started and I had no idea who anybody was, especially since I had finished Gracepoint, the American version, only a month or so ago. I was shaking my head, knowing I was in trouble. Yet, by the end of that first episode, I was pulled back in. I remembered exactly where we had left off and which character had wronged who and why. It was good to once again be treated to the surliness of our lead detective, Alec Hardy, and the headstrong, yet now-wilted, Officer Ellie Miller. As it turns out, the trial for the first series storyline still needed to be taken care of and that, oh, so, pesky backstory of DI Hardy’s mysterious past. This season also features Eve Myles of Torchwood fame and James D’Arcy currently from Agent Carter as the driving forces behind the Sandbrook case from Hardy’s past.

With eight episodes, Series 2 is a perfect length. It was long enough to tell a full story without dragging it out. Also, eight episodes isn’t a huge commitment. You can easily binge this in two sittings, one if you have a full empty day ahead of you. Besides,  Broadchurch is like those damn potato chips. You really can’t just watch one; it’s just compulsive to want to know how this is all going to come together and, before you know it, you’re sitting there at 3 o’clock in the morning, yelling at the TV. As an added bonus for your late evening bingeing, the show is also beautiful shot. I noticed more in this season than last that the direction and use of focus is stunning. Many times, the beauty of the soft focus jumps off the screen. The general atmosphere of the last season captured the grittiness of the crime, this season has more of a sterile, analytic feel to the cinematography that accompanies the idea of piecing everything together for the court.

As far as special features, the DVD includes a half an hour of deleted and extended scenes, some of which are great, but definitely not necessary. There are also many short featurettes discussing the popularity of the first series and conversations with the actors. For the casual fan, there is enough to whet your appetite and further fall in love with Broadchurch.

The TL; DR: Series 2 of Broadchurch is well thought out and just as intriguing as the first season. Acting, directing, and writing are perfect. Definitely give it a go!