Is Sherwood based on a true story?

Is Sherwood based on a true story?

As a long-time resident of Nottinghamshire, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and anticipation as BBC’s Sherwood returns for its second season. Having grown up amidst the very landscapes and communities this series is set in, it’s like a piece of my hometown coming to life on screen.


As a long-time fan of BBC series, I am thrilled to share that Sherwood is returning for its second season this week! Having closely followed the powerful themes and issues it presented in its premiere season back in 2022, I can’t wait to delve deeper into these thought-provoking narratives. My own life experiences have taught me the importance of understanding complex societal issues, and I believe that shows like Sherwood play a crucial role in fostering empathy and encouraging critical thinking among viewers. With its engaging storylines and thoughtful portrayals, I am confident that season 2 will continue to spark important conversations and provide valuable insights for audiences everywhere.

Located in the East Midlands, more specifically Nottinghamshire, a fresh six-episode series is set to roll out in the upcoming weeks, promising an equally captivating experience as the initial one did.

In contrast to the initial season delving into two murders and the contemporary consequences of the ’80s miners’ strikes, this subsequent season intends to shed light on contemporary problems like gang activities, local administration, and social welfare services.

But is this brand new second season based on a true story? Read on to find out.

Is Sherwood season 2 based on a true story?

Is Sherwood based on a true story?

In its initial run, Sherwood drew inspiration from actual events, specifically the shockwaves caused by two brutal murders that occurred in a once-thriving mining town of Nottinghamshire back in 2004. This tragic incident sparked a nationwide manhunt with law enforcement personnel from various regions participating in the search.

Although the initial season drew inspiration from actual murders that occurred in Nottinghamshire, it’s important to note that the events portrayed in Sherwood’s second season are fictional and not based on real-life occurrences.

Sherwood’s second season is entirely fabricated, as suggested by series creator and writer James Graham: “The foundation remains the same, drawing inspiration from my hometown in the East Midlands. However, for this series, I’ve employed greater creative freedom, making it more fictionalized than the first.”

“Using various happenings spanning different eras throughout Nottinghamshire as my muse, I’ve crafted an entirely original tale for fiction.”

He continued: “I hope it will have resonance because it is inspired by periods in which the area faced very high levels of crime and violence, including when Nottingham was termed ‘Shottingham’, and other dark periods.

“By its nature as fiction, I found greater creative freedom to develop characters from previous series further. I aim for readers to appreciate it as a dramatic work, while also recognizing how industrial, political, and socioeconomic forces influence the narrative.”

As a passionate cinephile, let me assure you that although this upcoming season delves into relevant social topics and motifs, none of the characters or storylines are directly inspired by real individuals or incidents. Instead, they’ve been creatively crafted to captivate our imagination and spark thought-provoking conversations.

Regarding the development of the narrative for season 2, Graham mentioned, “This is my initial experience with a returning series; I’ve always concluded my tales within a single series without returning to them. This aspect was novel, but it wasn’t particularly challenging.”

“It was an honor and pleasure for me to experience this series, as I hold these characters dear. They resonate deeply with me due to their connection to my hometown, making them feel like an extension of my own family and community, even though they are works of fiction.”

Sherwood season 1 true story explained

Is Sherwood based on a true story?

Fans familiar with the show recognize that Season 1 of Sherwood was a dramatized portrayal, yet it was greatly influenced by the true-life incidents that caused deep division within the local community.

In 2004, Sherwood season 1 drew inspiration from two actual manhunts happening concurrently in Nottingham, delving into the divided local populace as well.

The initial season delved into the actual manhunts for Robert Boyer, a man who murdered ex-miner Keith Frogson and later hid in the surrounding woodlands, as well as Terry Rodgers, who took the life of his daughter Chanel and sought refuge in the same forested region.

The first season also explored the Met’s response to the incidents, too, unearthing local tensions that dated back to the ’80s miner strikes.

In other locations, the series takes a closer look at the Metropolitan Police’s use of covert officers often referred to as ‘spy-cops’: these officers were not embedded within terrorist groups, but instead infiltrated everyday communities.

In a past conversation with TopMob magazine during the premiere of season 1, actor David Morrissey, portraying Ian St Clair in the drama series, commented on the “extraordinary” behavior exhibited by these ‘spy cops.’

When queried about the depiction of police in the drama, he responded by saying: “I feel it’s crucial that I portray the character truthfully. However, when they begin to expose ‘spy cop’ operations, Ian reacts with surprise and confusion, just like anyone else.”

He commented: “In various TV shows, such as Line of Duty, we’ve portrayed covert investigations inside criminal and extremist groups.”

“But the idea that there were undercover officers inside legal organisations eavesdropping on conversations, feeding back information and sometimes having relationships with people without telling them who they really were, is outrageous. And it’s something that we need to really look at, right here, right now.”

The second season of Sherwood premieres as a two-part special on both Sunday, 25th August and Monday, 26th August, starting at 9 pm, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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2024-08-22 18:34