Lauren Lyle Spills Tea on Karen Pirie’s Journey: A Relatable Tale of Growth and Power Struggles!

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Following a hiatus of three years, Karen Pirie makes her comeback on our screens once more. Emer Kenny takes up the task of adapting the second novel in Val McDermid’s series, titled “A Darker Domain.

Lauren Lyle returns once more, portraying Karen, and since the series has progressed somewhat beyond its initial installment, certain aspects of her life have undergone shifts – a fact that Lauren Lyle elaborated on during an exclusive interview with TopMob.

In the second season, I found myself pondering over Karen. There’s a hint of reluctance as if she wasn’t entirely comfortable in the role, yet she’s the boss now. She holds the power, but seems unsure of how to wield it effectively.

In the same vein as her first season, she instinctively challenges the norms, excels at her duties without a clear understanding of why or how she does it.

We discover her leading the group, which is amusing given her petite stature, sharp wit, and hesitant demeanor. Yet, she manages to keep everything in check somehow.

In the actuality, we had multiple rooms filled with thirty additional cast members each, and I found myself orchestrating one such room, directing everyone’s actions. It was genuinely entertaining, however, quite daunting as well.

There’s a strange feeling, similar to the beginning of season 1 when I hadn’t taken charge yet – that Karen and I are living two parallel lives. It’s as if we’ve each progressed to a new level before, and now we’re both advancing again, facing this new challenge together, like riding a wave.

In the second season, Karen was advanced to the rank of Detective Inspector, and she was tasked with resolving the notorious cold case from 1984 involving Catriona and Adam Grant, who were abducted violently at gunpoint.

The investigation resumes when a man’s corpse is found, undeniably connected to the initial abduction, and Karen begins gathering her squad – her concealed lover Detective Sergeant Phil Parhatka, portrayed by Zach Wyatt.

While conversing with TopMob, accompanied by Lyle, writer and River Wilde actor Kenny remarked: “For me and Lauren, I found it to be a deeply personal tale. Moreover, there’s an urge to establish oneself as a leader, communicate effectively, and occupy the top spot on the call sheet – all of which were present.

Later on, when you arrive, you suddenly understand, “Oh my goodness, now I can’t disregard the rules. I can’t misbehave.” Essentially, it’s a coming-of-age tale. In this narrative, Karen seems to mature, as she does test boundaries and ultimately learns a lesson when those actions come back to haunt her.

Lyle commented: “I appreciate the way she integrates her personal experiences, including challenges related to Phil and the complexities of maintaining a personal life while rising in power. It’s something many women might face.

This story that’s being discussed now is particularly pertinent and timely, resonating with me especially given my stage of life. I can relate to it in my personal experiences.

Karen Pirie season 2 will air from Sunday 20th July 2025 on ITV1 and ITVX.

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2025-07-17 14:18