4.0 out of 5 star rating
With the powerful finale of season 1, it seemed almost certain that we’d be seeing another season of Sherwood in 2022, solidifying its position among the top and widely-adored dramas of the year.
Moving forward, two years have passed and there’s a fair amount of expectation for this second installment – how will it build upon the narratives from season 1? Will established characters lose their prominence or disappear altogether? What can we expect from season 2? Although a series renewal is certainly exciting news, there’s often concern that it might not match up to the original.
Without a doubt, even though the initial anxieties about Sherwood season 2 have been put aside, it seems we’re in for an exceptional anthology series. While it wasn’t strictly required, fresh characters, plots, and interactions give the show a refreshing update since it takes place in contemporary times and delves deeper into the internal strife among families that threaten to divide this Nottinghamshire community.
Contrasting with its first season that drew inspiration from actual occurrences, this current season is purely imaginative and demonstrates James Graham’s exceptional talent for crafting captivating, well-written scripts, suggesting that Sherwood could develop into an acclaimed anthology series.
As a retired police officer with over two decades of service under my belt, I must say that the latest drama series I’ve been watching has truly piqued my interest. The storyline revolves around the Sparrows family, and their intricate web of secrets and lies that have spanned decades. It’s a fascinating exploration of how one person can lead two very different lives, as we follow Daphne (Lorraine Ashbourne), who was once an undercover ‘spy cop’ but managed to forge a new life with husband Micky (Philip Jackson) and their two sons Rory (Perry Fitzpatrick) and Ronan (Bill Jones).
However, when disaster unfolds at the start of the series, the Sparrows find themselves thrust into prominence. Moreover, this situation surprisingly fosters an intriguing relationship between Lorraine Ashbourne and Monica Dolan’s characters. Intriguingly, they portray Ann Branson, a self-assured criminal leader. Their collaborations result in some captivating, suspenseful, and barebone scenes that will have you both amused and anxiously awaiting the next twist – just as Sherwood is known for keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
In a manner similar to two cats sizing each other up, Daphne and Ann seem to hold each other in high regard, trading subtle jabs on topics like roasted parsnips, memories of Skegness vacations, and the way they nurture their children.
In television, the phrase “3D characters” is sometimes used casually to refer to roles that are richly developed and complex. However, in the show Sherwood, Graham demonstrates an understanding of how to create multi-dimensional female characters, which is something that many male screenwriters claim to do but often fail to deliver. Instead, he allows characters like Daphne, Ann, Lisa Waters (Ria Zmitrowicz), Stephanie Bottomley (Bethany Asher) and Pam (Sharlene Whyte) to be messy, complicated, and filled with emotion, as seen in the touching season one scenes between Lesley Manville and Claire Rushbrook.
As a film enthusiast, I must say that Clio Barnard’s direction for the premiere of Sherwood season 2 sets the stage with such an explosive start, it leaves you wondering how the series will maintain its momentum across the remaining five episodes. Yet, after devouring every moment, the series manages to hold its ground by focusing on its captivating characters and unique setting. Though the series remains elusive in genre with its undertones of thriller, crime drama, and even comedy at times, it never strays from honoring Nottinghamshire as a central character that is truly breathtaking to behold.
As someone who grew up in a small, former mining town, I can attest to the struggles and complexities of communities like mine that have been left behind by industrial decline. This season’s storyline, with its focus on social services, drugs, and gangs, resonates deeply with me as it highlights the challenges faced by many working-class families in these areas. But what really caught my attention was the community’s united efforts to halt the construction of a new mine, an action that shed light on the inner workings of local government, wealthy families, and the ongoing debate about “levelling up” in towns like mine. This storyline brought back memories of the protests and activism that were so much a part of my youth, as we fought to preserve our community and protect our environment from the exploitative practices of big business. I can’t help but feel a sense of solidarity with the characters on this show as they stand up for their rights and demand fair treatment from those who hold the power. It’s refreshing to see a story that accurately portrays the struggles of working-class communities and the resilience and determination of the people within them.
From the latest news stories, this section of the series is the one I believe could’ve been developed more in depth for the new season. While the initial episodes include Facebook groups, community discussions, and debates, the storyline seems to lose focus as the Sparrow vs Branson rivalry unfolds, and even the recurring theme from season one, ‘spy cops’, resurfaces again.
It seems logical, but if one of the storylines was inspired by real-world events, it might have been beneficial to devote a bit more consideration and detail to it towards the conclusion of the series.
In a manner reminiscent of quick, unanticipated events, the heartwarming, gradual unfolding of Julie’s (Lesley Manville) and Ian’s (David Morrissey) relationship takes us by surprise in Sherwood. Although this series isn’t typically a romantic comedy, it would have been delightful to witness their mutual feelings blossom more consistently across the six episodes, as they both deal with romance amidst grief.
From a follower’s perspective, despite some playful jabs at the show, what truly sets Sherwood apart is its deep affection for its characters and its vivid sense of location – traits that are essential in a series like this. Initially, you might categorize characters as villains or heroes, but your perceptions could shift dramatically due to powerfully empathetic portrayals, particularly by Oliver Huntingdon, who brings Ryan Bottomley to life on screen.
In the face of escalating joblessness in the region following his father’s demise, Ryan’s life takes a dismal turn as he turns to drugs, weapons, and bullying others for comfort. Initially, he might seem like one of the antagonists in Sherwood’s second season, but by the end of the series, it becomes clear that he is merely another casualty of a flawed system that has swallowed him whole. The powerful performances and scriptwriting of this show make Ryan and his sister Steph’s frequent “I love you buddy” farewells particularly poignant, potentially causing emotional impact as the season unfolds.
As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but feel the intensity amplified in Sherwood’s second season. This time around, it seems the creators have crafted a narrative that resonates powerfully under our current political climate. Themes and dialogues throughout the series directly tackle some of the nation’s most pressing issues, unapologetically criticizing the shortcomings of both politics and law enforcement.
As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you straight up, if you’re considering this six-part series, you’re in for a treat! This season is chock-full of heart-wrenching moments that’ll keep you hooked, with twists and turns at every corner. It’s the kind of drama that once you start, you won’t be able to tear yourself away from it.
The second season of Sherwood premieres on both BBC One and BBC iPlayer with a two-episode special over the bank holiday weekend, starting on Sunday, 25th August at 9 pm, and continuing on Monday, 26th August at the same time.
Read More
- DOP PREDICTION. DOP cryptocurrency
- Top gainers and losers
- JASMY PREDICTION. JASMY cryptocurrency
- OXT PREDICTION. OXT cryptocurrency
- LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
- BADGER PREDICTION. BADGER cryptocurrency
- SQR PREDICTION. SQR cryptocurrency
- Gold Rate Forecast
- AMP PREDICTION. AMP cryptocurrency
- RARE PREDICTION. RARE cryptocurrency
2024-08-26 00:34