TV | Broadchurch

As Broadchurch has finally finished (for this series anyway), I thought it would be timely to write a few words on the program that has gripped the nation. I've watched both series and have nothing but praise for David Tennant, Olivia Colman and of course Chris Chibnall, the man responsible for such terrific TV. 

In season two, we've seen the arrival of several new characters, all in charge of fleshing out an old case that's been haunting Alec Hardy (Tennant). I have absolutely relished the Sandbrook case and, even with only the final episode to air, cannot figure out who was actually responsible for the murders. James D'Arcy has been positively coercive as Lee Ashworth but I think the stand out performance has to be that of Eve Myles. Her performance as Claire Ripley was just exceptional. I've been accustomed with Myles since the early Torchwood days, so had no doubts about her acting ability. She has nonetheless surpassed any of my expectations by playing the one character I simply cannot figure out! I'm sure much of this is down the unquestionably good writing Broadchurch is based upon but I think Myles has given stellar performances in every single episode, encapsulating the myriad of emotions a woman in Claire's position might easily be experiencing. 

I also really liked the back stories of  Sharon Bishop and Jocelyn Knight, two new characters who are long-time acquaintances appearing in opposition over the Latimer case, although I am somewhat less keen on Abby Thompson and all that she has to offer. I still have my reservations about Arthur Darvill's vicar, though. There have been criticisms that some of the plotlines have been somewhat implausible; to that I say that it is, first and foremost, a fictional drama. Whilst being based in reality, its premise is not that of education. Broadchurch is not a documentary. Does it need to be 100% wholeheartedly realistic? If so, then why do we still watch the long-running soaps, which are way more far-fetched than anything we've seen on-screen during Broadchurch. So whilst the implausibilities could perhaps have been straightened out, I still think it's one of the best British shows on the TV right now. I think there is, not surprisingly, a tendency to compare the second series to the first and of course there is a noticeably much slower pace in comparison (although my heart rate did not agree when episode seven left us on that almighty cliffhanger).

As we know now for certain that a third series has been commissioned, I hope what remains is it's intrinsic Britishness. Too many of my favourite British shows have become commercialised, with bigger budgets and unnecessary effects. I love American TV and many of my favourite boxsets are American, but I like that British TV can still be quieter, less shouty. Broadchurch showcased some brilliant lighting and incredible capturing of scenic shots but most importantly for me, it remained quietly confident and full of grit. Whatever the plotline of the next series of Broadchurch, I hope it never loses what makes the series so good. As long as we get some answers after that slightly underwhelming taxi exit, I'm all for whatever Series 3 entails.