Broadchurch (TV Series) Episode #2.8 (2015) User Reviews

A very good end to this hit and miss second series.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 9 September 2022]

The result of Danny's trial is revealed, Alec and Ellie continue to dig on The Sandbrook trial, and finally put the pieces together.

Overall, series two was not a patch on series one, it started well, it dipped right in the middle, but it does at least conclude very well.

Series two's finale answers a lot of questions, although it feels as though The Sandbrook trial is concluded more satisfactorily than Danny's murder case.

I didn't like some aspects of it, some of the pieces felt like they were forced into the jigsaw puzzle rather than placed delicately. The Claire storyline again, just sat a little awkwardly, and I couldn't believe the relationship that existed in the present between her and Lee, came from this, it makes no sense.

I liked that scene where Joe was confronted by everyone involved, a strong moment, and proof Jodie Whittaker, is a cracking actress.

The best scenes once again come between Rampling and Baptiste, the pair worked incredibly well together.

Flawed, but very, very good, 8/10.

S2

[IPyaarCinema · 8/10 · 11 September 2021]

Review By Kamal K

Although season two may have lacked some of the thrills of season one, it still had plenty of drama and suspense to make up for it. The polished direction and strong performances from the entire cast keeps the series at a high bar and the introduction new characters and a new mystery to unravel keeps things fresh and unpredictable even if that mystery isn't quite as interesting as the previous.

A Bit Contrived

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 28 August 2016]

I loved this show. Once the killer was found not-guilty, the remainder of the show had to come to terms with that. There is justice and vigilante justice, and those victimized by this guy found a way to find the middle ground. We see Alec's resurrection and a resolution to the second case that had been festering in his mind all this time, and we can now appreciate the motivation he had for returning to Broadhurst. The two opposing lawyers are left to decide whether to join forces. It's like those Shakespeare comedies where every aspect of the thing has to be finalized. Apparently, the producers have inked a contract for another season. It will be interesting to see if it hangs on the coattail of the second season, or brings in a fresh case. I would really hope for the latter, because at some point these people must move on. Finally, I hope that we see more dramas as classy and engaging as this one.

Their Own Justice

[Littleman95 · 10/10 · 20 December 2020]

Wow, an amazing ending, literally! Especially because not everything goes as you'll expect. I love this trait of this show.

Plot: this second season pulled back the trial of the case of the first season and a new (old) case. In this way the load of things that everyone had to face is doubled. Everything is narrated in the same way of the first season: amazingly. I'm sorry but at the moment I have no other words to describe it.

Acting & Actors: the more you watch this show the more you appreciate every character and every actor. They all are good. Some more than others, but everyone did a good job.

Soundtrack: very good, like in the first season.

Conclusions: this second season does not go under the level of the first one. If you liked the first season (like I do) I really highly recommends you to watch this too.

Meeting expectations

[studioAT · 9/10 · 7 March 2017]

After the first series managed to unite the country somehow this second series was always going to face some backlash from people who felt that it hadn't met the very high standards set.

I don't think this second series was bad, it just tried to juggle too many plots and characters.

There's no denying though that it is well written and performed, with this episode being a fine example of that. It's tense, it's edgy, but I admire the way the writer also manages to mine some humour into the proceedings too.

Enjoy 'Broadchurch', whether it be series one or two, it stands above so many other dramas.

A superb finale to a generally great sophomore season.

[ryanjmorris · 7/10 · 24 February 2015]

It's no secret that Broadchurch's first season was met with critical acclaim, but this second offering has been met with a more mixed response. The primary fuel for many critics and viewers' aggressive flames tends to be the inaccuracies in the legal system and a weaker plot than season one. Whilst this is somewhat true, drama must come before documentary after all, Broadchurch's second season soars by at a tremendous pace (bar the wobble of episode five), and concluded fantastically.

Tonight's finale served up everything you'd expect and more: drama, emotion, top notch acting and visual mastery. Whilst I won't give away any spoilers, I will say that the result in the court case was very smartly handled by writer Chris Chibnall, and offered viewers something very rarely seen on TV these days. The Sandbrook case had a dark and, ultimately, rather upsetting outcome. The various plot threads all came together come the big reveal, and this subplot was handled well.

With a third series commissioned shortly after the airing of this finale, Broadchurch still has a lot to live up to. Sure, this second offering may not have been as tightly wound and polished as the first season, but Broadchurch is still the best crime drama British TV has to offer, and I can't see that changing any time soon.