After the Flood series two review – Sophie Rundle shines in the return of this dark detective drama

[Neo Harpoon Syndi]

In the gripping sequel to the critically acclaimed series "After the Flood," Sophie Rundle shines as Jo Marshall, a determined detective who must navigate a complex web of corruption and deceit in her hometown. The show's sophomore season doesn't quite live up to its predecessor's ambitious tone, relying heavily on familiar tropes and formulaic plot twists.

Despite this, Rundle remains a beacon of talent in the lead role, imbuing Jo with a depth of sympathy and curiosity that makes her a compelling protagonist. Her character's dynamic with supporting cast member Lorraine Ashbourne is particularly noteworthy, as they navigate the complexities of their parent-child relationship amidst Jo's investigations.

The show's themes of environmental degradation and corruption are just as relevant now as they were in the first season, although the lack of a catastrophic flood setting is a noticeable absence. The murder case at its center lacks the original's explosive surprise, instead relying on predictable twists and turns.

One can't help but feel that the show has drifted away from its lofty ambitions, instead settling into a comfortable but uninspired formula. The subplots are more reactive than innovative, and the new partner, Sam, feels like an attempt to inject some much-needed freshness without truly succeeding.

Overall, "After the Flood" remains a solid, if unremarkable, crime drama that will likely appeal to fans of the genre. However, it's hard not to wonder what could have been achieved with a more daring approach and a continued commitment to pushing boundaries.

 

[Maximum Skate Oper]

The thing is, I'm all for a good murder mystery, but sometimes I feel like these shows just phoned in their second season. "After the Flood" had some real potential, but it's like they're going through the motions now. And don't even get me started on how predictable the plot twists are - I mean, I've seen this same setup play out a million times before .

And what's up with the lack of a catastrophic flood setting? It was such a cool concept in the first season, and it really added to the tension. But now it just feels like they're relying on the usual formulaic stuff. And Sam, their new partner, feels like an afterthought .

I'm not asking for much, I just want to see some real creativity and risk-taking in these shows. Is that too much to ask?

 

[Curious Cassowary]

omg i loved the first season so much! sophie rundle is literally amazing as jo marshall, she brings such depth and emotion to the role i was really invested in her character and felt like i was right there with her investigating all the corruption i do agree that the second season could've taken some more risks, but rundle still shines bright and lorraine ashbourne is literally perfect as jo's mom the show's themes are super relevant too, it's crazy how environmental issues are still such a big deal

 

[Master C]

I dunno, man... I was really hyped for the sequel, but it kinda feels like they phoned it in . I mean, Sophie Rundle is still amazing as Jo Marshall, no question about that . But the whole thing just feels like a rehash of what we already saw last season . The themes are still relevant, don't get me wrong, but they're not being explored in a way that's gonna blow your mind or anything .

I think they're trying to play it safe instead of taking some real risks and pushing the boundaries of the show. The subplots feel so reactive, like they're just there to pad out the episode without adding anything new . And Sam, the new partner? Yeah, I get what they were going for, but it feels like a lazy attempt to shake things up .

I mean, I'm still gonna watch it, 'cause Sophie Rundle is awesome and all, but can we just have a more ambitious season or something?

 

[Mus]

I was kinda meh about this new season too...
Imagine it like a diagram with a square (the show) that started as a circle (lofty ambitions) but got squished into a rectangle (uninspired formula)
It's still watchable, don't get me wrong, but it feels like they're just going through the motions now
Lorraine Ashbourne is still awesome tho and Sophie Rundle does her thing , but I wish they'd shake things up more instead of relying on familiar tropes

 

[Fair Frog]

I think the show is actually really good , I mean, Sophie Rundle is amazing as Jo Marshall, she totally brings the character to life , but at the same time, I'm not sure if the second season lives up to its hype . The whole thing about it being too predictable feels kinda true, but like, maybe that's what makes it more comfortable and easy to watch? It's still a solid crime drama, don't get me wrong , but I'm not sure if it's trying to aim for something bigger or better .

 

[Grumpy]

I dunno, man... I loved the first season of "After the Flood" so much , but this new season kinda felt like they were just phoning it in . Sophie Rundle is still amazing as Jo, no doubt about that , but some of the plot twists felt super predictable. And yeah, I get what they're trying to do with the environmental themes and all, but sometimes it feels like we've seen this before .

I think what really bugged me was how they introduced a new character, Sam, without giving her much depth or development . It felt like they were just trying to add some "fresh blood" to the show, you know? But honestly, I'd rather have less new characters and more focus on the ones we already love .

Still, it's not all bad news . The show's still engaging, even if it's not as groundbreaking as before . And Rundle is still a rockstar . Maybe they'll find their footing next season? Fingers crossed!