Vera star returns to role after long break in 'phenomenal' thriller
This underrated thriller is finally back for its highly-anticipated second season following a lengthy hiatus.
A critically acclaimed crime drama starring Peter Capaldi is finally back after receiving a rave response back in January, 2024.
The eight-part first instalment on Apple TV was branded “intense and unsettling” by viewers and picked up an incredible 90 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics’ reviews.
More than two years later, Criminal Record is finally back on Apple TV for a riveting season two set in the heart of London.
Created by Paul Rutman, who penned several episodes of ITV’s hit murder mystery series Vera, and featuring DC Bethany Whelan star Cush Jumbo, the series follows two detectives who take on a cold case.
Capaldi’s Daniel Hegarty is a seasoned investigator, while Jumbo’s June Lenker’s career has just started. They’re both drawn into the mystery by an anonymous phone call but quickly realise they have radically different approaches to the job.
Read more: Everything confirmed about Netflix thriller Apex
Read more: Prime Video fans admit they thought returning show was 'cancelled'
Season two follows a brand new investigation, this time involving the stabbing of a young man at a political rally that draws Hegarty and Lenker back to together in a shaky alliance to prevent a radical attack on the capital.
Newcomers this time around include Dustin Demri-Burns, Luca Pasqualino, Luther Ford, Lyndsey Marshal and Peter Sullivan. The first episode released today (Wednesday, 22nd April) and is a must-watch for crime drama fans.
One IMDb user called the first season “intense and unsettling”, admitting “Capaldi's character by the third episode made my stomach tighten with every appearance”.
Another fan called it an “Extremely high quality drama”, adding: “The acting from the two leads doesn't get much better. Jumbo and Capaldi give an absolute masterclass in acting.
“Cush Jumbo gives an incredibly nuanced performance expressing emotion and feeling with every word and look. Capaldi suitably scary as the big bad cop.
“The story has twists and turns and keeps you guessing. There really is very little to dislike about this show. If you like quality drama it's definitely worth giving it a go.”
Someone else raved: “Wow. It's been such a long time since a crime drama kept me off my phone. The pacing is perfect for me as often crime dramas for me feel a little overdrawn - not this one.
“The twist at the end was genuinely surprising (I'm pretty good at this whodunnit game) and here I am writing a review to recommend anyone thinking of watching it to do exactly that.”
And a final fan praised Jumbo as “awesome”, with a “phenomenal” performance from Capaldi.
“British drama has taken a really hit over the last 7 years or so,” they added. “This series gives me hope. The screenplay is fantastic. All the performances are top notch. Can't wait for season 2.”
Make sure this gripping Apple TV drama is on your radar now it’s finally returned for a second season.
Criminal Record season 2 continues Wednesdays on Apple TV.
