Ep 1. Episode 1

After the successful run of season 1, the much-awaited season 2 of Broadchurch hits the ground running with a gripping first episode. The story takes off from where the previous season ended, with the coastal town of Broadchurch still reeling from the aftershocks of the murder of young Danny Latimer. Detective Inspector Alec Hardy and Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller are back together, investigating a new case that shakes the core of their being.

The episode starts with a cliffhanger, with Hardy being attacked by Lee Ashworth, a key suspect from the Sandbrook case that had haunted Hardy for a while. Ashworth had fled the town at the end of season 1, and his sudden reappearance sends shockwaves across Broadchurch. As the investigation into his attack progresses, new evidence about the Sandbrook case comes to the surface and threatens to upend everything Hardy has worked for.

Meanwhile, Miller is struggling to cope with the aftermath of the Danny Latimer case. She is still coming to terms with the fact that her husband Joe had played a part in Danny's murder. Her relationship with her son Tom is strained, and she is grappling with the guilt of not having been able to protect him from the truth. As the new case unfolds, Miller finds herself drawn to a young woman, Claire, whose life seems to mirror that of the victim in the Danny Latimer case. Claire's involvement in the current investigation puts her in danger, and Miller's protective instincts kick in.

The first episode of season 2 is packed with tension and drama, with new twists and turns at every corner. The chemistry between Hardy and Miller, which was the highlight of season 1, is still intact, and their banter provides some much-needed relief from the intensity of the case. The episode also introduces new characters, all of whom seem to be hiding something.

One of the standout performances in the episode is Olivia Colman, who plays Miller. She portrays the character's vulnerability and emotional turmoil with finesse, making it easy for viewers to empathize with her. David Tennant, who plays Hardy, continues to be a force to be reckoned with, and his performance in the episode is a testament to his acting range.

The cinematography, which was one of the strengths of the previous season, is again top-notch. The stunning vistas of the coast of Dorset, where the show is set, provide a haunting backdrop to the tense scenes. The show's theme music, composed by Ólafur Arnalds, is equally brilliant, setting the mood for the intensity of the investigations.

One of the most impressive aspects of the first episode of season 2 is the way it manages to keep the audience guessing. The plot is complex, and the writers continually throw in red herrings to keep viewers on their toes. There are several cliffhangers throughout the episode, and the final scene leaves the audience hanging, eager to find out what happens next.

Overall, the first episode of season 2 of Broadchurch is a triumph. It manages to surpass the high standards set by the previous season and sets the tone for what promises to be an edge-of-your-seat crime drama. The performances, cinematography, and writing are all top-notch, and the episode leaves the viewers eager for more.