In the highly anticipated second series of Sherwood, James Graham revisits the Nottinghamshire pit village he first explored in his debut series, reflecting on a community grappling with the legacy of past traumas and the emergence of new challenges. This new chapter, set approximately a decade after the original, delves into a landscape marred by rising gang violence, as signified by the city’s notorious nickname, “Shottingham,” from the period.
The original Sherwood intertwined a state-of-the-nation narrative with two murder mysteries, rooted in the social upheaval of the 1980s miners’ strike. The current series continues to explore deep-seated divisions, but with a focus on a new generation struggling with a lack of purpose and disconnection from their community’s past cohesion. The storyline is set into motion by the murder of a young man, prompting Ian St. Clair (David Morrissey) to emerge from retirement. Once a police officer turned anti-violence advocate, St. Clair is drawn back into a world of crime. Meanwhile, Daphne Sparrow (Lorraine Ashbourne), matriarch of the feared Sparrow clan, finds herself thrust back into a dangerous underworld, particularly after her son Ronan (Bill Jones) witnesses the murder.
The victim’s parents, Anne and Roy Branson (Monica Dolan and Stephen Dillane), head a rival crime family and seek revenge, escalating tensions. The investigation into the murder falls to DCS Harry Summers (Michael Balogun), St. Clair’s successor, who faces his own personal demons amidst the case.
The series also introduces a subplot involving the potential reopening of the local mine—a contentious issue that represents either a chance for regeneration or a painful reminder of past struggles. Samuel Warner (Robert Emms) and his father Franklin (Robert Lindsay) champion the reopening, reflecting the split opinions within the community.
Graham’s narrative continues to blend personal and political themes seamlessly, portraying a deeply familiar world with universal relevance. While the series maintains the high standard of performances from returning cast members like Lesley Manville and David Morrissey, it also benefits from strong new additions. Oliver Huntingdon’s portrayal of Ryan Bottomley is particularly notable for its raw intensity and emotional depth.
Although occasional moments of overt political messaging and somewhat contrived dialogue appear, these are minor compared to the overall compelling nature of the series. Sherwood II captures contemporary anxieties about community fragmentation, unemployment, and social unrest with striking relevance. As it explores these themes, it reaffirms its place as a significant cultural commentary, resonating with today’s issues of societal fragmentation and alienation.
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