It’s become an insider joke amongst any fans of Apple TV shows that the streamer has a way of forgetting about or underpromoting its masterpieces.
In fact, if you’re not Severance or Ted Lasso, you pretty much fall under the radar.
And that’s exactly what it was like when Criminal Record hit the airwaves, delivering a twisty, delicious British police procedural that kept me glued to the screen.
Peter Capaldi was a true force as Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Hegarty — just gritty, dark, infuriating, caustic, and enigmatic.
And Cush Jumbo was riveting as Detective Sergeant June Lenker. June is this woman oozing complexity and layers, occasionally a bit of a hot mess, but realistically so, relentless, fiery, and intense.
Together, these two made Criminal Record one of Apple TV’s strongest watches, and I say that as someone who is about to share something controversial.
I love the occasional show on this streamer, but ultimately, I’ve found its particular brand of prestigious TV to be overhyped.
Anyone who followed along with my Disclaimer coverage knows that by now.
Nevertheless, Criminal Record’s critically acclaimed first season had a great hook and enough layers to keep me pressing play time and again.
And, fortunately, it sounds like its sophomore season will have the same effect.
We’ve certainly waited long enough for it. It’s been just over two years since Criminal Record debuted.
And over a year ago, we were fortunate to speak with Cush Jumbo about another of her projects and any information she could share about this long-awaited sophomore season.
At the time, she spoke about how the series is bold in its storytelling and unafraid to press where it hurts, tackling uncomfortable subject matter in a raw manner that makes people uncomfortable, but in an essential way that allows them to reflect and grow.
We know how brilliant a series can be when he pushes boundaries with purpose. It’s precisely why Adolescence is still raking up well-deserved awards.
It stripped away the stiff approach of British television, diving right into heavy, controversial topics to foster much-needed discourse.
It seems like Criminal Record is in line to do the same.
The synopsis for the sophomore season teases that despite being completely at odds, hell — practically mortal enemies, June and Daniel will join forces to solve a case.
It’ll result in an uneasy alliance ripe for deeper exploration and rich in tension.
Capaldi and Jumbo’s chemistry crackles onscreen, so seeing these two characters in such a heightened state that threatens to disrupt how they function will be gripping.
It seems a murder takes place at a political rally. A young man passionate about his cause becomes a victim of a stabbing, and from there, they’ll have to resolve this case before it gets out of hand.
But it’s prime for getting out of hand. Why? Because it’s not just a simple murder investigation but a far-reaching conspiracy plot and potential terrorist situation.
This case will lead them into the dark dredges of an alt-right movement and an elaborate undercover operation that will hopefully thwart a bombing in the very heart of London.
It sounds thrilling, and there would be enough tension to place both June and Daniel in uncomfortable situations.
After all, June never shies away from the difficulties and complexities of navigating her job as a Black woman, and Daniel is the very antithesis of politically correct or sensitive.
It’s a recipe for disaster, an opportunity to dig into subject matter that often puts people on edge, and chances are, Criminal Record won’t hold back in any capacity.
It’s what makes this show such a fascinating series in the first place. And that’s precisely why it deserves more recognition and promotion.
Criminal Record sets itself up to be widely discussed, especially as this new season may double down on its gritty storytelling.
Of course, to be at the forefront of the discussion, people have to remember this gem of a series exists at all and that it’s returning with guns ablaze.
Truthfully, it’s the series’s only pitfall: its risk of fading into obscurity because we’re oversaturated with shows, even if that doesn’t equate to quality. Go figure.
Criminal Record Season 2 premieres April 22 on Apple TV with weekly releases.
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