If you’ve spent any time scouring the schedule for something that isn't just another glossy, over-produced procedural, you probably stumbled upon Ridley Season 2. It’s one of those shows that feels like a cold pint on a rainy Tuesday in Lancashire. Gritty. Honest. A bit melancholic. Adrian Dunbar, who basically became a household name thanks to Line of Duty, is back as the jazz-loving, grieving ex-detective Alex Ridley. But this second outing isn't just more of the same. It’s deeper.
Honestly, the first season had its growing pains. We were all trying to figure out if Ridley was a cop who sang or a singer who happened to solve murders. In Ridley Season 2, the balance shifts. The show finally leans into its atmosphere, letting the scenery of Northern England do a lot of the heavy lifting. You've got the moors, the gray skies, and that lingering sense of isolation that makes British crime dramas so distinct from their American cousins.
What’s different this time around?
The dynamic between Ridley and DI Carol Farman (played by the excellent Bronagh Waugh) has evolved. It’s no longer just a "mentor and student" vibe. It’s more complicated than that. Carol is finding her footing as a leader, and Ridley, well, he’s still struggling with the fact that he doesn't actually have a badge anymore. He's a consultant. A "specialist." Basically, he’s the guy they call when the rules get in the way of the truth.
One thing people often get wrong about this season is thinking it’s a fast-paced thriller. It isn't. It’s a slow burn. If you’re looking for Michael Bay explosions, you’re in the wrong place. The writers—led by Paul Matthew Thompson—take their time. They let the silence sit. You'll notice that the episodes are split into two parts in some markets, which actually helps the pacing. It gives the mystery room to breathe before the rug gets pulled out from under you.
💡 You might also like: You Had One Job: Why These Hilarious Fails Keep Happening to Pros
The cases feel heavier
In the opening salvos of the season, we’re thrown into a case involving a body found on a bleak stretch of land. It’s a classic setup, sure. But the emotional stakes are higher because the victims aren't just plot points; they feel like people with lives that actually mattered. There’s a specific focus on the fallout of crime—how it ripples through a small community where everyone knows everyone’s business, or at least thinks they do.
Wait. Let’s talk about the jazz.
Some viewers found the singing in the first season a bit "much." I get it. It can feel a little jarring to go from a forensic autopsy to a smoky club performance. But in Ridley Season 2, the music feels more integrated into Ridley’s psyche. It’s his therapy. It’s how he processes the trauma of losing his wife and daughter. When he’s at the piano, he’s not just a character in a TV show; he’s a man trying to keep his head above water.
Breaking down the cast dynamics
- Adrian Dunbar (Alex Ridley): He brings that weary, soulful energy. You can see the weight on his shoulders.
- Bronagh Waugh (DI Carol Farman): She’s the anchor. While Ridley is off following his gut, she’s dealing with the bureaucracy and the actual police work.
- Georgie Glen (Dr. Wendy Bakewell): Every good crime show needs a sharp-tongued pathologist, and she delivers.
- Terence Maynard (DCI Paul Goodwin): The friction between him and Ridley adds that necessary tension within the station walls.
The chemistry between Dunbar and Waugh is the secret sauce here. It’s not romantic—thank god—but it’s deeply respectful. They argue. They disagree on methods. But they trust each other's instincts. That’s a rare thing to capture effectively without falling into clichés.
The writing avoids the usual traps
You won't find many "Eureka!" moments where a character looks at a blade of grass and suddenly knows the killer’s social security number. The investigations in Ridley Season 2 are messy. Leads go nowhere. Witnesses lie because they’re scared, not just because they’re "bad guys." This realism is what keeps people coming back. It feels earned.
Also, the locations. Shooting in Lancashire and the surrounding areas provides a backdrop that is both beautiful and oppressive. The landscape is a character in itself. It reminds me a bit of Hinterland or Shetland, where the environment dictates the mood of the story.
Is it worth the watch?
If you’re a fan of "Brit-noir," then yes. Absolutely. It fills that gap left by shows like Vera or Endeavour. It’s comforting in its gloominess. But don't expect a radical reinvention of the genre. It knows what it is and plays to its strengths. The storytelling is confident, the acting is top-tier, and the production values are high without being flashy.
Critics sometimes argue that the "consultant" trope is tired. Maybe it is. But when you have an actor of Dunbar’s caliber, you tend to overlook the familiar tropes. He makes you care. You want to see Ridley find some semblance of peace, even if you know that in this world, peace is a temporary commodity.
💡 You might also like: The Turtles and Elenore: Why This Parody Became a Pop Masterpiece
Actionable steps for fans of the show
- Check the air dates: Depending on where you are (UK vs. US), the release schedule can be tricky. In the UK, it typically airs on ITV1 and streams on ITVX. In the US, PBS Masterpiece is your go-to.
- Watch the episodes in order: This sounds obvious, but the character development for Carol and Ridley really builds over the course of the season. Don’t skip around.
- Listen to the soundtrack: If you actually enjoy the jazz segments, the songs performed by Dunbar are often available on streaming platforms. They’re great for late-night listening.
- Explore the filming locations: Many of the spots in the North West of England are public. If you’re ever in the area, a drive through the Forest of Bowland will give you a real sense of the show's atmosphere.
- Compare it to Season 1: Notice how the lighting and the "color grade" have changed. The second season feels a bit darker, literally and figuratively, which reflects the maturing of the narrative.
Ridley Season 2 proves that there is still plenty of life in the British detective drama. It doesn't need to be loud to be heard. It just needs to be honest. By focusing on the human cost of crime and the long road to redemption, it manages to stand out in a very crowded field. Keep an eye on the side characters this time around; their subplots often mirror the main case in subtle, clever ways that you might miss if you're only paying attention to the "whodunnit" aspect.