Vigil season two

Vigil is an enticing crime-investigation drama with an astounding lead in Suranne Jones. In season one, DCI Amy Silva (Jones) investigates a death on a submarine, leading to her being trapped inside with all the murder suspects and tasked with finding the culprit among them. While the first season saw a very contained murder-mystery plot in one location, season two offers a fresh concept in an investigation that spans two very different countries, and a buffet of new characters to suspect and root for throughout its six-episode run.

This new instalment follows Amy as she investigates a rogue drone attack during military testing of the acclaimed “RPAS” system. The event sees the death of several people, with the few survivors left gravely injured. Tensions rise between the involved countries of the UK and Wudyan. In the middle of it all, Amy must also reconcile working with her girlfriend Kirsten Longacre (Rose Leslie) and the danger their job imposes on her pregnancy and the family they’re planning to build. In between thrilling action sequences, the feature explores themes of strategic warfare, the differences between military and police operations, weaponising activism to justify acts of terror, and PTSD in veteran soldiers.

Jones’s performance is one of contrasts as both a clinical detective and a compassionate and protective human being. There’s a fine subtlety to Amy’s interrogation tactics where she pivots between understanding and cruel manipulation: she draws suspects in by being sensitive to their circumstances yet uses their vulnerability to ruthlessly find answers. Another brilliant character is Kirsten by Leslie. She is both Amy’s support system and a stressor. Her involvement in the investigation accelerates the process, providing new leads, as well as acting as Amy’s eyes in London while Amy bases herself in Wudyan. Their relationship grounds Amy and prevents her from coming across as unlikeable despite her calculated methods. But their constant back and forth on Kirsten’s involvement and the danger she constantly surrounds herself with bleeds into their work and disrupts it.

Hiba Medina’s introduction as Sabiha Chapman is also a captivating one. She’s the perfect foil to Amy – young, irrational, impulsive and wears her heart on her sleeve. This contrast is evident in Sabiha’s quote, “Don’t you ever just talk to people?” when referring to Amy’s inability to communicate without an ulterior motive. Another great addition is Amir El-Masry as Daniel Ramsey, an agent assigned to collaborate with the police on investigating the drone attack. His blossoming friendship with Kirsten is a welcome reprieve from the heightened intensity of the rest of the show.

Vigil season two has a solid foundation to start from with the established characters and showcases fantastic work by the new additions. The choreography is subtle and tactical, building up anticipation for what the characters’ next moves will be. Each new lead that Amy finds opens a whole lot more questions than answers – but it’s not just for the sake of extending the run time. Every little puzzle piece uncovered means something, fitting a bigger and more dangerous picture. Overall, Vigil season two is an addictive and exciting step up from season one that will have viewers looking forward to every new episode.

Mae Trumata

Vigil season two is released on 10^th December 2023.

Watch the trailer for Vigil season two here:

https://youtu.be/gZ9RiLyak1o