The Split: Barcelona

Two years after its poignant finale, The Split makes an unexpected return, whisking the Defoe family of divorce lawyers away for an idyllic escape from their London legal firm. Set against the backdrop of a sprawling Catalonian vineyard, The Split: Barcelona unfolds as Liv Stern (Elizabeth Roberts), the daughter of Hannah Defoe (Nicola Walker), prepares to marry Gael (Alex Guersman), the heir to a Spanish wine dynasty. Complications arise when Gael’s family insists on a prenuptial agreement, throwing the eldest Defoe sister into a whirlpool of professional and personal turmoil. Adding to the drama is family lawyer Archie Moore (Toby Stephens), a figure from Hannah’s past whose return rekindles unresolved emotions.

The new setting is used to full effect, presenting Barcelona as an aspirational paradise of rolling vineyards, sunlit terraces and sparkling turquoise seas. The meticulously crafted aesthetic – from tailored silk outfits to opulent estates and cava-soaked celebrations – elevates the series’ escapist appeal. Yet, the sunlit gloss never detracts from the emotional depth; instead, it serves as a poignant counterpoint to the characters’ inner struggles, reflecting the contrast between their polished exteriors and the messy realities of their lives.

Despite the narrative’s self-contained scope, Abi Morgan’s writing retains its characteristic sharpness and insight, deftly revisiting the Defoe family’s intricate dynamics over the course of a single transformative weekend. The bond between Hannah, Nina (Annabel Scholey) and Rose (Fiona Button) remains a luminous highlight, their witty repartee and steadfast solidarity infusing the story with warmth and levity, even as personal challenges overshadow their professional pursuits.

Walker’s performance continues to anchor the series, her portrayal of Hannah masterfully blending resilience, vulnerability and a fresh, understated yearning shaped by the events of The Split’s conclusion. Her reawakened dynamic with Archie brims with romantic tension, brought to life through Morgan’s signature subtlety – expressed in lingering looks, fleeting touches and charged moments steeped in unspoken emotion.

The Split: Barcelona thrives as an escapist drama, delivering a stylish, sun-drenched interlude that stays faithful to the series’ emotional core. Yet, beneath its glossy new look, Morgan maintains the sensibility that defined the original run. Tackling prenuptial disputes, familial tensions and the prospect of second chances, the two-hour special explores its themes with a fine touch, ensuring nothing is lost amidst the holiday vistas.

Christina Yang

The Split: Barcelona is released on BBC iPlayer on 29^th December 2024.

Watch the trailer for The Split: Barcelona here: