Described as a “gripping crime thriller”, the returning ITV drama has a star-studded cast.
A Midsomer Murders actress also appears in the show(Image: ITV)
This evening, ITV is set to premiere the eagerly awaited second series of its hit detective show, boasting an impressive ensemble of actors. The network has dubbed the new series of Ridley a “gripping crime thriller”, with Adrian Dunbar of Line of Duty fame reprising his role as the eponymous Alex Ridley.
The cast is further bolstered by Call the Midwife’s beloved Georgie Glen, known for her role as Miss Millicent Higgins, who will be appearing as Dr Wendy Newstone. Additionally, Bronagh Waugh, familiar to viewers from Death in Paradise, joins the lineup as DI Carol Farman.
Other notable additions include George Bukhari, recognised for his role as Sammy Farr in Coronation Street, stepping into the shoes of DC Darren Lakhan, and Julie Graham of Midsomer Murders fame playing Annie Marling.
Described as a “twisty” tale, Ridley follows the story of retired detective Alex Ridley who returns to the force as a consultant, offering his vast experience to crack complex cases.
Ridley is returning for season 2(Image: ITV)
ITV greenlit the show for a second run in 2022, and it’s set to cause quite the stir on television screens tonight, reports the Express.
The second series of Ridley kicks off with a two-hour special titled ‘A Sleeping Tiger’, marking the first of four full-length episodes.
In this opening episode, Ridley delves into a high-profile jewellery robbery that escalates into a perplexing homicide investigation.
Ridley is also portrayed as a character coping with the loss of his wife and daughter, with Dunbar having previously discussed how the character’s personal tragedy sheds light on the topic of men’s mental health issues.
He revealed to Digital Spy at the time: “I think a lot of men feel that they should just be able to kind of deal with stuff on their own and bury it and somehow work their way through it.
“But it takes a big toll on yourself. So you’ll see him [Ridley] crumble quite a bit, especially when he’s on his own. He finds it very difficult, and I suppose getting back to work is the start of a healing process.
“I think people should [take that away]. Isolation is a big deal, especially in rural areas. A lot of men in particular who are isolated if they’re alone. They do suffer greatly.”
Ridley has a star-studded cast(Image: ITV)
Though the show attracted a loyal following, Ridley’s debut series faced a barrage of harsh criticism from reviewers, with the Daily Telegraph writing: “If you were playing a detective drama drinking game while watching Ridley, you’d have needed your stomach pumped by the second ad break.”
The Sunday Times delivered another brutal assessment, adding: “A curious mix of the formulaic and the flamboyant, plodding conventionality and vaulting ambition – rendered all the weirder by its central reliance on a strange blend of wine-bar karaoke and bland Irish balladry.”
The Metro was equally unforgiving, stating: “By the time the first episode is over, you’ll be begging Monday morning to save you.”
Nevertheless, some critics offered more favourable takes, with The Guardian noting: “All the pieces are smoothly set in motion.”
The Wall Street Journal offered its take, stating: “Let us say that the oft-times convoluted plot and the occasional absurdity are worth enduring for the personalities – Morse, Thursday and the wonderfully dry police pathologist, Dr. Max DeBryn (James Bradshaw).”
A fan shared their thoughts as well, saying: “The show has its shortfalls and aspects of detective work and precinct accessibility that do not ring true, but it is entertaining with twists & turns, serious and lightheartedness blended with sentimental moments.”
Another viewer weighed in, adding: “Broad in its sweep and stirring in its storytelling, Ridley represents a person’s search for justice, no matter the personal or professional cost.”
Ridley season 2 kicks off tonight at 8pm on ITV1, and viewers can binge all four episodes on ITVX post-broadcast.