Reviews of movies and TV focused on women
Series 2 of Happy Valley is over on BBC One, and has been available on Netflix and iTunes for several days. I assume those interested in the show have taken the time needed to watch all 6 episodes either in the UK or in the US.
I wanted to share some overall thoughts and things I didn’t get into the individual episode reviews about series 2. Continue reading “Reflections on Series 2 of Happy Valley”
Happy Valley S2 E6 resolves all the crime stories in this series, but it leaves us with Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) in emotional tatters. This brief review will have spoilers. I’ve tried to keep the spoilers to a minimum, but my American readers will find the series on Netflix starting March 16, so the need to avoid spoilers is lessened. Continue reading “Happy Valley S2 E6: Kindness to Strangers”
Happy Valley S2 E5 takes some major turns. A mystery gets solved. Other mysteries remain. Several of our favorite characters are still in trouble. I’ve tried to be cryptic about spoilers in these brief reviews, but there are some spoilers ahead.
Continue reading “Happy Valley S2 E5: Omnipotent and Ubiquitous”
Happy Valley S2 E4 must be saving the boiling excitement for the final episode in series 2, because this one is more about boiling emotions. I figured there would be dangerous situations to go all around by now, but I was wrong. We have to wait a bit. There are some spoilers ahead. Continue reading “Happy Valley S2 E4: So, So Emotional”
Happy Valley S2 E3 begins with Sgt. Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) talking to a therapist (David Crellin). She either has to get help or retire. Catherine chooses to fill the silence in the therapist’s office with shite.
There will be some unavoidable spoilers in this overview. Continue reading “Happy Valley S2 E3: Sad, Mad, Glad, Scared”
Happy Valley series 2, episode 1 aired on BBC One this week. The series is off to an exciting start. I can’t stop myself from writing about this series. I shall try to restrain myself from writing recaps with so many spoilers for season 2. I did that for season 1. Feel free to mention it if I stray too close to actual recaps or include too many spoilers for those who must wait for Netflix to stream the series.
Writer and director Sally Wainwright sets up a tangled tapestry of strings that will get pulled in the next 5 episodes. I’m eagerly anticipating how each of them will unravel and add to what will surely be a tension-filled ride. Continue reading “Happy Valley S2 E1: Oh, What a Tangled Web She Weaves”
And here… we… go! #HappyValley pic.twitter.com/62ZR0etf3j
— Red Production Co. (@RedProductionCo) August 24, 2015
With this short note, Twitter carried the announcement of the beginning of filming for season 2 of the BBC drama Happy Valley. The 6 episode season again stars Sarah Lancashire as police sergeant Catherine Cawood. Returning are James Norton as Tommy Lee Royce and Charlie Murphy as Ann Gallagher. George Costigan is back as Nevison Gallagher with Karl Davies returning as Catherine’s son Daniel. Siobhan Finneran returns as Catherine’s sister Clare.
Even though the murderer, rapist and kidnapper Tommy Lee Royce is in prison in season 2, he remains part of the story. The police in The Calder Valley in West Yorkshire have other problems as well. The plot description for season 2 is, “Catherine suspects there may be another serial killer on the loose and makes a gruesome discovery that will have shocking repercussions for her and her family.”
Joining the cast are Kevin Doyle, Katherine Kelly, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Shirley Henderson, Amelia Bullmore, Matthew Lewis, Con O’Neill, and Vincent Franklin.
Happy Valley has been nominated for or won over 30 awards, including Best Drama Series award at the 2015 BAFTAs with writer Sally Wainwright named Best Writer at the 2015 BAFTA Craft Awards. Plus it earns my personal award for being freakin’ fantastic.
I wrote recaps of season 1 of Happy Valley and it can be streamed on Netflix.
Happy Valley Images © 2014 – Red Production Company Limited