Last year I saw a commercial for a drama series that was going to air on PBS called “The Gold”, starring Hugh Bonneville. I enjoyed watching him in the “Downton Abbey” film trilogy (“The Grand Finale” had just opened in theaters) — and the premise seemed intriguing enough. So I thought I’d give it a shot. Season 1 was excellent. And I’m pleased to report that the six-episode Season 2, which kicks off this Sunday Oct. 18 at 10pm, is even better.
This is the continuation of the investigation into one of the biggest robberies in British History — the Brink’s-Mat Robbery of 1983. Where’s the gold, who are the key players involved, and can they be caught? What unfolds is a web of mystery, suspense, surprise and fascinating storylines that build and build.
The connections to Season 1 are great (credit creator Neil Forsyth and the team for the intelligent writing). Bonneville is fantastic as DCS Brian Boyce, and the entire ensemble knocks it out of the park. “The Gold” is a deep character study, with rich layers — about human behavior, strategy, determination and the complications of achieving “success”. You’re immersed in the time and place. You feel the stakes. It’s well shot and edited. This is a high quality program across the board.
I screen a lot of movies, watch a lot of animation content, and am a fan of sitcoms, game shows and live sports/reality programs. Don’t have much time for drama series… I’m looking forward to the return of “High Potential” (which just got ABC’s post-Super Bowl spot) and am awaiting the final season of “The Morning Show”, but it’s usually just one or two TV dramas a year. “The Gold” was absolutely worth investing in — and you should check it out too. Catch up on Season 1 first and tune-in to Season 2 over the next six Sundays on PBS.