After a stellar opening episode, I was skeptical as to whether The Tunnel could keep the momentum up for the second installment. So many dramas lately offer compelling season openers but dip down by episode two. This means it's wonderfully refreshing that not only does this episode two keep the ball rolling, but actually covers more ground than the premiere, while still making time for some thoughtful character work and one of the most horrific set pieces the show has ever put out.
I am, of course, referring to the shooting that takes place at the Faith Camp in this episode's final act. The writers here did a stellar job of making us like the characters involved (Aamira in particular), and even smartly used the show's own formula to their advantage. The Tunnel is recognised for interweaving a number of plots and characters as the series develops, so the viewer immediately assumes that this is the beginning of a season-long arc. Instead, the focal character is shot dead by the end of the episode, in a sequence so horrific and intense it would feel right at home in a horror film. The shot of Aamira binding her wound with her hijab while the sniper's gun slowly enters the frame out of focus in the background won't leave my mind for days.
Elsewhere, the central investigation developed considerably more in this episode than I expected. The final cliffhanger - with Rosa's photo description released to the public being recognised by an unnamed character - only indicates that The Tunnel is set to keep this speedy narrative momentum up for episode three. The Tunnel has had an absolutely brilliant start to its sophomore season - and remains just as superbly acted by Dillane and Poesy as ever - and if this standard is kept for the remaining six episodes, this could become something truly special. I currently believe the only "truly special" seasons of TV are Modern Family's first season, Hannibal's second season, Breaking Bad's fifth season, and Fargo's second season.
If The Tunnel's second season can retain the quality of its opening two episode across the entire season, it may well join this list.
Grade: A
I am, of course, referring to the shooting that takes place at the Faith Camp in this episode's final act. The writers here did a stellar job of making us like the characters involved (Aamira in particular), and even smartly used the show's own formula to their advantage. The Tunnel is recognised for interweaving a number of plots and characters as the series develops, so the viewer immediately assumes that this is the beginning of a season-long arc. Instead, the focal character is shot dead by the end of the episode, in a sequence so horrific and intense it would feel right at home in a horror film. The shot of Aamira binding her wound with her hijab while the sniper's gun slowly enters the frame out of focus in the background won't leave my mind for days.
Elsewhere, the central investigation developed considerably more in this episode than I expected. The final cliffhanger - with Rosa's photo description released to the public being recognised by an unnamed character - only indicates that The Tunnel is set to keep this speedy narrative momentum up for episode three. The Tunnel has had an absolutely brilliant start to its sophomore season - and remains just as superbly acted by Dillane and Poesy as ever - and if this standard is kept for the remaining six episodes, this could become something truly special. I currently believe the only "truly special" seasons of TV are Modern Family's first season, Hannibal's second season, Breaking Bad's fifth season, and Fargo's second season.
If The Tunnel's second season can retain the quality of its opening two episode across the entire season, it may well join this list.
Grade: A
