Channel 5 has unveiled an intriguing first glimpse of the highly anticipated second season of its hit thriller The Game, with Grantchester star Robson Green and Jason Watkins returning to lead the cast. Green’s performance looks set to deliver plenty of chilling moments.
The gripping drama, praised by viewers as “superb” and ranked among Channel 5’s strongest-performing dramas following its debut last May, centres on retired detective Huw (Watkins). Haunted by the one case he could never solve, Huw becomes convinced that his new neighbour Patrick (Green) is the serial killer who escaped his grasp.
After season one ended on a shocking cliffhanger, with Huw surviving a vicious stabbing at the hands of the man revealed to be the Ripton Stalker, a new clip hints at the tense reunion between the two rivals. In the darkness, Huw tells Patrick, “I always knew it was you.” Patrick responds ominously, reminding Huw that he was a brilliant detective who became too obsessed with the chase and adding, “I need you back in the game.”
Read on for everything we know so far about season two.
What happens in season two?
The previous season ended with Huw bleeding heavily in his wife Alice’s arms after Patrick stabbed him. As Patrick was taken away in handcuffs, Huw told Alice, “So sorry it took me so long. But I got there in the end.”
Season two jumps forward one year. Huw has survived the attack and is now a former detective, but his story with Patrick is far from over.
With Patrick now behind bars, Huw believes he has finally broken free from the psychological hold of the killer whose crimes have tormented him for years.
According to the synopsis, Huw moves with his wife Alice to a secluded seaside home, hoping to leave the violence behind and rebuild a peaceful life. But that sense of security soon begins to unravel. As the synopsis puts it, peace is only an illusion.
What to expect from Season 2
Robson previously teased the new series, saying that returning to the world of The Game for season two was an exciting challenge. Although viewers may have thought Patrick’s story was over, he returns with a vengeance, once again manipulating events from behind the scenes. Robson promised audiences another gripping ride.
Meanwhile, Jason added: “Huw has been through the mill and there’s no let-up this series. I’m excited to get my teeth into what’s ahead for him.”
Speaking to us and other press ahead of season one, Robson revealed that American serial killer, Joseph James DeAngelo, was a source of inspiration during preparation for the role.
“I’m addicted to true crime. I’m really interested in people’s MOs and destructive behaviour and how it destroys other people,” he said. “There was only one man I looked at: Joseph James DeAngelo, the original night stalker in LA.
“He would go into people’s houses and leave the door open, or he would put an ornament from another house in their house and, and just mess with people’s minds. He’d wait two weeks before he’d go back in and do it again.”
The actor continued: “It was really interesting that he got his satisfaction, emotional response and validation in life through playing these games, and slowly but surely destroying people psychologically and then in the end, killing them.”
Who stars in season two?
Jason Watkins (Coma, W1A) and Robson Green (Grantchester, Strike Back) will reprise their roles as Huw and Patrick.
They’re joined by returning stars Sunetra Sarker (Ackley Bridge, Casualty), Indy Lewis (Industry, King and Conqueror) and Amber James (Vera, Grace).
Some new faces have joined the cast, including Sonny Ashbourne Serkis (Masters of the Air, The Witcher), Tanya Franks (Broadchurch, Pulling), Dominic Rowan (The Crown, Catastrophe), Amanda Bright (Buccaneers, Breeders), Richard Pepple (The Hack, The Rig), Carl Rice (Brassic, Deep Water), and Connor Calland (Adolescence, Stay Close).
The Game returns to 5 soon. A release date has yet to be announced.
