Published by Mason Oldridge, 25 November 2022
CONTAINS SPOILERS!
Peacock’s high school murder mystery returns, this time with more drama, romance and plot twists.
The new season follows the group as they attempt to uncover the identity of Simon Says, their blackmailer who has evidence they murdered Jake after discovering he was Simon’s killer. Through the use of suspense and variety of characters, the series manages to keep the investigation continuously enthralling.
Furthermore, this season delves deeper into the coming-of-age element. Polar opposites Bronwyn and Nate grow closer, Cooper is still in love with Kris following their split last season, Janae battles with her gender identity and Addy struggles with her guilt and life purpose, all forming emotional scenes which will likely see viewers sympathising with the characters and rooting for the couples. The Christmas episode in which they spend a last night of freedom is particularly touching and deserves praise for its bittersweet effect.
Season 2 delivers on ending as it is revealed that Nate’s tutor Fiona is Simon Says, having fallen in love with Jake in rehab over the summer, and Jake murdered Simon for exposing Fiona’s secret, nicely providing additional meaning to the first season. The gang then attempt to frame Fiona for Jake’s murder, though the twists keep coming as Maeve appears to be on Fiona’s side before it is revealed it was a trick to set her up. We then learn that Fiona knew the real reason Jake was in rehab, an event still unbeknownst to the audience, before Fiona chokes in her prison cell. The finale then closes on graduation set months later, with Bronwyn’s necklace found at a blood-covered crime scene at the school, setting up a third season perfectly.
9/10