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Fans are heaping praise on an Apple TV Plus psychological thriller following the launch of its second season, three years after it originally premiered.
Surface follows a woman attempting to rebuild her life after a claimed suicide attempt. The gripping series first dropped in July 2022, meaning fans have had a while to wait for the next instalment.
But, at long last, the anticipation has ended, as season 2 was released on Friday, February 21—and it’s safe to say viewers haven’t been disappointed.
The second chapter of the dark drama follows Sophie (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) as she continues to piece together her past after losing her memory during her accident.
This time, she heads to London to unravel secrets and, following the few clues she has, embeds herself in elite British society, where she discovers a possible connection to a beautiful heiress.
However, her world is upturned again when a journalist contacts her out of the blue, and Sophie realises they were working together to expose a shocking scandal about the dangerous people she’s now become close to.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw plays Sophie, who lost her memory after a suicide attempt (Picture: Apple TV)
She is trying to patch together pieces from her past (Picture: Apple TV)
In addition to returning actors including Oliver Jackson-Cohen, stars such as Joely Richardson, Freida Pinto, and Ted Lasso’s Phil Dunster have joined the cast for season 2.
Taking to X after the first episode landed, user wickedmanchris_ expressed their joy at its return, writing: ‘Welcome back, I’ve missed you #surface’.
‘If you haven’t seen #surface pleas watch it it’s too good. Watch it on the weekend when you ain’t got nothing to do. I’ve been up all night [sic]’, implored mcbryde_destiny.
IceCreamConvos added that the drama this season is ‘next level’ and praised its ‘jaw-dropping moments’.
Meanwhile, over on review site Rotten Tomatoes, critics had mixed opinions. But one thing’s for sure, and it’s that the lead actress puts on a stellar show.
‘Surface thrives on Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s mesmerizing performance,’ writes M.N. Miller of FandomWire.
In the second chapter, the character embeds herself in British high society (Picture: Apple TV)
Tania Hussain of Collider adds that season 2 is a huge improvement: ‘Finally getting the chance to be the show it was always meant to be, Surface Season 2 elevates itself past its early missteps, delivering a second act filled with intricate plotting and a moody atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.’
It comes after glowing reviews flooded in for season 1. On Google, Redd Matter was among the viewers who raved about the ‘phenomenal’ first outing, saying: ‘Great show! Great casting, engaging, gorgeously filmed. Oliver Jackson’s acting just is next level–why haven’t I heard of him before!
‘The chemistry between he and Gugu is electric–this is a classic mystery set in the US so far but completely grounded in the tradition of great British shows like Broadchurch, etc. Can’t forget to mention Marianne Jean-Baptiste shining like the jewel she always is as the therapist. Must watch!’
Echoing their sentiment, N Camara wrote: ‘Interesting storyline which left me with so many question marks after season 1. This is not the type of thriller where they aim for shock value and revealing everything halfway through.
‘Even as some things clarify the element of mystery still remains. The main characters are not clear cut but have many shades which is what also makes it interesting and you can keep guessing “who’s really the baddie” as the story unfolds. Looking forward to the next season.’
Shawn Sheridan added: ‘Absolutely love this show!! Refreshing to have a plot driven show with intrigue. I think in general, today’s audiences want non-stop action/violence/special effects driven stories and not have to think about character development and interaction.’
Stars including Freida Pinto have joined the cast of Surface (Picture: Apple TV)
Omasan also said: ‘This has been the most phenomenal show I’ve seen in a long while. Cathartic! the Characters – Epic. The marital synchrony of Sophie and James is so real – it’s beautiful, the Love, the desire to retake and do better – the story line is amazing .
‘Thanks for a great show – I love that there’s nothing obscene, show is clean enough to watch, sex scenes are underway and controlled – Love this absolutely. Thanks so much.’
Surface is not the only thriller to have gripped TV fans in recent weeks.
They have also been urging everyone to watch Hindi-language series The Last Hour on Amazon Prime Video.
The crime drama revolves around the life of a mysterious shaman who can talk to the spirits of dead people, Devi (Karma Takapa).
The Indian supernatural series sees Devi’s talents deployed to help solve the investigation into the brutal rape and murder of an actress.
He communicates with her soul and relives her last hour in order to amass clues to crack her killer’s identity.
However, Devi’s life is also under threat as he is being hunted down by a dangerous figure from his past.
Viewers who have devoured The Last Hour have labelled it ‘criminally underrated.
Surface season 1 and 2 are available to stream on Apple TV Plus.
This article was first published on February 5.
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