NEW CRIME DRAMA
The Responder Sunday, 9pm, BBC1 (box set, BBC iPlayer)
It’s been more than two years since Martin Freeman wowed viewers as troubled Liverpool cop Chris Carson in BBC1’s The Responder.
The actor won plaudits for his performance in the first season of the gritty crime drama – penned by former Merseyside Police officer Tony Schumacher – which followed the embattled night-time response officer as his world fell apart under the weight of his own corruption and a crumbling marriage.
This week, a five-part second season picks up Chris’ story – and things haven’t improved much. His estranged wife Kate (MyAnna Buring) has moved in with his police colleague Raymond Mullen (Warren Brown), and Chris is worried about his relationship with his young daughter Tilly (Romi Hyland-Rylands). He’s also caught up in murky dealings involving local drug kingpin Franny (Adam Nagaitis) and senior officer DI Deborah Barnes (Amaka Okafor).
Meanwhile, Chris’ former cop partner Rachel Hargreaves (Adelayo Adedayo) is disillusioned with her job and traumatised after she suffered at the hands of her abusive boyfriend. She’s now paired with another copper on patrol, but Rachel is starting to realise she’s got more in common with Chris than she’d ever want to admit.
We met up with Freeman, 52, at a London hotel for a cup of tea and a chat about the new season…
Where do we find Chris as the new season starts?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Pakistan v England FIRST TEST
Ben Stokes is back from injury to lead the tourists
Out of this world
Professor Brian Cox reveals the incredible events occurring in our solar system
Heist & seek
Kevin Hart is a 1970s hustler on the run from the cops and mobsters
Modern bromance
Can Two Pints pals Ralf Little and Will Mellor get to grips with current-day lifestyles?
BREAKING point
Move over, Dexter... A mild-mannered receptionist turns into a vengeful serial killer
Striking it rich
A poor family goes up in the world in a lavish period drama
Collision course
Michael Socha is an arrogant cop accused of a fatal hit-and-run as the courtroom drama returns
RECLAIM the night
A compelling thriller set in a world where men are confined indoors after dark
The Diplomat
Keri Russell returns for a second series of the political thriller
Women's T20 World Cup
Scotland and England go for white-ball glory