The highly anticipated second season of Irvine Welsh’s Crime returns to screens tonight, Wednesday, August 7, bringing viewers back into the tumultuous life of Detective Ray Lennox. Originally premiered on ITVX, the gritty series, based on Welsh’s acclaimed novel, stars Dougray Scott, who reprises his role as the tormented detective.
Lennox’s Return: A Battle Against Crime and Himself
In this new chapter, Ray Lennox is back at Edinburgh Serious Crimes, determined to prove he has moved past the psychological breakdown he suffered after capturing the notorious criminal, Mr Confectioner. Despite his personal progress, Lennox soon finds himself confronting a city steeped in crime and corruption.
The second series introduces a reshaped team dynamic. Bob Toal appears to have lost his drive, while Amanda Drummond steps into a leadership role following her recent promotion. New faces join the squad, including Tommy Stark, a sharp and calculating investigator, and Norrie Erskine, a failed actor who brings his own quirks to the team.
A Stellar Cast with Familiar and New Faces
Alongside Dougray Scott, the series features returning actors Joanna Vanderham and Ken Stott, reprising their roles. Newcomers Rebecca Root and Gabriel Scott add fresh energy to the cast, contributing to the intricate web of characters that drive the narrative.
The Intriguing Plot of Crime Series 2
ITV describes the plot as a gripping tale of vengeance, identity, and justice. The story kicks off with a shocking attack on one of Lennox’s former colleagues. As Lennox and Drummond dig deeper, they uncover connections to a disturbing attempted murder of a high-profile establishment figure in an exclusive Edinburgh hotel. Despite the severity of the crime, it has been carefully swept under the rug by powerful forces.
Lennox’s investigation takes him through Edinburgh’s darkest corners, from underground saunas to crack dens and luxury hotels. However, his search for answers is met with resistance at every turn, with an apparent cover-up by those in high places.
A Case That Hits Close to Home
The stakes escalate when the killer shifts focus to someone within Lennox’s team, forcing the detective to confront the personal cost of his mission. As the investigation unfolds, Lennox discovers that the roots of the case stretch back three decades to a deeply unsettling incident. This revelation leads him to question whether the person behind the recent murders is merely a pawn in a much larger game.
Episode Count and How to Watch
The series promises an intense ride across six tightly woven episodes, each delving deeper into the psychological and social complexities of crime in Edinburgh. While the first season captivated audiences with its raw and authentic storytelling, the second season aims to push boundaries even further, delivering a powerful mix of suspense, drama, and moral inquiry.
Viewers can catch Crime on ITV 1, with episodes available for streaming on ITVX shortly after airing.
As the story unfolds, fans of Irvine Welsh’s work can expect a dark, thought-provoking exploration of justice and humanity, set against the atmospheric backdrop of Edinburgh. With its compelling characters and intricate plot, Crime series 2 promises to be one of the standout dramas of the year.
