The Artful Dodger Season 2 Review: A Breathless but Hollow Return
The chaotic energy of The Artful Dodger bursts back onto screens with its second series on Disney+, plunging viewers immediately into the fray of colonial Australia without pause for breath. This sequel to Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist continues the adventures of Jack Dawkins, portrayed by Thomas Brodie-Sangster, but struggles to recapture the wit and warmth that defined its acclaimed first run.
From Prison Break to Perilous Pursuit
Season two opens with Dawkins escaping from a Port Victory prison cell, aided by the ever-scheming Norbert Fagin, played by David Thewlis. Within mere minutes, the narrative thrusts our protagonist into a confrontation with Inspector Boxer, a stern new arrival from London portrayed by Luke Bracey. Boxer's mission to replace the deceased Captain Gaines sets a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic that drives much of the early plot.
The breakneck pacing is established from the outset, underscored by an explosive use of Blur's Song 2 and minimal exposition. Viewers are expected to keep up as Dawkins navigates shark attacks, surgical emergencies, and the looming threat of the noose, all while evading capture. This relentless approach sacrifices character development for sheer momentum, leaving little room for the emotional resonance that previously anchored the series.
Lost in the Frenzy: Where's the Heart?
While the first season balanced heists and hijinks with tender moments between Dawkins and Fagin, exploring themes of family and redemption, the sequel leans heavily into action. Chase sequences, brawls, and contemporary soundtrack choices dominate, creating a sense of desperation rather than delight. The romantic subplot involving Lady Belle Fox, played by Maia Mitchell, is sidelined by external pressures, including her mother's ultimatum to stay away from Dawkins.
The result is a drama that feels like it's racing toward its conclusion without allowing audiences to invest in the journey. The intricate relationships and moral dilemmas that gave depth to the original are buried beneath a pile of surgical dressings and repetitive heist scenarios. As Fagin himself might grumble, it's all a bit bleedin' put out for those seeking more than just a louder re-tread.
Performances Shine Amidst the Chaos
Despite the narrative shortcomings, the cast delivers committed performances. Thomas Brodie-Sangster retains his charismatic smirk and physical agility as Dawkins, while David Thewlis brings a gurning gravitas to Fagin. Newcomer Luke Bracey adds a formidable presence as Inspector Boxer, though his character often feels underdeveloped due to the frantic plot.
Supporting roles, such as Susie Porter's Lady Jane Fox, provide necessary tension but lack the screen time to fully explore their motivations. The production design and colonial Australian setting remain visually engaging, offering a gritty backdrop that contrasts with the series' modern sensibilities.
Verdict: More Action, Less Soul
The Artful Dodger season two is a mixed bag of exhilarating pace and emotional emptiness. It delivers on spectacle and energy, with enough twists to keep viewers entertained, but falters by abandoning the heartfelt core that made its predecessor stand out. For fans of fast-paced period dramas, it's a wild ride; for those craving depth and warmth, it may feel like a missed opportunity.
As the series charges forward, one can't help but wonder if a slower, more nuanced approach might have served these characters better. In the end, it's a testament to the cast's talent that they manage to shine through the chaos, even when the script doesn't always give them the room to breathe.
