A devastating murder, another community in crisis, and one final fight against corruption bring After the Flood to a surprisingly emotional close.
ITV’s After the Flood returns for a second season that expands the story beyond the flooding that defined its first chapter, delivering another small-town mystery filled with corruption, murder, environmental threats, and complicated relationships. While it may not reach the heights of a series like Line of Duty, there’s something compelling about the way After the Flood builds its story around a community where everyone seems to have something to hide.
Sophie Rundle once again anchors the series as DS Jo Marshall, and she remains one of its biggest strengths. Jo is determined to uncover the truth, even as the investigation forces her to confront corruption within her own police department and puts the people closest to her in danger.
This season introduces a new mystery involving two murdered men whose deaths lead Jo toward a local chemical company and the powerful Benson family. At the same time, she continues her secret investigation into corrupt Sergeant Phil Mackie, creating two storylines that eventually collide in devastating fashion.
The season also doesn't forget where the series came from. The flooding remains an important part of the show's identity, but this time the community faces new environmental dangers, including destructive moorland fires and the threat of further flooding.
Rundle is outstanding throughout, particularly as Jo's personal and professional worlds begin to fall apart. The loss of Pat is especially heartbreaking, and the decision to end the season with Jo grieving rather than giving her a traditional happy ending feels appropriately honest.
Mackie’s eventual arrest provides some justice, but it comes at an enormous cost. Jo’s final confrontation with him is intense, especially as she discovers just how far he was willing to go to protect himself.
After the Flood isn't perfect, and it may not have the intricate layers of a larger police thriller like Line of Duty. But its strength has always been its smaller scale. This is a show about a community dealing with tragedy, corruption, and the consequences of secrets, and Season 2 stays true to that identity.
With ITV confirming that the series will not return for a third season, this becomes the definitive ending. It's not necessarily the hopeful conclusion viewers might have wanted, but it is an emotionally fitting one for Jo and the world of After the Flood. Overall, I give this season an 8/10.
Did you watch After the Flood Season 2? What did you think of the ending, and are you disappointed that the series won't return for Season 3? Let me know in the comments!
You can stream After the Flood on BritBox.
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