'Grantchester' Series 2 Episode 1 Review: James Norton And Robson Green's Characters Take Darker Turn
REVIEW: Grantchester, And A Happy Dip Before It All Goes Dark
Caroline Frost— The Huffington Post UK
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'Grantchester' returned with a bonny, rural scene, crowned by a dip in the Cam for which James Norton and Robson Green both admitted they'd spent some serious time in the gym.
But it was all swiftly downhill from there as, first, the wholesome Sidney was wrongfully arrested for interfering with one of his young community charges, obviously by someone who hadn't checked in for the previous series and discovered that the comely vicar's heart beats true for only one lady (even if he can still have his collar turned by the odd seductive jazz singer when he strays from the village).
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It all started happily with a dip in the Cam for Jordie and Sidney
From there, it was the usual twists and turns we've come to associate with the clued-up cleric and his rufty, tufty police sidekick, including their understandable distraction for a while with guest star Neil Morrissey. We 'Line of Duty' fans could have told our sleuths he's never the actual villain, he just looks like one.
However, things took a darker turn as Sidney's compassion increasingly found him at odds with everyone on whom he had come to rely. First, he had an understandable crisis of faith, when he realised he was the only churchman around whose cloth was not in some way corrupt, whether by illicit passion or by covering it up from above.
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Series 2 found Jordie and Sidney at loggerheads over how justice is best served in the community
Not only that, but he found himself at loggerheads with his great pal Jordie over their very different interpretations of what justice requires of a civilised society.
These two very contemporary dilemmas were elevated by the judicial stakes of the era, when a man could still hang for his misdemeanours. Don't be deceived by those bucolic sun-rays and picnics, 'Grantchester' is going dark for Series 2. and, suddenly, that joyful dip in the Cam seems a long, long time ago.
The Next James Bond Is One Of These...
Damien Lewis(01 of13)
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The first red-headed James Bond?
Idris Elba(02 of13)
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So many people have asked him about it, Idris will no longer discuss the subject. But while Pierce Brosnan remarked Bond boss Barbara Broccoli wouldn't be happy with a Black Bond, she told HuffPostUK, "I don't know what Pierce is talking about."
Tom Hardy(03 of13)
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Arguably too rugged for the corridors of Westminster where James Bond has to defend his actions, but very, very popular.
Chiwetel Ejiofor(04 of13)
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Another actor who's been asked so many times, now he just smiles when asked.
Tom Hiddleston(05 of13)
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If pouting were all that is required, Tom Hiddleston would go straight to Vauxhall Bridge.
Clive Owen(06 of13)
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Has proved he has the required steeliness in any number of big screen roles, but success Stateside might make him no longer willing to commit.
Douglas Booth(07 of13)
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No gun or martial arts skills required, he can just look at them, and wait for submission.
John Boyega(08 of13)
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What the 'Star Wars' star may lack in stature, he more than makes up for in enthusiasm and appeal. Although the Bond villains might just want to cuddle him.
Taron Egerton(09 of13)
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Proved his action hero chops in 'Kingsman: Secret Service' and signing him now would mean Barbara Broccoli and co wouldn't have to worry again for at least a decade.
Michael Fassbender(10 of13)
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Like Pierce Brosnan, Irish charm could help the 'Steve Jobs' star int the role.
Sam Claflin(11 of13)
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The 'Hunger Games' star represents the best of British.
Tom Hughes(12 of13)
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Who, you ask? Set to play Prince Albert against Jenna Coleman in the forthcoming 'Victoria' TV series, Tom has already proven himself a master of espionage in 'The Game' and 'Page Eight', both on TV. When not if he gets the call, don't say we didn't give you the heads up...
Jeremy Clarkson(13 of13)
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... or alternatively, don't say we didn't warn you.