The Tourist season two

It’s two years since the first season of the much-loved drama series The Tourist premiered on BBC One in the UK, and many have been eagerly anticipating its return this January.

Elliot Stanley (played charismatically by Jamie Dornan) returns to our screens against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring landscapes of Ireland, and there’s no shortage of funny one-liners and a fair share of gruesome-ness. This time, Elliot returns to his homeland after being shown a picture by Helen (Danielle Macdonald) that holds yet more clues about his past. Upon entering the country, things quickly take a turn, and the pair find themselves in amongst the chaos of family feuds and corrupt, although pleasant, law enforcement.

As well as the return of Elliot and Helen, the rather irritating Ethan Krum (played by Greg Larsen) reappears as Helen’s pining ex and makes it his mission to win her back, as well as Lena Pascal (Victoria Haralabidou). All the while it becomes increasingly clear that Elliot’s roots in the world of crime go back a lot further than he might have imagined.

As Dornan admitted on Graham Norton recently, the main reason why the series is now set in Ireland is because the actor wanted to spend more time with his family while filming took place. With its vast hilly landscapes and gloriously untouched appearance, the decision has proven to be a good one, as the Irish countryside provides a fantastic setting for runaways with an abundance of hiding places.

The Tourist manages to balance some dark moments with often witty humour, and the introduction of new characters brings this vibrant series to life again. Conor MacNeill is particularly convincing as the deeply troubled but well-meaning Detective Ruairi Slater and Olwen Fouéré plays icy gangland mother Niamh Cassidy with a steely intensity. There is no shortage of action here and with only six episodes immediately available, it’s likely many will finish the series within the first week of January. Enjoy.

Hannah Broughton

The Tourist season two is released on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 1^st January 2024.

Watch the trailer for The Tourist season two here:

https://youtu.be/YFJjZUvAbDQ