‘Criminal’ is the Best Showcase for British Acting Talent on Netflix

Criminal (UK) returns for a second season today on Netflix, reuniting crime drama fans with one of the most inventive takes on the genre in recent years. Set entirely in the police interrogation room, each episode focuses on a different crime through the perspective of a brand new suspect. The structure of Criminal makes it the perfect vehicle for flashy guest stars to throw down unexpectedly intense performances. Which is why we should be psyched for Criminal Season 2, featuring Game of Thrones star Kit Harington, Catastrophe mastermind Sharon Horgan, Big Bang Theory alum Kunal Nayyar, and the always transcendent Sophie Okonedo as this year’s line of suspects.

Criminal launched last fall as an audacious experiment for Netflix. Four different series, each set in a different foreign country and starring a different rogues gallery of international talent, debuted on the same day. While Criminal (Spain), Criminal (France), and Criminal (Germany) all served three unique tales of murder, jealousy, and revent, Criminal (United Kingdom) struck the biggest chord with American viewers. Part of that was the lack of language barrier, but the real reason was stars like David Tennant and Hayley Atwell threw down career-defining performances.

Criminal Season 1 Episode 1 “Edgar” featured David Tennant in a role that should creep you out far more than his devilish villain in Marvel’s Jessica Jones. His character, Dr. Edgar Fallon, is the portrait of middle class respectability. However, the police think he might have been responsible for the grisly rape and murder of his 14-year-old stepdaughter, Nicky. At first, he’s able to deflect and explain his situation. He almost makes you pity him. However when the depths of his malice are revealed, it’s incredibly horrifying. All the while, Tennant plays Edgar as someone you’d recognize in your real life — and trust.

The second episode of Criminal‘s first season featured a similarly haunting turn from a familiar face in British acting. Though Hayley Atwell usually plays English roses and is most well-known for the inspiring heroine Peggy Carter, in Criminal Episode 2 “Stacey,” she is a combative lower class woman suspected of foul play in her sister’s boyfriend’s death. Armed with acrylic nails, pastel hair, and a surly attitude, Atwell brings her character to vivid life.

Criminal is one of the few shows that puts its dramatic onus on its guest star’s shoulders. Sure the ensemble cast playing the detectives and police officers trying to coax a confession give it their all, but the big, capital letter “ACTING!” comes from the actors popping in for a single story. In the case of Atwell, for instance, she got to play hard against type. While Tennant tiptoed the edge between his two most popular modes: total charmer and total creeper.

So what’s in store for Criminal Season 2? Actors Sharon Horgan and Kunal Nayyar are best known for their comedic roles, which means their episodes should give both actors a chance to shine when it comes to the darker side of storytelling. Kit Harington’s character is suited up like a rich boy and his attitude in the trailer is a far cry from the nobility of Jon Snow. Sophie Okonedo is brilliant in everything she does, but her scenes seem to show a woman projecting the image of an aggrieved housewife.

Criminal Season 2 is sure to be a must-watch series on Netflix this week. Not because it’s crazy bingeable, but because it is the best acting showcase on the entire streaming platform.

Criminal Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

Watch Criminal on Netflix