ITV's gripping crime drama After The Flood has sparked fervent acclaim from dedicated viewers, who are boldly proclaiming it as the "best thing on television" and even superior to the critically acclaimed BBC series Happy Valley. The murder mystery, which returned for its highly anticipated second series earlier this year, has left audiences utterly captivated with its intense narrative and atmospheric setting.
A Compelling Narrative in a Flooded Landscape
Starring Peaky Blinders actress Sophie Rundle in the lead role of Constable Jo Marshall, the series unfolds in the fictional, small rural town of Waterside, a community persistently plagued by devastating floods. The storyline follows Jo as she delves into a complex murder investigation after discovering an unidentified body, pulling her into a web of mystery that challenges her professionally and personally.
Evolution and Escalation in Series Two
Building on the foundations of the first series, the new episodes witness Jo Marshall stepping into a detective role, confronting another baffling murder case that strikes disturbingly close to home. This season intricately weaves in the pressing issue of climate change, shifting focus to the looming threat of moorland fires as tensions escalate in the Yorkshire town. The official summary sets the scene: 'As tensions simmer in Waterside amid the rising threat of moorland fires and the subsequent risk of further flooding, a body is discovered in bizarre circumstances.'
Jo's relentless pursuit of the killer forces her into direct confrontation with the town's powerful and influential forces, drawing her into an investigation that becomes deeply personal. 'One that will require her to operate in secret if she is to have any hope of rooting out the corruption that has blighted the town's police force - and her own family – for decades,' the summary reveals, highlighting the show's thematic depth.
Stellar Cast and Creative Team
The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Olivier nominee and Bridgerton star Lorraine Ashbourne, alongside Life on Mars veteran Philip Glenister. It is penned by the BAFTA-nominated writer Mick Ford, ensuring a narrative rich with suspense and character development. This combination of talent has clearly resonated with audiences, generating significant buzz.
Audience Acclaim and Comparisons
Fans have flocked to review platforms such as IMDb and forums like Reddit to express their overwhelming praise. One enthusiastic viewer wrote: 'The show gets better and better with each episode! It was nothing like I expected it to be.' Another declared: 'It's about the best thing on TV at the moment. Well acted, full of tension and drama. Thoroughly enjoying it.'
Notably, several viewers have drawn direct comparisons to other major crime dramas. A third fan stated unequivocally: 'This is one to watch at the minute, and if I'm being completely honest, it's so much better than Happy Valley and Fool Me Once.' Echoing this sentiment, a fourth commented: 'In my book this was certainly better than the much-hyped recent series of "Happy Valley".' Such comparisons underscore the show's impact and its position as a standout in the competitive crime drama genre.
Behind the Scenes: Creating the Flood
The production of After The Flood involved remarkable practical efforts to create its central disaster. Lead actress Sophie Rundle recently shared insights into the challenging filming conditions, revealing she spent most of her time "soaked to the skin" while portraying a pregnant police officer. 'I was getting into a giant, freezing-cold paddling pool every day wearing a large pregnancy belly beneath a police uniform,' she told Weekend Magazine. 'It was certainly different!'
In the series, Sophie plays the heavily pregnant PC Joanna Marshall, who is tasked with saving lives following a catastrophic flood. The production team constructed rows of houses in a giant tank before pouring in millions of gallons of water to create the flood scenes authentically. Executive producer Nicola Schindler explained: 'We couldn't afford CGI to create the flood scenes so we had to find a way of doing it with real water.'
Dangerous Stunts and Personal Dynamics
The dramatic river rescue scenes were filmed on the fast-moving and potentially hazardous River Tees in County Durham. Director Azhur Saleem noted: 'The water was very fast-moving and potentially dangerous. And to replicate heavy rain we used four fire hydrants to drench the actors.' Sophie Rundle recalled the physical toll, stating: 'I got bruises from the force of the water and the safety people said if I did get swept away they'd retrieve me downriver, which was a bit scary!'
Adding a layer of personal intrigue, Sophie's real-life partner, Matt Stokoe, portrays her on-screen husband, PC Pat Holman. Sophie admitted to initial reservations: 'We had doubts about playing husband and wife as we're quite private. But it worked out fine.' This dynamic adds an authentic chemistry to their screen relationship.
The six-part series begins with PC Marshall and her colleagues battling to save a mother and child from a swollen river. The plot thickens when a man is found dead in an underground car park; while initially assumed drowned, signs point to murder. PC Marshall takes it upon herself to investigate independently, without informing her superiors. 'She's breaking all sorts of rules,' Sophie remarked, highlighting her character's determined and maverick nature.
After The Flood is now available for streaming on ITVX, offering viewers the chance to immerse themselves in this critically praised and audience-beloved crime drama that masterfully blends environmental themes with personal and procedural tension.
