The second series of ITV's hit drama Red Eye has sparked a wave of viewer frustration, with many taking to social media to point out what they see as glaring inconsistencies and 'plot holes' in the storyline.
Viewers Spot Security Lapses in Embassy Plot
The new series, which premiered on New Year's Day, sees DS Hana Li, played by Jing Lusi, investigating the murder of a US diplomatic courier at Heathrow Airport. The action quickly moves to the US Embassy, which is plunged into lockdown after the killer infiltrates the building. Forced to collaborate with the embassy's head of security, Clay Brody (Martin Compston), Hana must navigate both the crisis and a complicated shared history.
However, the drama's second episode, which aired on Friday, January 2, left a portion of the audience unconvinced. One major point of contention was a scene where the antagonist easily accesses a critical server room, apparently devoid of security cameras. "Red Eye... the most important room in the American Embassy, the server room, there are no security cameras... what a load of b*******," one viewer fumed on X, formerly Twitter.
Fans Brand Show 'An Absolute Farce'
The criticism intensified when a fire broke out in the same server room. Viewers questioned why there were no automatic fire suppression systems, with the same social media user adding, "A fire in the server room, BUT NO AUTOMATIC POWDER EXTINGUISHERS... had enough with this programme...", ultimately labelling the show 'an absolute farce'.
Other fans echoed the sentiment, comparing the new series unfavourably to the first. "S1 good; S2 laughable. Awful. Unbelievable; plot riddled with holes. Cliche-ridden," wrote another. Specific logistical issues were also highlighted, including how the killer moved freely during a lockdown and escaped via a secret doorway that security chief Brody, aware of its existence, allegedly failed to monitor.
Divided Audience: 'Complete Nonsense' vs. 'Intense' Drama
Despite the vocal criticism, the reception to Red Eye's return has been split. While some dismissed it as 'complete nonsense', others are thoroughly enjoying the suspense. Many fans defended the series on social media, with one commenting, "This episode is intense," and another praising the villain's portrayal.
The first series in 2024 was a major success for ITV, captivating audiences with a tense narrative centred on DS Hana Li and Dr Matthew Nolan (Richard Armitage) confronting murders on a flight to China. Whether the second series can maintain that momentum amidst the plot credibility debate remains to be seen.
