The acclaimed period drama The Artful Dodger has triumphantly returned for its second season, achieving the remarkable feat of a perfect 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. This Dickensian series, which reimagines the iconic character from Oliver Twist as an adult, continues to captivate audiences and critics alike with its masterful storytelling and compelling performances.
A Critical and Audience Darling
Starring Thomas Brodie-Sangster, 35, best known for his role in Love Actually, The Artful Dodger breathes vibrant new life into the famous literary figure. The show presents Dodger as a brilliant surgeon and reformed thief striving for redemption in the colonial town of Port Victory, Australia. His tumultuous journey is complicated by his mentor Fagin, who persistently drags him back into criminal heists, and his entangled romance with Lady Belle, the Governor's daughter.
With an impeccable critical score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and an equally impressive IMDb rating of eight out of ten, the series has garnered rave reviews from both professional critics and viewers. The second season delves deeper into Dodger's internal conflict, torn between an impossible love and the criminal underworld he secretly craves, adding layers of drama and emotional depth.
Critical Acclaim and Praise
Reviewers have been effusive in their praise for the second season. Collider hailed it, stating, "The Artful Dodger's Season two return guarantees that viewers will remember it as one of the decade's best historical series." The Beverly Hills Courier described the casting as "masterful" and the writing as "imaginative," while The Times noted, "Brodie-Sangster and Thewlis are a fine double act, and it's all so breezy you barely pause to consider how unlikely the whole romp is. An artful dodge indeed."
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Following the release of season two, fans have taken to social media to express their admiration. One viewer wrote, "Jack and Belle are back. Truly, they have some of the most underrated chemistry, and one of the most beautiful love stories currently on television. I truly recommend watching the show." Another exclaimed, "I don’t understand how there aren’t more people obsessed with The Artful Dodger I swear it's soo good and WE ARE SO BACK." Additional praise highlighted the show's genius writing, acting, and plot, with fans calling it an "underrated gem" and urging Disney+ to commission a third season, particularly praising its depiction of yearning.
Behind the Scenes: Creative Vision
The show's writer, James McNamara, revealed that his passion for 19th-century literature inspired the series. He explained, "I love 19th-century literature. It just tickles my brain. And while I really like Oliver Twist as a book, I just don't like Oliver that much as a character. For me, when Dodger and Fagin arrive, it's like the book comes alive. They electrically charge that story." McNamara emphasized his fascination with the dynamic relationship between Dodger and Fagin, which he believes were the true stars of Charles Dickens's original work.
Thomas Brodie-Sangster shared insights into his initial hesitation about the script, which was overcome as he became more involved in the project. He noted that relocating the story to Australia injected new colour and vitality into the character, saying, "When he's introduced to Fagin and the whole thing starts to assemble itself, it felt quite alive. [Dickens can be] very English – very London, Victorian, smoky. Damp and depressive, really. Relocating the story did something practical. It speeds it up. It injects a bit of colour."
Availability and Future Prospects
Both seasons one and two of The Artful Dodger are currently available to stream on Disney+, offering viewers a chance to immerse themselves in this critically acclaimed drama. With its perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and overwhelming positive reception, the series stands as a testament to innovative storytelling and character development in the historical drama genre.
