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Bloodlands ‘dreadful’ series finale leaves viewers ‘fuming’: ‘More holes in the ending than a mint Aero’

Thriller has been renewed for a second series

Annabel Nugent
Monday 15 March 2021 14:35 GMT
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Bloodlands trailer

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Fans have been left “unsatisfied” and “fuming” following the season finale of Bloodlands.

BBC One’s four-part thriller starring James Nesbitt as Belfast detective Tom Brannick – written by Chris Brandon and executive produced by Line of Duty’s Jed Mercurio – came to an end last night (14 March).

While the final episode offered audiences some answers, many people were left underwhelmed after the four-week long wait and took to Twitter to share their grievances.

“Well… that was… dreadful,” tweeted BBC politics producer Darran Marshall.

“Well that’s four hours of my life I won’t get back #Bloodlands,” added another user, while someone else said: “Fuming with the end of #Bloodlands the first 2 episodes were brilliant, the last 2 were such an anticlimax.”

READ MORE: Bloodlands epitomises the big problem with British primetime drama

A third person wrote: “#Bloodlands – final episode. Hmmm… Not satisfied with that conclusion. Too rushed as well.”

It was confirmed today (15 March) that the thriller will return for a second series, despite its lukewarm reception. 

“I’m glad there’s a second series of #Bloodlands. More holes in the ending than a Mint Aero,” said another person.

The Independent’s two-star review of the episode agreed with the sentiment, stating: “Bloodland’s penchant for plot holes also continued to plague the finale.” 

Speaking about BBC’s decision to renew the series for a second season, Nesbitt said: “I’m thrilled that viewers responded to Bloodlands so positively and that we will be returning for a second series. I’m always happy to be back in Northern Ireland and to reveal even more about Tom Brannick.”

Despite underwhelming reviews for its final episode, the renewal follows an impressive ratings performance for the series. According to the BBC, Bloodlands launched with an average of 8.2 million viewers, making it the broadcaster’s biggest new drama launch since June 2019.

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