Channel 5 has unveiled a gripping first look at the anticipated second season of its hit thriller, The Game, starring Robson Green and Jason Watkins – and the Grantchester star will send shivers down your spine.
The twisty series, which was hailed by viewers as "superb" and became one of 5's top performing dramas upon its release in May last year, follows retired detective Huw [Watkins], who becomes convinced that his new neighbour Patrick [Green] is the serial killer he failed to catch in the one case that still haunts him.
© David Herranz & UNAI MATEO / Clapperboard Studios / © 5 Broadcasting LimitedAfter the first season ended on a dramatic cliffhanger – with Huw surviving a brutal stabbing by the man unveiled as the Ripton Stalker – the new clip finds the two rivals in darkness. "I always knew it was you," Huw says, to which Patrick chillingly replies: "You were such a great detective. You liked the chase too much. You live for the hunt. I need you back in the game."
Keep reading to find out all we know about season two.
What happens in season two?
When we last saw Huw, he was bleeding out in his wife Alice's arms, having been stabbed by Patrick.
"So sorry it took me so long," he told her as Patrick was led away in handcuffs. "But I got there in the end."
Series two picks up one year later, with former detective Huw having survived the brutal attack.
© David Herranz; / Clapperboard Studios / Channel 5With Patrick safely behind bars, Huw believes he's finally escaped the psychological grip of the killer whose crimes haunted him for years.
Living in an isolated house by the sea with his wife Alice, Huw is determined to rebuild a quiet life, far from the violence that nearly destroyed them, according to the synopsis. It concludes: "But peace, he soon realises, is an illusion."
What to expect from the second season
Teasing the new season, Robson said in a previous statement: "Stepping back into the world of The Game for series two is an exciting challenge. Just when you thought it was over, Patrick is back pulling strings with a vengeance. 5 audiences are in for another brilliant ride."
© david herranz & UNAI MATEO / Clapperboard Studios / © 5 Broadcasting LimitedMeanwhile, Jason added: "Huw has been through the mill and there's no let-up this series. I'm excited to get my teeth into what's ahead for him."
Speaking to HELLO! and other press ahead of season one, Robson revealed that American serial killer, Joseph James DeAngelo, was a source of inspiration during preparation for the role.
"I'm addicted to true crime. I'm really interested in people's MOs and destructive behaviour and how it destroys other people," he said. "There was only one man I looked at: Joseph James DeAngelo, the original night stalker in LA.
© UNAI MATEO / Clapperboard Studios SPV 5 Ltd / © Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited"He would go into people's houses and leave the door open, or he would put an ornament from another house in their house and, and just mess with people's minds. He'd wait two weeks before he'd go back in and do it again."
The actor continued: "It was really interesting that he got his satisfaction, emotional response and validation in life through playing these games, and slowly but surely destroying people psychologically and then in the end, killing them."
Who stars in season two?
Jason Watkins (Coma, W1A) and Robson Green (Grantchester, Strike Back) will reprise their roles as Huw and Patrick.
© David Herranz & UNAI MATEO / Clapperboard Studios / © 5 Broadcasting LimitedThey're joined by returning stars Sunetra Sarker (Ackley Bridge, Casualty), Indy Lewis (Industry, King and Conqueror) and Amber James (Vera, Grace).
Some new faces have joined the cast, including Sonny Ashbourne Serkis (Masters of the Air, The Witcher), Tanya Franks (Broadchurch, Pulling), Dominic Rowan (The Crown, Catastrophe), Amanda Bright (Buccaneers, Breeders), Richard Pepple (The Hack, The Rig), Carl Rice (Brassic, Deep Water), and Connor Calland (Adolescence, Stay Close).
The Game returns to 5 soon. A release date has yet to be announced.
