'Hidden' Season 2 Review: A top-notch Welsh murder whydunit that reflects on society's often-ignored problems
Spoilers for 'Hidden' Season 2
The violent death of local retired chemistry teacher Geraint Ellis grips the mining town in the slate-strewn mountains of Blaenau Ffestiniog. The old man was found dead in his own bathtub brutally beaten up to the point that the crime seems completely senseless. And so ensues a twisted, mind-bending and sobering murder investigation whose roots stem in the vilest and oft-ignored facets of our society.
The award-winning BBC One Wales psychological crime thriller returns with a second instalment that invokes fear leading to retribution but asks the audience if rehabilitation could be a possible answer. 'Hidden' is not a whodunnit — it is a compelling whydunit. Early on in the series, it is revealed that three teenagers Mia Owen (Annes Elwy), Connor Pritchard (Steffan Cennydd) and Lee Williams (Siôn Eifion) are the perpetrators of the murder. Just how involved each is, however, is not revealed.
Death is all over this grey town — some are mourning their loved lost ones, and some are begrudgingly attending funerals while others are tormented with guilt. It is this guilt that we follow for a large part of this six-part series through Connor, who cannot get over the crime he has committed. Ellis' body hadn't been found for weeks before a restless Connor, overcome by guilt, places an anonymous call asking the police to visit the house.
By the time the police investigation gets closer to the true perpetrators after running around in circles — Connor's remorse completely takes over him. Rendered helpless by his grief and shame, Connor takes a turn for the worse.
The series is dark and mysterious with the most terrifying moments delivered by Mia. A highly emotional intelligence makes her a masterful manipulator. It is easy to dislike Mia — her demeanor and twisted mind are repulsive. But it is her character that forces the question of rehabilitation. Ed Talfan, with his expertise of thriller and suspense dramas, brings together a powerful cast spearheaded by the formidable Sian Reese-Williams as DCI Cadi John. Directed by Gareth Bryn and Chris Forster, the show might feel slow to pick up but sticking with it is recommended as Forster's latter half is commendable.
'Hidden' is not an easy watch by any standards — it is complex and compelling series that brings to fore the inequalities in society, particularly of those who are neglected and abandoned (in several senses of the word) at a young, impressionable age. For a while in the beginning, the crime seems to be of a vindictive nature — vigilantes bring justice to those who were wronged, making the so-called victim pay for his sins. But as the show progresses, it adjusts its focus on the pivotal issues of humanity today — issues that form the basis of a progressive society.
Writer Caryl Lewis pens down a powerful set of characters with surprisingly overwhelming backstories. The violent nature of the act is inexplicably inhumane and is examined through the six episodes. The whydunit narrative allows the creators to focus on the three characters and dig deeper into their worlds. It touches upon cultural and socio-political issues such as the lack of agency of adolescents, poverty, neglect, abuse and political apathy - bringing to light the vicious circle of so-called "troublemakers".
All episodes of 'Hidden' are currently streaming on Acorn TV.
