The Night Manager viewers were left divided by the second series following a 10-year gap since the original run, with some going as far as “switching off” before the end of the episode.
Tom Hiddleston returned to screens as former intelligence operative Jonathan Pine in the second series of the spy thriller, which premiered on BBC One on New Year’s Day.
The actor reprised his role in the six-part follow-up to the multi-award-winning thriller, which expands upon John le Carré’s novel of the same name.
Viewers saw that Mr Pine now operates under the alias Alex Goodwin, working a modest surveillance position in the capital while attempting to leave his turbulent history behind.
Tom Hiddleston returned to screens as former intelligence operative Jonathan Pine
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BBC
His quiet existence is shattered when a routine assignment brings him face-to-face with a mercenary from Richard Roper’s former operation, propelling him into a violent confrontation with a fresh adversary.
This new threat comes in the form of Teddy Dos Santos, a Colombian businessman portrayed by Diego Calva, whose shadowy dealings draw Mr Pine into yet another dangerous web of arms trafficking.
The investigation leads the agent to Roxana Bolaños, played by Camila Morrone, a Miami-based broker who assists him in penetrating Dos Santos’s weapons operation on Colombian soil, where he uncovers a plot involving guerrilla army training.
After the lengthy wait though, many viewers were left feeling let down by the show’s return.
The Night Manager returned for a second series after 10 years
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BBC
Taking to X, one penned: “I was disappointed. The whole set up that it is another ‘look a like’ Roper character, doesn’t work for me.
“Also, there were too many plot holes for me. How do UK based operatives suddenly head abroad? Didn’t bother with 2nd episode! Red Eye series 2 was much better.”
Another complained: “Not connecting with the cast. Early days.”
Another admitted to switching off, writing: “Gave it a go, gave up after 20 minutes.”
Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston) and Angela Burr (Olivia Colman)
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BBC
A fourth simply commented: “Dire,” as another agreed: “Didn’t do it for me. Slow, tedious, no fascinating locations and clunky acting. #TheNightManager.”
Someone else shared: “I was excited for series 2 of #TheNightManager last night.
“Not sure if I was tired and/or hungover but I found it really hard to follow – particularly as the previous series is now a decade old. Also, there were just so many characters.”
Other viewers disagreed with the criticisms though, with some applauding the start of the new series.
“Absolutely superb. I can’t believe 10 years have passed since we last saw it. @twhiddleston was magnificent, the entire cast were. So glad it is back,” one enthused.
Another posted: “The first 2 episodes of the second season of #TheNightManager are good!”
They continued the positive review: “I was trepidations the 2nd series wouldn’t live up to the original, but damn it, the chemistry is good! I can’t wait for the next instalment!” (sic)
Episode three of The Night Manager will air on Sunday, January 11 on BBC One.