Banksey (Mike Noble) survives to the end of This City is Ours season 2, after his apparent death in episode three is revealed to be a staged shooting. The fan-favourite character is shown alive and well in episode four, having been protected by a bulletproof vest.
Michael's Difficult Decision
When the second season began, Michael (James Nelson-Joyce) had walked away from the Phelan crime empire and was building a fresh start with Diana (Hannah Onslow), who was expecting their baby. Yet he found himself dragged back into the criminal underworld, and violence soon followed.
By the close of series one, Banksey had murdered gang boss Ricardo Guzman (Daniel Cerqueira) by mowing him down in his vehicle, payback for Ricardo destroying Banksey's car with explosives. Series two, airing weekly on BBC One, reveals the consequences Banksey faces, as Ricardo's brother Felipe (Álvaro Morte) enters the picture.
The Staged Shooting
During the opening two instalments, Banksey received a visit from Ronnie's (Sean Bean) son Jamie (Jack McMullen) alongside two associates, one of whom Banksey shot in the chest twice after asking whether his vest was bulletproof. In episode three, Banksey discussed with Michael at the pub his planned killing in return for Diana, who was being detained by Felipe. Understanding it was the only way to secure Diana's release, Banksey hesitantly agreed to risk his life.
Banksey was tied up in the back of Michael's car while Felipe and Diana observed from another location. Felipe said in his final words to Banksey: "You should know that my brother Ricardo, he meant nothing to me, nothing. In fact, I disliked him. So if I was with you, I would shake your hand. I'll pray for you."
Asked if Banksey had any final words, he said to Michael: "You take care of my boy for me, you promise me you will do that?" Michael agreed, before shooting Banksey in the chest, leaving Diana stunned as she witnessed the video recording. Michael then approached the motionless Banksey, before firing at him once more.
Banksey's Survival
"You happy now, eh? Are you satisfied?" Michael asked Felipe furiously. "Now leave me in peace to bury my best mate." Nevertheless, in the fourth episode, it emerges Banksey's demise had been fabricated and he was actually alive and well. It emerged that Banksey had apparently been wearing a bulletproof vest during the shooting, similar to the one he had previously fired at, which proved to be his saving grace. Michael encountered Banksey on a beach, where it was agreed he would stay off-grid to ensure his safety.
Having genuinely believed Banksey was dead, viewers flocked to X, formerly Twitter, to voice their reactions, with one posting: "Nah can't believe Banksy is gone." Another exclaimed: "Ahhhhh I knew it! Banksy!" A final fan commented: "This City is Ours was so good tonight. I think Banksy is going to get killed off sooner or later, he's making too many enemies, and I feel like Michael or his gf might die in the finale."
This City is Ours season 2 is on BBC iPlayer, with episodes also airing weekly on Sundays and Mondays on BBC One.
