The BBC drama This City Is Ours returns for its second series on Sunday, October 24, at 9pm, continuing the story of a Liverpool crime boss whose attempt to retire triggers a violent power struggle. The show, which has been praised for its gritty storytelling and strong characters, is part of a wave of home-grown British drama that includes Blue Lights and Time.
A Power Struggle at the Heart of the Story
The series centres on Liverpudlian crime boss Ronnie Phelan, whose desire to retire from criminal life after one last major drug deal sets off an intense conflict between his long-time right-hand man, Michael Kavanagh, and Phelan's impetuous son Jamie. The first series famously killed off Sean Bean, who played Ronnie, early on, but the show maintained its momentum and quality.
Rewatching the first series ahead of the new one reinforces just how effective the drama is. Knowing where the story is heading does not diminish the experience; instead, it allows viewers to appreciate the smaller details, character dynamics and tension-building moments that make the show compelling.
Strong Female Characters and a Sense of Place
A notable strength of This City Is Ours is its female characters, who have their own presence and influence within the story rather than simply supporting the male leads. Derry Girl Saoirse-Monica Jackson, who plays Cheryl Crawford, has confirmed that the strong matriarchal theme will continue in the second series. Characters like Diane Williams, played by Hannah Onslow, help shape events and add depth to the narrative.
Liverpool itself is another key element, giving the series its identity, atmosphere and sense of place. The city is woven into the storytelling, providing an authenticity that grounds the drama in a real community. This connection to place is something British drama does particularly well, whether it is the streets of Liverpool, the policing world of Belfast in Blue Lights, or the prison system explored in Time.
A Reminder of What Makes Good Television
The show demonstrates that outstanding television does not always require a huge budget or a glossy international setting. A cracking story, believable characters and the confidence to let the drama unfold can be enough. The uncertainty and tension keep viewers invested, and the personal connections and competing loyalties give the series its emotional weight.
This City Is Ours starts Sunday, October 24, at 9pm on BBC iPlayer.
