The second season of the BBC One crime drama This City is Ours confirms that Banksey, played by Mike Noble, survives after his death is staged. He remains alive through the end of the season by going off-grid.
Banksey's fate in season 2
Early in the season, Banksey receives a visit from Ronnie's son Jamie (Jack McMullen) and two accomplices. During the encounter, Banksey shoots one of the men in the chest twice after asking whether his vest was bulletproof. Jamie warns him, saying: "Banksey, this isn't you, lad," to which Banksey replies: "You don't know me, Jay." He reminds Jamie of their agreement and threatens: "It gives me the right to put you to bed, the f****** lot of you."
In episode three, Banksey speaks with Michael (James Nelson-Joyce) at a pub about a proposed execution in exchange for Diana (Hannah Onslow), who is being held hostage by Felipe (Álvaro Morte). Banksey reluctantly agrees to put his life on the line, asking if there is any way around it.
The staged shooting
Banksey is tied up in the back of Michael's car as Felipe and Diana watch from elsewhere. Felipe tells 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."
When asked for final words, Banksey says to Michael: "You take care of my boy for me, you promise me you will do that?" Michael agrees before shooting Banksey in the chest, leaving Diana in shock as she watches video footage. Michael then walks closer to the motionless Banksey and shoots him again, before asking Felipe: "You happy now, eh? Are you satisfied? Now leave me in peace to bury my best mate."
Banksey survives and goes off-grid
In episode four, it is revealed that Banksey's death was staged and he is in fact alive. He had been wearing a bulletproof vest during the shooting, similar to the one he had shot at earlier, which saved his life. Michael meets Banksey on a beach, and they agree that he will remain off-grid so no further harm comes to him.
Fans reacted to the apparent death on X, formerly Twitter, with one saying: "Nah can’t believe Banksy is gone." Another wrote: "Ahhhhh I knew it!!!! Banksy!!!" Ahead of the moment, one fan noted: "Banksy gonna be in the s*** me thinks," while another shared: "Just finished episode 6, fantastic tv, absolutely love 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 available on BBC iPlayer, with episodes also airing weekly on Sundays and Mondays on BBC One.
