The 2014 second season of this BBC-aired police procedural finds Detective Superintendant Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson) continuing her determined pursuit of a Belfast serial killer that she began in the initial series. The Fall isn't a whodunit: the identity of the culprit, icily impassive grief counselor Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan), was revealed early on, but remained unknown to Gibson, whose methodical efforts to unmask him ended in failure when he left the city at the close of the first narrative arc. Here, Spector returns to Belfast to clean up loose ends, which include abducting and torturing the one witness who could identify him. Written and directed by Allan Cubitt, The Fall plays on the odd psychological connection between hunter and hunted: both Gibson and Spector are cool, meticulous characters whose ultra-precise approaches mirror one another. But each exhibits weaknesses that turn their curiously elegant cat-and-mouse game into something messier, plagued by error and accident on each side. Although his skill at manipulation remains strong, Spector makes mistakes—especially in being involved with a young babysitter—that could eventually lead to his capture. The Fall is very deliberately paced and some of the plot tangents frankly strain credulity, but the relationship between the two deeply flawed leads creates a compellingly hypnotic mood. Extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes, and a photo gallery. A strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)
The Fall: Series 2
Acorn, 2 discs, 403 min., not rated, DVD or Blu-ray: $39.99 Volume 31, Issue 3
The Fall: Series 2
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