Time’s Second Coming: A Dive into Familiar Faces and Fresh Drama
With the debut of Jimmy McGovern’s “Time” in 2021, audiences were left on the edge of their seats, and it appears the second installment is doing no less. While the first season spotlighted the likes of Sean Bean and Stephen Graham, the latest sees a dramatic setting shift: from the men’s penitentiary to the confines of a women’s prison. Here, new characters spring to life, portrayed by acclaimed names known for their roles in “Doctor Who” and “The Last of Us” among others.
Jodie Whittaker as Orla
Tamara Lawrance as Abi
Bella Ramsey as Kelsey
Siobhan Finneran as Marie-Louise
Lisa Millett as Prison Officer Martin
Faye McKeever as Tanya
Julie Graham as Lou
Kayla Meikle as Donna
Alicia Forde as Sarah
Sophie Willan as Maeve
Louise Lee as Prison Officer Carter
Michelle Butterly as Nurse Garvey
Karen Henthorn as Elizabeth
Nicholas Nunn as Adam
James Corrigan as Rob
Matilda Firth as Nancy
Brody Griffiths as Callum
Isaac Lancel-Watkinson as Kyle
Maimuna Memon as Tahani
Transitioning Stars and Intriguing Characters
Bella Ramsey, known to most as Ellie from “The Last of Us” and the fierce Lyanna Mormont from “Game of Thrones,” steps into the shoes of a 19-year-old heroin addict named Kelsey.
“Keen to do research,” Bella recalls a poignant visit to a real prison which left an indelible mark on her memory. She defines Kelsey as someone “full of life” but notes the duality in her character – young and naive yet having witnessed far too much.
On the other side is Jodie Whittaker portraying Orla, a hard-pressed single mother of three facing time for “fiddling the leccy”.
Whittaker shares, “The cost of living crisis has absolutely contributed to Orla’s situation.” Her name is synonymous with her iconic role as the Doctor in “Doctor Who”, but she’s also acclaimed for roles in “Broadchurch”, “Attack the Block”, and more.
Joining them is Tamara Lawrance as Abi, who brings depth to a character serving a life sentence.
“She’s trying to keep herself to herself, but also looks out for other inmates as well because she knows what it feels like to be ostracised,” explains Lawrance. Fans might recognize her from “The Silent Twins” and “The Long Song”.
Familiar Faces and New Entrants
Siobhan Finneran returns, reprising her role as Marie-Louise, the prison chaplain, from the first season. Expressing her excitement, Finneran said,
“I had such a great time. I think [the scripts] are genius, they’re brilliant, and they’re raw.” Many might recall her performances in “Happy Valley”, “Downton Abbey”, and “The Reckoning”.
Joining this stellar lineup are:
Faye McKeever as Tanya
Julie Graham as Lou
Kayla Meikle as Donna
Sophie Willan as Maeve
Alicia Forde as Sarah
Lisa Millett as Prison Officer Martin
Louise Lee as Prison Officer Carter
Michelle Butterly (Casualty) as Nurse Garvey
Looking Forward to the Drama Unfold
With such a robust ensemble, the second season promises an amalgamation of gripping storylines, rich character developments, and top-tier acting. “Time” appears poised to keep viewers anchored to their screens once more, as it masterfully paints the canvas of prison life and the personal stories intertwined within its walls. The season seems all set to unravel surprises and offer moments that will stay with audiences long after the credits roll.
BBC’s ‘Time’ Season 2 Cast and Storylines