The highly anticipated return of the BBC series Sherwood has once again captivated viewers with its hard-hitting and gritty portrayal of gun crime and gangs in post-industrial Nottingham. The second series sees David Morrissey reprising his role, drawing viewers into a world of violence, revenge, and police corruption.
Written by award-winning Nottinghamshire playwright James Graham, Sherwood opens with a disclaimer stating that the drama is “inspired by stories and events” in the author’s community, but all characters and events have been fictionalized. As the series unfolds, some viewers have taken to social media to debate the credibility of its opening plotlines, which contain spoilers from episodes of the second series.
Drawing parallels to real-life crime stories that have plagued Nottingham for decades, Sherwood introduces new characters and storylines that mirror actual events. Oliver Huntingdon plays the volatile Ryan Bottomley, whose actions spark a cycle of revenge reminiscent of a fatal shooting in 2003. The Bottomley family’s tragic fate in the series closely mirrors the real-life story of innocent victims caught in the crossfire of gang violence.
The series also delves into the world of corrupt detectives and undercover cops, shedding light on the dark underbelly of Nottingham’s criminal underworld. As the fictional characters navigate through a web of deceit and betrayal, viewers are left wondering how closely the series reflects the harsh realities of the city’s past.
With David Morrissey’s character, Ian St Clair, leading the charge against violence in the fictional “Violence Intervention Team,” Sherwood explores the complexities of law enforcement and the impact of crime on communities. As the series unfolds, viewers are left questioning whether truth is indeed stranger than fiction.
As the final episodes of Sherwood air on BBC One and become available on BBC iPlayer, audiences are invited to delve deeper into the gripping world of crime and corruption in post-industrial Nottingham. The series serves as a stark reminder of the city’s tumultuous past and raises important questions about the nature of truth and fiction in storytelling.
