You've probably seen those drone shots of Bath. The honey-colored stone, the sweeping crescents, and that slightly odd, mismatched energy between a shy, middle-aged detective and a high-flying Londoner. That’s the core of McDonald's and Dodds Season 2, a show that somehow managed to turn the "odd couple" trope into something that feels surprisingly fresh and, honestly, quite cozy. It’s been a bit since it first aired on ITV and BritBox, but people are still scouring the internet for details on the guest stars and those weirdly specific plot twists.
Why?
Because it isn't just another gritty police procedural where everyone is miserable. It’s bright. It’s quirky. And Season 2 is where the show really found its feet.
The Return of the Mismatched Duo
When DCI Lauren McDonald (Tala Gouveia) first landed in Bath, she was all sharp suits and "let’s get this done yesterday" energy. Then she met DS Dodds (Jason Watkins). If you haven't watched it, Dodds is the kind of guy who probably remembers the serial number of a toaster he bought in 1994 but forgets to eat lunch. He's been tucked away in an office for decades, and Season 2 leans hard into that friction.
It’s great TV.
In the second season, we see them move past the "I can't stand you" phase into a genuine, if slightly awkward, partnership. Watkins plays Dodds with this incredible, understated brilliance. He’s not Sherlock; he’s a man who notices the dust on a bookshelf or the way a rug is slightly skewed. McDonald, meanwhile, represents the modern face of policing—ambitious, tech-savvy, and increasingly aware that Dodds’ "old school" methods actually yield results.
The Balloon Episode: A Bold Start
Let’s talk about "The Man Who Fell to Earth." It’s the first episode of Season 2, and it starts with a group of friends taking a hot air balloon ride. One of them dies. Sounds simple, right? It isn't.
The episode features a group of guest stars who basically look like a "who’s who" of British TV from the 80s and 90s. We’re talking Martin Kemp, Patsy Kensit, and Cathy Tyson. Seeing them all together as a group of aging socialites who are clearly hiding a massive secret from their youth is genuinely entertaining. It felt like a love letter to a specific era of entertainment, all while being a locked-room mystery—except the "room" was a balloon basket thousands of feet in the air.
That’s the thing about McDonald's and Dodds Season 2. It isn't afraid to be a little bit ridiculous. It knows you’re watching for the chemistry and the scenery as much as the crime.
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The Guest Stars Stole the Show
One of the reasons this specific season stays in the conversation is the casting. The producers clearly had a blast.
In the second episode, "We Need to Talk About Houlihan," we get Rob Brydon. Now, usually, you expect Brydon to be the funniest man in the room, but here he plays a high-ranking RAF officer who is deeply involved in a complex web of Cold War-era secrets and a very modern murder. It’s a bit of a departure for him, and it works.
The third episode, "The Sins of the Ordained," brings in Sharon Anne-Sullivan and a bunch of other recognizable faces for a story centered around a social club for girls that has some dark, deep-seated issues.
What really matters here is that the guest stars aren't just cameos. They are the heart of the "puzzle" that Dodds is so obsessed with solving. The show avoids the trap of making the detectives the only interesting people on screen. In fact, sometimes McDonald and Dodds feel like the audience's avatars, just trying to make sense of the weird, posh, and often deeply dysfunctional world of Bath high society.
Bath as a Character
You can't talk about McDonald's and Dodds Season 2 without mentioning the city itself. Bath is gorgeous. The production team uses the Royal Crescent, the Roman Baths, and those narrow, winding streets to create a version of England that feels both real and slightly fantastical.
It’s "Sunday Night TV" in the best way possible.
There’s a specific warmth to the lighting. Even when they’re standing over a body, there’s a sense of order and beauty. It’s a stark contrast to shows like Line of Duty or Happy Valley, where everything is gray and stressful. This season leaned into that "Blue Sky" aesthetic, making it the perfect binge-watch for when you want to use your brain but don't want to feel depressed afterward.
Did the Writing Change?
Some critics argued that Season 2 became a bit more "formulaic" than the first series. Honestly? I disagree.
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If anything, the writing got tighter. The creator, Robert Murphy, seemed to understand that the audience wanted more "Dodds-isms." We wanted to see him with his little notebook. We wanted to see him making connections that no one else could see because he’s spent thirty years looking at paperwork.
The dialogue between McDonald and Dodds also felt more natural. There’s a scene where they’re just sitting in the car, and the silence isn't awkward anymore; it’s a shared understanding. That’s hard to write without making it cheesy.
What Most People Miss About Season 2
A lot of viewers focus on the "who-dunnit," but the subtext of Season 2 is actually about obsolescence.
Dodds is constantly under pressure from the Chief Superintendent (played by James Murray) to retire. He’s seen as a relic. Throughout the season, the show subtly argues that "new" isn't always "better." McDonald has the iPad and the data, but Dodds has the intuition and the patience.
It’s a bit of a meta-commentary on the state of television and work culture in general. We’re all so obsessed with the next big thing that we forget the value of someone who has just put in the hours for three decades. This theme gives the season a bit of emotional weight that keeps it from being "just another cozy mystery."
How to Watch and What to Look For
If you’re circling back to McDonald's and Dodds Season 2 now, there are a few things you should keep an eye on:
- The Food: Dodds is obsessed with his chips and specific local snacks. It’s a recurring gag that actually tells you a lot about his character’s need for routine.
- The Background: Because it’s Bath, keep an eye on the extras. The city is a tourist hub, and the show does a great job of making the world feel inhabited.
- The Pacing: Notice how the first ten minutes of each episode almost feel like a short film before the detectives even arrive. It’s a classic mystery structure done very well.
If you’re in the UK, it’s usually hanging out on ITVX. For those in the US or Australia, BritBox is your best bet.
Why Season 2 Is the Sweet Spot
Looking back, Season 2 is arguably the peak of the series. It had more episodes than the first season (three feature-length films instead of two), which gave the characters more room to breathe. By the time Season 3 rolled around, the formula was set, but Season 2 was where the experimentation happened. The balloon episode alone is proof that the writers were willing to take risks.
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It’s also the season where the balance between comedy and drama is most refined. There are moments that are genuinely funny—usually involving Dodds’ social inadequacy—followed immediately by a revelation that feels quite sad or profound.
Practical Insights for Fans
If you've finished the season and you're looking for more, don't just jump into Season 3 immediately. Take a second to appreciate the craft in the "Man Who Fell to Earth" episode. It’s a masterclass in how to introduce a large ensemble cast and give them all distinct motives in under 90 minutes.
Also, if you ever visit Bath, there are actual walking tours now that take you to the filming locations. Seeing the "police station" (which isn't actually a police station) in person is a trip for any hardcore fan.
Next Steps for Your Viewing:
- Check the Guest List: If an actor looks familiar, they probably are. Half the fun is identifying the "veteran" British actors.
- Watch for the Notebook: Dodds’ notebook contains actual clues that you can spot if you pause the screen. It’s a nice touch for the eagle-eyed viewers.
- Compare the Dynamics: Watch the final episode of Season 2 and then go back to the pilot. The growth in McDonald's respect for Dodds is the real arc of the show.
Ultimately, this season proved that you don't need explosions or high-speed chases to make a compelling detective show. You just need two people who don't fit in, a beautiful city, and a mystery that’s just clever enough to keep you from checking your phone.
To get the most out of your rewatch, pay close attention to the "Chief House" scenes. The friction between the detectives and their boss provides the necessary tension that keeps the show from becoming too cozy. It’s that balance that makes the season work so well.
If you're looking for a specific episode to start with, "The Man Who Fell to Earth" remains the standout. It’s flashy, it’s weird, and it perfectly encapsulates everything that makes this show a staple of modern British mystery TV. The way it handles the theme of "fading glory" among its guest characters is surprisingly touching and elevates the whole production above its peers.
Actionable Insight: For the best experience, watch these episodes in a room with the lights dimmed to catch the cinematography of the Bath stone at sunset. If you're a writer or a creator, study how the show uses Dodds' "limitations" as his greatest strengths—it's a classic example of character-driven plotting that avoids the "superhero detective" cliché.