"The Second Coming" (2003) TV mini-series

User Rating:

7.6/10   

Director:

Adrian Shergold

Writer:

Russell T. Davies (writer)

Release Date:

9 February 2003 (UK)

Genre:

Drama | Fantasy | Romance | Thriller

Tagline:

Are you ready for judgment day?

Plot:

Steven Baxter is the Son of God, and can produce the miracles to prove it. How does the world react when he announces it has to produce a Third Testament within five days, or else it's Judgment Day?

Plot Keywords:

God | Second Coming | Miracle | Devil | Male Female Relationship

Awards:

1 win & 7 nominations

Cast

Christopher Eccleston	...	Stephen Baxter
William Travis	...	Dave Morris
Ace Bhatti	...	Peter Gupta (as Ahsen Bhatti)
Lesley Sharp	...	Judith Roach
Annabelle Apsion	...	Fiona Morris
Peter Wright	...	Chief Superintendant Lennard Chadwick
John Henshaw	...	Clive Saxon
Judith Barker	...	Eileen Saxon
Ray Emmet Brown	...	Charge Nurse
Peter Armitage	...	Frank Baxter
Rory Kinnear	...	Father Dillane
Mark Benton	...	Johnny Tyler
Jazmine Franks	...	Jane Morris
Chrissi-Jo Hyde	...	Hospital Administrator
Phil Clegg	...	Hospital Policeman

Runtime:

144 min (2 parts)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Australia:M | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, UK

Company:

Red Production Company

Trivia:

Originally Steve's mother was a character, but after the scenes were cut, a line was dubbed in that she committed suicide years earlier.

Quotes:

Stephen Baxter: God is real, fact. Heaven is real, fact. Hell is real, and its fires are awaiting.

Movie Connections:

References "Big Brother" (2000/III)

Disappointing

Hrm. This miniseries started off so incredibly well, I was really drawn into the story and ideas presented. It was something unique, something daring. The first episode was just fantastic, from start to finish.

However, the second (and final) episode was very disappointing, from perhaps the half way point. There is one huge gaping plothole, in particular, which invalidates the entire last half an hour, including the pretty stupid ending.

Despite what people might say, I don't think the end was intriguing, or even satisfactory, it was just...silly. I won't go into details and spoil it, but for me it just didn't click at all. It's a real shame, because the first episode was, as I said, fantastic.

Also, the character of Judith really, really grated me. She whines constantly, and her behaviour and actions make no sense. The 'revelation' she receives towards the end is completely bonkers, the show doesn't even entertain HOW she could have possibly reached that conclusion (this is the big plothole that I mentioned before).

I think it might be best to just watch part 1, and leave the conclusion to your imagination.