‘Whitstable Pearl’ Recap: ‘Babylon’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two premiere of ‘Whitstable Pearl’. To revisit the season one finale, click  here.
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Truly, one of the most refreshing mystery shows of 2021 was the Acorn TV series, Whitstable Pearl. Simply because this particular series not only offered up unique crimes for Pearl Nolan to investigate, the kind that were human and realistic in nature, but it truly made sure that the characters were the focus of this series. Since we were able to watch everyone present in this world, grow in a natural manner and make the mistakes that all of us make. Giving rise to a stunningly realistic show, one that ended in a manner that would allow for season two, which made its debut on Acorn TV earlier today, to explore the consequences of our actions.
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For when we caught up with Pearl in ‘Babylon’, her decision to handle the investigation regarding the truth about her father and shake things up regarding her budding relationship with DCI Mike McGuire in the process, had consequences. The kind that saw she and Mike go to great efforts to more or less avoid each other and move on in matters of love. Since Pearl caught the eye of a local teacher and Mike found a new love as well and what made this so powerful and so significant is that this was in fact, super realistic. For so many of us do similar things when we cannot reconcile the raw power that real love gives us and we settle and we avoid and of course, it is only a matter of time before we, and star crossed lovers, cross paths again.

Simply because a missing child in this tale, and the request of the supposed kidnapper, his father… brought Pearl back into Mike’s orbit again. For the police knew that Pearl was critical to uncovering the answers they sought, and just like that… these forbidden lovebirds were working side by side again, digging deep into a complex case where nothing added up. Because while there were warning signs that dad might have crossed a line, there was no motive and no real substance to support kidnapping. But eventually, Pearl came to realize that this was an escape, and that the missing kid was trying to be free of a toxic environment.

Which in turn allowed for this episode to shift gears and become quite tense as Pearl and the police, and the twisted guardian in question, and Charlie for that matter too… conducted a desperate search for that young man and thankfully, the heroes won the day. In fact, quick thinking in that moment, gave a broken father and his son a fresh chance at life and being back on the case and in communication, gave Pearl and Mike a different kind of fresh start as well. Since they re-opened lines of communication and found ways to spend time with one another with their new beloveds at their side. A move that reminds us that deep connections should never be denied and should be held onto, the only question is whether or not… they will ever lower their guard and be honest with one another.

But while we wait to see if they will or won’t… we can celebrate one magnificent season premiere. One that did a magnificent job of easing us back into Pearl’s amazing world and reminded us of what we’ve missed, and it doesn’t hurt… that the case in question was about as compelling as it gets. Because there were some high stakes there, and some fine commentary on the family unit and how scary it can be when the wrong guardian is involved. But what matters most, is that once again, one of the best mystery shows on television is back on the airwaves, and it will be a true delight to settle into this show once again and enjoy everything it has to offer. Until next time.  

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