The Split

The Split: What's Happening with the BBC Drama's Return?

The BBC legal drama, The Split, is making a comeback with a two-part special set in Barcelona, reigniting interest in the complex lives of the Defoe family. This article delves into the details of the special, analyzing the official news coverage, exploring the show's background, and examining the implications of this much-anticipated return.

Official Coverage: A Detailed Analysis of The Split: Barcelona

The primary information regarding the return of The Split comes from two key news reports: one from the Daily Express and another from WalesOnline. Both articles focus on the cast and the premise of the two-part special, The Split: Barcelona.

The Daily Express Report

The Daily Express article, titled "The Split Barcelona cast: Who stars in the two-part special?", highlights the bittersweet ending of the original series. It notes:

"Two years back, the popular BBC drama concluded on a bittersweet note as Hannah Stern (portrayed by Nicola Walker) and Nathan (Stephen Mangan) parted ways, yet..."

This quote confirms the significant emotional stakes that were left unresolved at the end of the initial series, which saw the central couple, Hannah and Nathan, separate. The article sets the stage for the special by reminding viewers of the dramatic tension inherent in the show's premise.

WalesOnline Report

The WalesOnline article, "The Split Barcelona cast: Who stars in the BBC drama after two-year ...", echoes the same sentiment, stating:

"Two years ago, viewers saw Hannah Stern (played by Nicola Walker) and Nathan (Stephen Mangan) decide to part ways on a hopeful yet teary note. The latest..."

This report reinforces the idea that the special is picking up after a significant time jump, two years after the separation of Hannah and Nathan. Both articles confirm the return of Nicola Walker and Stephen Mangan, highlighting their central roles in the storyline. The reports also indicate that the special will explore what happens to these characters after their initial split.

Background Context: Expanding on The Split's Universe

While the official news reports focus on the Barcelona special, additional context can be gleaned from other sources. It's important to note that this section is based on secondary sources and requires verification.

Abi Morgan's Legal Drama

According to various sources, including the BBC itself, The Split is created by Abi Morgan and centres around the Defoe family, who are all divorce lawyers in London. The show delves into both their professional and personal lives, often blurring the lines between the two. The two-part special sees the family travel to Barcelona for a wedding, where they face new challenges and romantic entanglements.

The Defoe Family

The show's core premise revolves around the Defoe family, with Hannah Stern as a key character. Her professional life as a divorce lawyer at a rival firm to her family, combined with her complicated personal relationships, forms the main narrative driver. The show has been praised for its realistic portrayal of divorce and family dynamics.

Where to Watch The Split

The Cinemaholic provides information on where to watch the show online, indicating that it is a popular series with a dedicated audience. The series can be found on BBC iPlayer and other platforms, attesting to its reach and popularity. This adds further context to the buzz surrounding the new special.

First Look at The Split: Barcelona

News outlets have also provided a first look at the special, with images of Nicola Walker and Stephen Mangan on set in Barcelona. This has further fuelled anticipation for the special, giving viewers a glimpse into the new setting and the characters' development since the end of the series.

The Original Series

Wikipedia provides further context on the original series, confirming that it first broadcast in the UK on BBC One from 24 April 2018. The series has been a critical and commercial success, with its exploration of complex female characters and the intricacies of divorce law resonating with audiences.

Impact Analysis: What the Return Means for Viewers

The return of The Split with a special set in Barcelona is significant for several reasons. Based on the official news coverage, we can see that:

• Closure and New Beginnings: The special offers viewers a chance to see how the characters, particularly Hannah and Nathan, have moved on since their separation. It’s an opportunity to explore the consequences of their decisions and potentially witness new relationships or reconciliations.

• Setting as a Character: Moving the narrative to Barcelona adds a fresh dynamic, providing a visually appealing backdrop for the story and potentially introducing new themes and challenges. The change of scenery could reflect the characters' internal shifts and add a layer of intrigue to the plot.

• Reconnecting with a Beloved Series: For fans of The Split, the two-part special is a welcome return to a world and characters they have invested in. The emotional investment in the show's central relationships makes this return particularly compelling.

• Nicola Walker's Star Power: The return of Nicola Walker, a well-respected actress in the UK, is a major draw. Her portrayal of Hannah Stern has been a critical part of the show's success, and her presence in the special will undoubtedly attract a significant audience.

• Thematic Relevance: The show's themes of divorce, family, and personal identity continue to resonate with audiences, making the special’s return timely and relevant.

Future Implications: What's Next for The Split?

Based on the available official news reports, the future of The Split beyond this two-part special remains unclear. However, we can infer some potential implications:

• Potential for Further Specials: The success of the Barcelona special could pave the way for more specials in the future, allowing the writers to continue exploring the characters’ lives in different settings.

• Spin-Off Possibilities: While not confirmed, the show's popularity could lead to spin-offs focusing on different characters or aspects of the show's world, as alluded to in some secondary sources.

• Renewed Interest in the Original Series: The special is likely to drive renewed interest in the original series, potentially bringing in new viewers and boosting the show's overall viewership on platforms like BBC iPlayer.

• Impact on the Legal Drama Genre: The success of The Split has already had an impact on the legal drama genre in the UK, and the special could further solidify its place as a prominent example of this genre.

In conclusion, The Split: Barcelona is a significant development for fans of the series. The two-part special offers a much-anticipated return to the lives of the Defoe family and promises to be a compelling exploration of their relationships and personal journeys. While the future of the series remains uncertain, the special is set to reignite the show's popularity and solidify its place as a beloved British legal drama.