After a 3-Year Hiatus, Best Adventure Drama Just Returned With Season 2 – It Already Has 100% on RT

When the first season of The Artful Dodger premiered in 2023, few expected the Oliver Twist sequel to become one of the most compelling adventure series in recent years.

After a three-year wait, the series is back. Season 2, already rated 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, not only maintains its high standards, but also expands the genre's boundaries, deepens its social subtext, and allows the supporting characters to finally shine.

What Is 'The Artful Dodger' Season 2 About?

Jack Dawkins narrowly escapes the gallows. A false murder charge nearly sends him to his death, but a new inspector from London arrives in town. Sir Boxer is a fair and meticulous man.

Instead of execution, Jack is given two years' probation under the supervision of a moral relative. This relative is, of course, Fagin. The conditions are strict: work in the hospital, stay away from Lady Belle, and behave.

Through secret meetings, bribery of the Privy Council, a fictitious land sale, and the appearance of a rich simpleton, Jack and Fagin pull off a scam to collect 15,000 pounds for Jack's freedom.

Season 2 of 'The Artful Dodger' Is a Much More Multi-Genre Spectacle Than the First Season

While the first season was primarily a medical drama with adventure elements, such as blood transfusions, etherized surgeries, and a battle with an aneurysm, the second season shifts its focus to detective story, crime comedy, and social satire.

Fagin pulls off scams, the inspector investigates murders, Lady Belle fights for women's right to practice medicine, and the governor's family experiences internal squabbles.

The eight episodes are so densely packed with action that, at times, the writers have to repeat key lines. However, this abundance of plot lines serves its main purpose: the series ceases to be mere entertainment and becomes a statement.

The education crisis, the cholera epidemic, and the total lockdown, a satire of the media, are not only about the 19th century but also our present day.

'The Artful Dodger' Season 2 Develops Its Supporting Characters While Maintaining a Tight & Engaging Narrative

Sister Belle evolves from a charming girl into an independent woman with ambition. The alcoholic professor has a touching backstory. The new inspector is less straightforward than he seems.

Jack Dawkins remains confined to the established conflict against this backdrop, but Thomas Brodie-Sangster remains charismatic and unpredictable.

There is almost no medicine in the second season – only one medical revelation – and this was a deliberate choice by the showrunners. Hospital scenes are now used not to showcase the wonders of surgery but to highlight social issues.

By the finale, the experimental medicine is missed, but the plot twists and cliffhanger at the finale will leave you eagerly awaiting Season 3.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Artful Dodger' Season 2?

• The Artful Dodger Season 2 has 100% from critics and 97% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

Where to Watch 'The Artful Dodger' Season 2?

The Artful Dodger Season 2 is available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu.