Spoiler-free review: Prey series two is simple yet engaging

Following the successful first series, Prey is back for a second. Although not a sequel, series two does continue the format of the first with Rosie Cavaliero providing the common thread between the two. Cavaliero returns as no-nonsense DS Susan Reinhardt, bitter that she missed out on a promotion, but keen to get stuck into the next case.

Philip Glenister takes over the wheel from series one star John Simm – some tough shoes to fill – alongside supporting cast members MyAnna Buring, Sammy Winward and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett.

The episode wastes no time in getting stuck into the story, which is to its credit. The story is very linear and immediate so there’s no need for in-depth exposition or character backstory; we don’t need to know. That being said, the following episodes of this three-parter will hopefully fill in a few blanks for us as we’re given the bare minimum in the first hour. Yes it keeps us hooked, but it borders on making us uninterested too.

The episode has a human, slightly crude feel to it, a quality they have successfully transferred from the first series. There is no CSI-esque hi-tech tracking technology, it is a simple predator and prey chase. Philip Glenister adds to this realistic quality, huffing and puffing his way through the more active scenes and showing a very genuine panic at his situation. As unrealistic as the story is, it becomes progressively easier to believe as it sucks you in.

Whilst Prey certainly doesn’t have the complexity of a Bond film, its success lies in its simple yet engaging narrative. There are goodies and baddies and we have to try and figure them out along with Reinhardt. We are kept on our toes throughout the programme with constantly shifting loyalties. At the opening of the show Murdoch seems to be a hard-working family man, but does he maintain that clean image throughout? Jules seems to genuinely want to help David but it is clear she’s keeping her cards close to her chest. Sue? Well we just want poor Susan to have a bit of a rest. Nonetheless, we hope she will do what she does best and track down the truth.

Prey episode one airs tonight at 9pm on ITV1.