#BroadchurchReturns: the Twitter reaction

After nearly two years of waiting, Broadchurch is back. And while we were told “the end is where it begins” throughout the promotional teasers and trailers, we actually picked up a few months on from Joe Miller’s confession, instead starting with his first court hearing where he entered a “not guilty” plea, much to the consternation of his legal counsel. 

And, as the shockwaves reverberated around the Broadchurch community – and it became clear that series two would focus on Joe’s trial – new faces showed up in the form of Charlotte Rampling (playing prosecution QC Jocelyn Knight) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (acting as defending barrister, Sharon Bishop). 

But alongside that plot thread ran another – that of Sandbrook, the bungled case from Alec’s past which saw Lee Ashworth (James D’Arcy) walk free after a crucial piece of evidence was lost by Hardy’s then-wife. With Lee back in town and Hardy with a witness, Claire (Eve Myles) to protect, we were tantalisingly teased with what to expect from the next seven weeks of drama.

But what did you, the viewers, make of proceedings? That’s the important thing – and with #Broadchurch trending, Twitter had plenty to say about tonight’s hour-long episode… 

There were some who took issue with the believability of Chris Chibnall’s new plotlines: 

In what world does a victim's family get to pick a retired QC to be the CPS barrister? #Broadchurch

— fleetstreetfox (@fleetstreetfox) January 5, 2015

To all those watching #Broadchurch, this opening scene would NEVER happen and if it did, the reporter could not mention any of that!

— David Blackmore (@DavidBlackm0re) January 5, 2015

But a lot of people reckon Olivia Colman already has her hands on her second Broadchurch Bafta… 

Colman just won the BAFTA. Right there. And she's only been on for ten minutes. Everyone else, give up now #broadchurch

— Emma Kennedy💙 (@EmmaKennedy) January 5, 2015

God almighty, Olivia Colman just smashed it in just the first 15 minutes. Astonishingly truthful actress. #Broadchurch

— VACCINATION FOR EDUCATION! (@Psycho_Sonic_C) January 5, 2015

#Broadchurch was SO worth the wait. 15 minutes in and it's brilliant already. Olivia Colman is excellent as always! 👏

— Vicky (@bookishlondoner) January 5, 2015

We all said goodbye to our Monday evenings for the next two months.

And so it begins. No more going out on a Monday! #Broadchurch is back and I'm already hooked all over again!

— Gaby Roslin 💙 (@GabyRoslin) January 5, 2015

Thank goodness #Broadchurch is back. That is one mighty good show. I might even look forward to Monday for the next 8 weeks

— Jo Royce (@voiceofroyce) January 5, 2015

Although, for those of you watching with someone who hadn’t seen series two, well, good luck. (Maybe get them to watch this before next week) 

Watching #Broadchurch with a husband who hasn't watched Series 1 may provide the murder we've all been looking for, thanks to his questions.

— Tamzin Rafn (@tamzinrafn) January 5, 2015

It looks like we weren’t the only ones to spot ALL those Doctor Who actors: 

#Broadchurch currently holding the record for most actors that have been in #DrWho assembled in Dorset for another programme.

— hannah duncan (@fromdesktildawn) January 5, 2015

#Broadchurch drinking game, every time a Doctor Who actor appears you drink

— Beth (@WarningAFanGirl) January 5, 2015

BROADCHURCH?

MORE LIKE "LETS GET EVERYONE FROM DOCTOR WHO AND MAKE THEM SOLVE A CRIME OK"

— / time and space / (@TARD1S_) January 5, 2015

There were plenty of famous faces glued to Broadchurch just like the rest of us: 

RIGHT SHUT UP EVERYONE. BROADCHURCH IS ON.

Bring on the misery!

— Greg James (@gregjames) January 5, 2015

Awww I just feel so sorry for Ellie! #Broadchurch #hooked @ITV

— Becky Adlington (@BeckAdlington) January 5, 2015

Broadchurch is BACK!!! Best show I've seen in years is BACK!!! Great 1st episode. 100% in again!

— matt willis (@mattjwillis) January 5, 2015

Incredible .. #Broadchurch @ITV can't wait for the next episode ..

— Samantha Faiers (@SamanthaFaiers) January 5, 2015

Been looking forward to this! Ready for brand new #Broadchurch @ITV. Let's go! D

— antanddec (@antanddec) January 5, 2015

But we were all left with… 

SO MANY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS! #Broadchurch

— Zoë (@Zoella) January 5, 2015

Series two wasn’t for everyone: 

Too many musical 'mood' scenes and not enough action #Broadchurch

— Leigh Holmwood (@LeighHolmwood) January 5, 2015

#Broadchurch: Too many significant glances & bad Dorset accents. Roll on series 2 of Mapp & Lucia. Au reservoir (as we say in dear Tilling!)

— Fran Wilson 😊 (@CrossEyedPiano) January 5, 2015

But if Chris Chibnall’s listening, we’d recommend scrolling through Twitter right now… 

You'd almost forgotten, after all the copycat dramas, just how good this is. #Broadchurch

— Jamie East (@jamieeast) January 5, 2015

And finally, let’s all take a moment to appreciate Alec Hardy’s hair. Just because. 

Who likes my old hair? You aren't a L'Oreal model for nothing. #Broadchurch

— DI Alec Hardy (@Alec_Hardy) January 5, 2015

Broadchurch continues next week at 9:00pm on ITV