8 Episodes
Short on time? Here's the essentials:
Season 2 of "Broadchurch" focuses on the trial of Joe Miller, accused of murdering Danny Latimer. Detective Ellie Miller and DI Alec Hardy, still haunted by the original case, lead the prosecution. The season's core conflict erupts when Joe unexpectedly pleads not guilty, throwing the community into turmoil.
The trial reveals shocking truths, including Mark Latimer's affair and past violence, and implicates Claire Ripley and Lee Ashworth in the separate Sandbrook murders. Key turning points include the discovery that Lisa Newberry may be dead, Tom Miller's false testimony against his father Mark, and Claire's involvement in the Sandbrook case. Ultimately, Joe is found not guilty, and the truth about the Sandbrook murders is revealed, leading to arrests. Joe is then banished from Broadchurch forever.
Season 2 of Broadchurch covers episodes 1-8. Here's everything that happened:
Season 2, Episode 1: Episode 1 - The town is stunned when Joe Miller pleads not guilty to Danny Latimer's murder, initiating a full trial. Retired QC Jocelyn Knight agrees to prosecute against Sharon Bishop, Joe's defense. DI Hardy protects Sandbrook witness Claire from her ex-husband, Lee Ashworth. The episode ends with Danny's body exhumed for a new autopsy.
Season 2, Episode 2: Episode 2 - Joe Miller's confession is ruled inadmissible due to Ellie's prior actions, severely impacting the prosecution. During the trial, Mark Latimer's affair and past violence towards Danny are revealed. Hardy orchestrates a meeting between Claire and Lee Ashworth at Ellie's bugged former home. However, Beth Latimer's unexpected arrival and subsequent labor create a diversion, allowing Lee and Claire to disappear from the house.
Season 2, Episode 3: Episode 3 - Beth Latimer gives birth to a daughter, Lizzie, at home, while Ellie reluctantly assists. Hardy tracks Lee Ashworth and Claire Ripley, growing suspicious of Claire's inconsistent stories regarding Sandbrook. In court, Ellie testifies in Joe Miller's trial, where Sharon Bishop aggressively cross-examines her, accusing Ellie and Hardy of an affair and colluding to frame Joe. The episode concludes with Ellie's emotional outburst, vehemently denying the accusations.
Season 2, Episode 4: Episode 4 - Joe Miller's trial features conflicting testimonies, prompting the defense to keep him off the stand. Hardy and Ellie investigate the Sandbrook case, revealing Ricky Gillespie's affair with Claire. The episode concludes with Susan Wright testifying she saw her son, Nigel, with Danny's body, challenging Joe's sole culpability.
Season 2, Episode 5: Episode 5 - Ellie and Hardy investigate Thorp Agri Services, discovering a furnace that suggests Lisa Newberry may be dead. In court, Jocelyn Knight undermines Susan Wright's testimony. A distraught Ellie learns her son, Tom, intends to testify for Joe Miller, further complicating the trial and their family's fractured state.
Season 2, Episode 6: Episode 6 - Tom Miller falsely testifies that Mark Latimer confessed to Danny's murder. Mark then reveals he was planning to leave Beth on the night Danny died, which shatters the Latimer's marriage. Hardy undergoes surgery and cuts ties with Claire, prompting Ellie to confront her. Claire burns a photo of herself wearing Pippa's pendant, a critical reveal implicating her in the Sandbrook case.
Season 2, Episode 7: Episode 7 - Hardy reveals Claire's abortion to Lee, sparking a violent confrontation between them. Hardy and Miller link Ricky Gillespie to Claire. In court, a revelation suggests Ellie bribed her sister. Claire returns, handing Hardy Pippa's pendant and admitting to stealing it. The jury delivers a verdict in Joe Miller's trial, but it is not revealed.
Season 2, Episode 8: Episode 8 - Joe Miller is found not guilty, enraging the community. The Sandbrook truth emerges: Ricky Gillespie killed Lisa Newberry, and Lee Ashworth then smothered Pippa Gillespie after Claire Ripley drugged her. All three are arrested for the murders. Joe is kidnapped, confronted by Beth and Ellie, and banished from Broadchurch forever.
