SERIES 1 SPOILERS AHEAD

It was fantastic but there was little else to go by the end of it. What could they do next? "Guess what guys, Broadchurch has just just had it's second murder ever and everyone appears to have new secrets which may make them culpable for this murder!"
It was such a relief to see Broadchurch start their second series by ditching the whodunit format.
The opened with the hearing of Joe Miller for Danny's murder. This brought the majority of the cast together. Having spent the first series with these characters, it was great to see how they each reacted to Series 2's first shock: Joe's is pleading 'not guilty'.
From the look of the first episode, it appears as though series 2 will largely focus on Joe Miller's trial. As he's the only person Joe confessed to, it appears as though DC Hardy's name will be redragged through the mud.
This likely to tie into Hardy's subplot. Since moving to Broadchurch, Hardy's been housing the wife of the man he believes is guilty of the often mentioned Sandbrooke murders as a 'sort of witness protection'.
While it is a different set up, it's nice to see that the characters still have their secrets. Alongside Hardy's fugitive, Mark Latimer's is sneaking out and playing Tom Miller at FIFA (probably not the best idea after being caught having an affair by your wife). There was also a weird offhand comment from Ellie's sister that may reveal another factor in Danny's death.
The episode had a fascinating plot, great dialogue, brilliant performances and gripping music. It wasn't all fantastic, though. The lawyer who is procecuting Joe was completely cliché. "You have to help them." Maggie Radcliffe pleads to her. "No," the lawyer says, staring into the distance "I gave that shit up." I am paraphrasing here but it was embarrassing.
It was a tantalising opener which leaves us chomping at the bit for the rest of the series. While there is no central mystery like the first series, there are a lot of storylines that look a joy to watch unravel. Broadchurch is arguably the best British show on television just now and It's great to have it back.