A hugely flawed but highly watchable episode kicks off the second season of Survivors, resolving the cliffhanger ending after a lengthy wait. The impressive cast all ease back seamlessly into their roles and fare well with the material, yet the story lacks the necessary impact you'd hope the opening episode of a new series would contain. What was the biggest threat they dished up for the group of survivors? Rubble. Sadly not the Barney kind.
The main problem with Al and Anya being trapped beneath the wreckage in the hospital comes with the fact that the last time we encountered these characters was way back in 2008. The latter at least got to perform her doctorly duties on the wounded Greg before being placed in jeopardy, but Al was deprived of this quick 'refresher' course for viewers. Consequently, it was tricky to summon up much pathos for his plight, not helped by the former womaniser's cheesy and clichéd speech about the wonders of love before breathing his last breath and staring out blankly having found his redemption.
Except he didn't die. Somehow, having done a very good impersonation of a corpse under rubble, Al was brought back to life when dodgy Tom's rescue effort paid off. It felt like we were being cheated for the purposes of a moment of cheap drama. Still, given the absence of swiftly and discreetly re-establishing his character for those who hadn't recently rewatched the first season, it was hard to care either way.
The unveiling of Greg's backstory worked much better and added an intriguing extra lair to the previously (and deliberately) bland character. Presuming that the flashbacks of the domestic violence against his unfaithful wife were genuine - and not the delusions of a man fighting for his life - then it's clear to see just why Greg was so cagey upon meeting the other 'survivors' beforehand.
Abby's subplot as a lab rat also intrigued and enthralled, especially as the scientists keeping her captive are far from typical villains and come across as rounded human beings with a huge ethical dilemma. It was also a treat to see Penhaligon from Cracker enter the fray too, and reveal her shock plan to reinfect poor Abby with the virus.
Elsewhere, Sarah's decision to use her body to gain essential digging equipment nicely highlighted the grim situation of this 'new world', while Greg's demand that Tom go solo ramped up the tension ahead of the next episode. Overall though, the return of Survivors was a mostly underwhelming affair for a season premiere, but put in place a couple of narrative developments that could make for compelling viewing in the coming weeks.
