The first season of Surface was a slow-burning psychological thriller, drawing viewers into the labyrinth of Sophie Ellis’s fractured identity. Now, with Season 2, the story shifts gears, dropping us into a new setting—London—where Sophie, now embracing her original identity as Tess Caldwell, is determined to piece together the remnants of a past she barely remembers. The premiere episode, New Money, wastes no time in throwing us back into its world of deception, hidden agendas, and the ever-present question: Can Tess trust anyone, even herself?
Gugu Mbatha-Raw returns with a mesmerizing performance, effortlessly balancing Tess’s steeliness with a deep undercurrent of vulnerability. If Season 1 was about her desperate attempt to understand who she was, Season 2 is about taking control of that identity—on her own terms. The episode opens with Tess executing a risky cryptocurrency transfer, a bold move that immediately signals a more confident, calculated version of her character. The world she’s stepped into is one of wealth and influence, where power is wielded subtly and secrets are the currency of the elite.
One of the episode’s highlights is Tess’s arrival at a lavish charity auction hosted by the Huntley Foundation. The event is dripping with aristocratic excess, but beneath the polished surface, there’s tension. Here, Tess crosses paths with Eliza Huntley (Millie Brady), an old acquaintance from her past life. Their reunion is laced with subtext—Eliza’s mixture of warmth and suspicion makes it clear that Tess's return has disrupted more than just memories. There’s an unspoken history between them, one that the season will likely unravel with time.
But it’s Quinn Huntley (Phil Dunster) who steals the show in this scene. As the heir to the Huntley family’s influence, he radiates the kind of detached arrogance that makes him immediately compelling. His exchanges with Tess are charged with an uneasy tension—he’s intrigued by her, yet there's an unmistakable undercurrent of control in how he interacts with her. The Huntleys, it seems, are key to whatever truth Tess is chasing.
The show also introduces Callum Walsh (Gavin Drea), an investigative journalist with ties to Tess’s past. He’s one of the few people who remember her as Sophie Ellis before her memory loss, which makes their interactions particularly interesting. His skepticism is warranted—Tess’s sudden reappearance, armed with newfound confidence and ulterior motives, raises more questions than answers. Is he a trustworthy ally or another obstacle in her pursuit of the truth? Their dynamic adds another layer of intrigue, forcing Tess to navigate a world where alliances shift like quicksand.
One of Surface’s greatest strengths has always been its visual storytelling, and the Season 2 premiere continues that tradition. The cinematography leans into moody, atmospheric framing—London isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a character in itself. The contrast between opulent high-society settings and the shadowy underbelly of the city mirrors Tess’s internal struggle. The sleekness of the Huntley estate, the dimly lit corners of exclusive clubs, and the ever-present rain add to the show’s sense of unease, reinforcing the feeling that danger lurks beneath every interaction.
However, the episode isn't flawless. While the tension is well-crafted, certain moments feel rushed, as if the show is eager to establish all its new players in one go. Some characters—like Callum—could have benefited from a bit more buildup before being thrown into Tess’s orbit. There’s also a slight pacing issue; the episode moves swiftly in some places but lingers too long in others, occasionally losing momentum.
That being said, New Money does an excellent job of setting the stage for the season. It’s clear that Season 2 is shifting away from the amnesia-driven mystery of Season 1 and into something more proactive—Tess isn’t just trying to remember, she’s actively seeking answers. The episode plants the seeds for a season that promises power plays, shifting loyalties, and the slow unspooling of long-buried secrets.
Mbatha-Raw continues to be the anchor of the series, delivering a performance that keeps Tess compelling even when her choices are morally ambiguous. Her ability to convey so much through the subtlest expressions—doubt flickering across her face, a barely perceptible hesitation before she speaks—adds layers to her character. Millie Brady and Phil Dunster also make strong impressions, ensuring that the Huntleys feel like more than just wealthy archetypes.
If there’s one takeaway from this episode, it’s that Surface Season 2 is playing a different game than its predecessor. The psychological intrigue is still there, but this time, it’s mixed with sharper, more deliberate moves from its protagonist. The stakes feel higher, and the mystery is more deeply rooted in power rather than just memory. While it remains to be seen whether the season can sustain this momentum, New Money makes a strong case for why Tess’s journey is far from over.
In the end, Surface delivers an engrossing return, balancing intrigue and tension with just enough character depth to keep us invested. While the episode isn’t without its missteps, its world is as alluring as ever, drawing us back into the puzzle of Tess Caldwell’s life. The question is no longer just who she was, but who she is willing to become.
Final Score - [8/10]