Critic Reviews

The writers manage to balance a robust ensemble while never straying too far off course and work to build up each character with their own unique journey. The Artful Dodger's Season 2 return guarantees that viewers will remember it as one of the decade's best historical series.

Let’s welcome Doctor Dodger. He worms his way into our hearts in this series, and he didn’t even have to sing or wear shades.

The twists and turns that the story takes keep everyone on edge, delivering satisfying episodes each step of the way.

What helps to make this curio of a show a little something more than a fast-paced distraction is David Thewlis, who plays Fagin.

It retains some heart and all of its easy charm. Let it lighten your mood and take your mind off things for an hour or so.

And while the plotting is a little all over the place, the central characters are sharply written and the chemistry between the leads fantastic, particularly as a romance starts to blossom between Belle and Dodger. Whatever your preferred flavor of period piece TV, The Artful Dodger likely has something that will have you asking for more.

Only four episodes were made available for review, but when the rest appear I will watch, at the very least for Mr. Thewlis. And Ms. Mitchell. And Mr. Brodie-Sangster.

The Artful Dodger doesn’t try to replicate the vibe of Oliver Twist. It has its own vibe, one that moves quickly, is often funny, and is mostly entertaining to watch.

While we still think The Artful Dodger is still a fun watch, we’re wary about the second season making jumping through story hoops to make sure Jack and Belle stay apart.

Despite the added maturity of the main character, nothing in The Artful Dodger acquires much emotion or depth, but thanks in large part to leads Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Maia Mitchell and, adding instant credibility, David Thewlis, there’s some playful entertainment to be found.