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.

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.

So, huzzah for the pace and the balls. But boohoo for those who, having hoped for more than merely a louder re-tread of the first series, may now find themselves, as Fagin grumbles at one point, “a bit bleedin’ put out”.