For fans of the sharp, intense dialogue in Criminal Record, the secret to the performances may be surprising: there is no rehearsal. Actors and Executive Producers Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo have developed a shorthand that relies on the element of surprise rather than practice.
Apple TV’s critically acclaimed drama Criminal Record returns for a second season that is every bit as intense and powerful as its predecessor. Featuring storylines that resonate deeply within today’s volatile political climate. The series continues to deliver incredible performances, razor-sharp writing, and breathtaking cinematography.
Created by BAFTA nominee Paul Rutman, this character-driven drama navigates the complexities of policing a modern London where the truth is often elusive. In the new season, the stabbing of a young man at a political rally forces rival officers into an uneasy alliance. What begins as a murder investigation quickly escalates into a high-stakes undercover operation to dismantle a far-right bomb plot.
Interview with Criminal Records’ Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo
Stars and executive producers Peter Capaldi (DCI Daniel Hegarty) and Cush Jumbo (DS June Lenker) recently discussed the high-stakes evolution of their characters in the second season of the Apple TV+ hit, Criminal Record. In this interview with Temple of Geek, the duo dives into the complex power dynamics of their relationship, their unique “no-rehearsal” approach to acting, and what they believe makes a thriller truly compelling.
“I don’t want to see what Cush is gonna do until she does it,” Capaldi says, noting that Jumbo constantly comes at scenes from angles he didn’t anticipate. By avoiding rehearsals, the duo ensures that the camera captures genuine, live reactions that aren’t drained of energy. Jumbo adds that while the characters have history, the introduction of a new script and incredible new characters puts everyone back on the back foot, preventing the show from feeling like a repetitive procedural or soap opera. This growth ensures that the audience sees the characters evolve rather than stagnate.
Capaldi and Jumbo on the Vital Ingredients of the Genre
What makes a thriller truly work? For the leads of Criminal Record, it comes down to suspense and a high level of performance. Cush Jumbo believes the most vital ingredient is suspense. Specifically, the feeling of not knowing what a character will do next, which keeps the audience on the back foot.
Peter Capaldi emphasizes the importance of a compelling script and the sophistication of the acting across the entire cast. Citing colleagues like Dustin Demry-Jones, Luther Ford, Luca Pasqualino, and Sean Dooley, Capaldi highlights how their performances evoke real people with layers that make it difficult to distinguish between the “good guy” and the “bad guy.” This ambiguity ensures that the audience never feels they are on “even footing,” a key component for a successful thriller.
The second season of Apple TV’s acclaimed crime thriller, Criminal Record, premieres Wednesday, April 22. The eight-episode season debuts with a single episode, followed by weekly releases through June 10.
