The BBC drama "The Gold" recently concluded its gripping second series, drawing to a close a story that has captivated viewers with its globe-trotting intrigue and complex characters. Based on the true events of the infamous 1983 Brink’s-Mat robbery, the series delved deeper into the aftermath of the heist, exploring the fate of the stolen gold and the far-reaching consequences that followed.
After a two-year hiatus, "The Gold" returned with a fresh set of episodes that took the audience from the UK to exotic locations such as Costa Rica, Tortola, Tenerife, and the Isle of Man. The narrative centered on the Brink’s-Mat task force’s relentless pursuit of the missing half of the stolen gold, weaving a tale of crime, deception, and the pursuit of justice across continents.
Leading the cast once again was Hugh Bonneville, reprising his role as Detective Boyce, whose dedication to the case has been a cornerstone of the series. Alongside him, Tom Cullen returned as John Palmer, a character whose transformation from a low-level criminal to one of the UK's most notorious crime bosses was both compelling and chilling. Cullen’s portrayal of Palmer, who managed to evade conviction in the first series, continued to evolve as Palmer orchestrated a large-scale timeshare fraud in Tenerife, using the proceeds from the gold to fund his schemes.
Filming locations played a significant role in bringing the story to life, blending authentic settings with cinematic craftsmanship. The second series featured scenes shot in the picturesque village of Firle in Sussex, known for its historic Firle Place estate, which has a legacy spanning over 500 years. Sussex also provided the backdrop for scenes filmed in Hastings and St Leonards-on-Sea, towns with rich histories and prior experience hosting film productions.
The Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife, served as a versatile stand-in for multiple exotic locales featured in the series, including parts of mainland Spain, Costa Rica, and the United States. This choice allowed the production to capture the globe-trotting essence of the narrative while maintaining logistical efficiency. Fans of the show might be surprised to learn that despite scenes being set on the Isle of Man, filming took place in Hastings, a testament to the production’s creative use of locations.
Reflecting on the first series, filming took place in areas like Sevenoaks, Kent, which doubled as the home of Kenneth Noye, and Richmond in southwest London, which stood in for Zurich. These locations grounded the story in familiar British settings before expanding globally in the second series.
Tom Cullen offered insight into his experience playing John Palmer, describing the character as a “wily street fox” driven by a desire to escape poverty and achieve power. Born in Solihull, Palmer was illiterate but remarkably intelligent, ultimately amassing a fortune estimated at £150 million. Cullen emphasized the complexity of portraying a real person, noting the responsibility of honoring Palmer’s legacy while delivering a dramatic performance. He described his acting process as instinctive, allowing the character’s rhythms and energy to emerge naturally.
Series two expanded the story’s geographical scope, venturing beyond the UK to Tenerife, the Caribbean, Burma, and Central America. New characters enriched the narrative, including Douglas Baxter, a tightly wound lawyer played by Josh Maguire, whose courtroom antics provided both tension and dark humor.
The finale, which aired on June 23, 2025, delivered a dramatic conclusion to the series’ intricate plotlines. John Palmer faced trial in the UK for his fraudulent timeshare operation in Tenerife. Despite initially charming the jury, Palmer’s true nature was exposed by DI Nicki Jennings, leading to his conviction and an eight-year prison sentence accompanied by a £33 million confiscation order.
Meanwhile, Charlie Miller, another key figure in the Brink’s-Mat saga, avoided UK charges but was extradited to the United States to face a RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) suit. Douglas Baxter’s testimony in the US trial shifted under pressure, yet Miller was found guilty and ordered to pay damages amounting to approximately £112 million.
Kenneth Noye, portrayed by Jack Lowden, continued his fugitive existence after committing murder in the UK. Sighted in Cadiz, Spain, he was found hiding in the woods with Brian Reader, a returning character from season one. After a tense police pursuit, Noye was apprehended, bringing an end to a prolonged manhunt.
Detective Boyce’s retirement marked a reflective moment in the series. Meeting with former colleagues Tony and Nicki, he revealed that their investigation had recovered over £200 million of the stolen Brink’s-Mat gold, dubbing it “the biggest financial result in the history of British policing.” Despite this success, Boyce cautioned that the Brink’s-Mat case was “never over,” underscoring the enduring impact of the crime.
The series also welcomed the return of crooked lawyer Edwyn Cooper, who delivered a Shakespearean monologue from prison while seeking parole. His reflections on legacy and the toxic brotherhood formed by the Brink’s-Mat robbery added a philosophical layer to the narrative’s conclusion.
While fans might have hoped for a third series to continue unraveling the saga, the creators confirmed that "The Gold" was always intended as a two-part story. Creator Neil Forsyth and cast members Charlotte Spencer and Emun Elliott emphasized that the show’s arc was carefully planned from the outset, delivering a complete and satisfying narrative across the two series.
Tom Cullen echoed this sentiment, stating unequivocally that there would be no third series, and hinted that the finale’s events would clarify why. He praised the writing and character development, describing his role as John Palmer as one of the most satisfying he had ever played.
Beyond "The Gold," Cullen shared insights into his broader career, including upcoming roles in the Troubles drama "Trespasses" and HBO’s "House of the Dragon." He also expressed a desire to direct more films, revealing a passion for storytelling that extends behind the camera.
As "The Gold" closes its chapter, it leaves behind a richly textured portrayal of one of Britain’s most notorious crimes, blending history, drama, and human complexity. The series’ success lies not only in its thrilling plot but also in its exploration of ambition, greed, and the far-reaching consequences of crime, resonating with audiences worldwide.
