BBC viewers issue complaint over distracting feature of The Gold as series makes return: 'Dreadful!'

Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 08/06/2025

- 22:50

Updated: 08/06/2025

- 23:15

The highly-anticipated drama series made its comeback after two years

BBC drama The Gold returned to screens on Sunday night as the second series of the show, based on real-life events, aired its opening episode.

The Gold is based on the events surrounding the 1983 Brink's-Mat heist, picking up where series one left off as the mystery is explored further.


It began by following the police team as they chased the other half of the stolen gold, with Charlie Miller (Sam Spruell) and John Palmer (Tom Cullen) being investigated.

While many viewers were delighted by the series return, plenty noted a distracting flaw they couldn't ignore.

The Gold

BBC The Gold returned for series two on Sunday

BBC

It seems several fans became irritated by an apparent technical choice that mainly seems to be used on shows set in the past.

One viewer pointed out on X: "First it was #CallTheMidwife, then it was #Ludwig, and now it’s #TheGold, another TV drama series with a noticeable #turquoise hue!"

"Is it when they film in UHD so it can be shown on iplayer? Looks like its filmed through a film of blue smoke. #TheGold," a second responded.

"Why does a blue/teal colour tint get put over so many dramas like #TheGold? It drains away realistic colour and doesn’t enhance the drama or the 1980s settings," another noted.

The Gold

The Gold tells the real-life story of the 1983 Brink's-Mat heist

BBC

Another disgruntled fan echoed the complaints, asking: "Why do they always have a slightly hazy screen and such low lighting on these 80s /90s dramas? #TheGold."

Someone else criticised a different technical issue, writing: "The sound quality on BBC One’s The Gold is dreadful imo."

However, the camera decision didn't seem to be an issue for everyone, with others having only good things to say about the drama.

"Enjoyed that! #TheGold," one commented, while another penned: "So enjoying #TheGold!" (sic)

A BBC synopsis for the series reads: "Following the conviction of some of those involved in the theft and handling of the Brink’s-Mat gold, the police realised that they had only ever been on the trail of half of the Brink’s-Mat gold.

"Series two is inspired by some of the theories around what happened to the other half.

"As the police investigation continues, it becomes a tense, high-stakes journey into international money laundering and organised crime.

"The Brink’s-Mat Task Force embark on a series of dramatic manhunts as they desperately try to solve the longest and most expensive investigation in the history of the Metropolitan Police."

Hugh Bonneville stars as Detective Chief Superintendent Brian Boyce

BBC The Gold: Hugh Bonneville talked about the appeal of the drama series

BBC

Hugh Bonneville stars as Detective Chief Superintendent Brian Boyce, and talked about why he thinks the show has such an appeal to viewers.

"Gold is a mysterious metal," he told the BBC, adding: "It’s been around forever, has survived every economic crash and adorns bodies all around the world.

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BBC The Gold

BBC The Gold: The first series aired in 2023

BBC

" It’s synonymous with luxury and wealth. If you’ve got gold, you’re associated with the Midas touch. That’s the myth and the allure of this extraordinary commodity.

"So, when a huge robbery involving gold takes place, your imagination is immediately sparked. In series one we learned about the process of smelting, bringing the proceeds to market, laundering the profits of the sale, and the effect of that money on people and on the economy. Goodies and baddies, cops and robbers."