For my money, one of the best series to come along in recent memory is Case Histories. Besides Jason Isaac’s brilliant portrayal of Jackson Brodie, the soundtrack should almost get a co-star credit as it is so much a part of the series filling the screen as the ex-cop from Yorkshire jogs across the hills overlooking Edinburgh, listening to mournful American country singers and mulling over his tangled life. Having had the good fortune to be able to advance screen the second series, long-time fans of the series will be happy to know and will also quickly come to realize that the series 2 soundtrack is equally as brilliant as it was in series 1.

(C) Ruby Films

While the second series has had a brief exposure recently on a number of public television stations, at long last, there’s good news for those living in North Texas as KERA Channel 13 will premiere the 3-part second series of Case Histories tonight beginning at 9:00pm. Episode one, which is titled “Started Early, Take My Dog”, delves into more dark tragedies of the past which continue to resonate in the present. In a nutshell, Jackson Brodie’s life doesn’t get any simpler the second time around. Brodie may bring optimism and resolution to the lost and bereaved, but he continues to struggle with his own past and present. A professional mistake born of personal confusion comes back to haunt him with repercussions for his integrity and his relationship with Louise Munroe. His life is further complicated by a new woman in his life, the reappearance of Julia Land and an increasingly precocious daughter.

For series one, which premiered back in 2011, author Kate Atkinson worked painstakenly with series producers to create the haunting soundtrack of songs used so brilliantly in the series. Atkinson explains: “Like me, Jackson is a long-term country fan and for each of the novels I’ve had a playlist — something which often evolves during the course of the novel, but which somehow points me to something essential at the heart of each book. Sometimes the tracks don’t seem particularly relevant, but they are to me (and Jackson)“. In case you missed series one or, for some reason, did not compile a playlist of the music, PBS’ Masterpiece series has compiled a complete list of songs from series one. Warning…you going to need a couple of iTunes gift cards.

Since the 2013 premiere of Case Histories 2 on BBC1, it is abundantly clear that the same importance of music was placed on series 2 as it was in series 1. For over two years, the Internets have been flooded with inquiries searching for a music playlist for the first episode. A huge thank you to Michael Winter, Production Executive with Ruby Films, the producers of Case Histories, for supplying us with the commercial tracks for the series 2 premiere episode. Time to top off that iTunes card…trust me. 

As soon as we can get episode 2 & 3 playlists, we’ll post asap following the Saturday transmission of each episode. In the meantime, tune in, turn it up and enjoy.