The Belgian drama series, High Tides, also named Knokke Off, has recently returned with its 2nd season as Netflix has released it for global audiences. The show follows the same characters as before in the aftermath of the events that shook the small coastal town of Knokke, while the introduction of a couple of new characters also brings along some twists and turns. Overall, High Tides season 2 could have been a better affair had there been some more things going on, but it will still not disappoint those who enjoyed season 1 back in 2023.
High Tides season 2 begins with a short glimpse of a chaotic situation, following its usual style even back in season 1, in which Alex and Daan, the two young men central to the show, are seen together. As Alex consoles and urges Daan to stay strong and be efficient in executing their plan, it is obvious that something serious will go down between them, and it hints at a possible friendship between the two, who had never really liked each other. As the series then takes us a few weeks back, we witness the marriage ceremony of Emilie, the elder sister of Louise, and Charles, the handsome groom that her parents had found for her. Emilie takes a moment to gather her thoughts before she takes her vows, and it is evident from her reaction that she is still not prepared to accept this major change in her life and is marrying only for the sake of her parents.
The actions and decisions of parents affecting the lives of their respective children has been a recurring theme in High Tides, as season 1 introduced us to the messed-up families and their internal dynamics. The highlight of the first season had been its ending, in which the billionaire patriarch, Patrick Vandael, had been shot at his home by his own daughter, young Olivia, who had only wanted to break up a fight between her father and her brother. While it had seemed like Olivia had unintentionally killed Patrick, since she had shot him from such a close range, the beginning of season 2 confirms that Patrick has managed to stay alive, although he is currently in a comatose state. Patrick’s overly ambitious wife, Eleonore, has now taken over the family business, and she expects her son, Alex, to help her in running the operations better. Merely to convince people that Patrick is on the path to recovery, Eleonore even brings him to the wedding in a wheelchair, despite the fact that the man is still totally paralyzed.
It is hard to figure out whether the friends and neighbors, all belonging to Belgian high society, actually wish for Patrick’s recovery or are just too amused by the rumors about his condition. Although the family had kept Olivia’s role in her father’s condition a secret and had officially stated that he had suffered a horrible fall down the stairs at his house, most of the townsfolk at Knokke doubt whether something more sinister had taken place. Among the doubters is also Jacqueline Vandael, the mother of Patrick, who is one of the new characters introduced this season. The elderly woman, a strong-willed and fierce matriarch, is incredibly protective of her son, and it is evident that she suspects her daughter-in-law, Eleonore, of having had some hand in Patrick’s supposed accident. Jacqueline also brings along a young man, named Thomas, who seemingly works as her personal assistant and accountant and is soon revealed to be her lover as well.
Adultery and forbidden love continue to be another recurrent theme in the series, which is carried forward from season 1, as the characters and their motivations in life remain the same. In a way, Patrick’s affair with his wife’s best friend, Christine, and also Eleonore’s brief romance with her daughter’s nanny, Claudia, were responsible for the family’s current situation. Emilie, the bride we see at the beginning of the season, is soon having an affair with her old boyfriend behind her husband’s back, who is mostly away from the country for business purposes. Louise, the young woman at the very center of this tale of drama, also gets into a relationship with Daan, only for her feelings for Alex to resurface once more. In Louise’s case, though, what becomes much more significant is her failing mental health, as she stops taking medication for her bipolar disorder. This goes on to create much more trouble for Louise and those around her, and every facet of her life seems to be threatened by her decisions.
Differences of social class and narratives around it had been given a side role in High Tides season 1, meaning that although these matters existed and were very much the reasons for certain plot developments, there was ultimately no resolution about them. In season 2 also, rich folks are similarly able to get away with whatever they want, although this time their actions are not so much criminally offensive but are more of personal hindrances. However, the conclusion to this season is also a bit underwhelming and unsatisfying for me, particularly with regards to the angle of social class and the almost class crusade that some of the characters wage against the billionaires. High Tides perhaps wants to remain realistic and grounded by making these choices, but there is almost a sense that the series itself wants to let its rich characters get away with whatever, because it will be more convenient in the long run.
As is clear from the above discussion, most of the thematic elements remain the same in High Tides season 2, and perhaps the element of revenge is the only new addition that has some significance this time. Ultimately, High Tides remains a series mostly targeted at younger audiences and for fans of family drama who specifically enjoy watching family secrets tumble out of the closet with severe consequences. While that might sound low-brow, the Belgian series definitely has a way to conceal this sort of content in a fine-tuned package, both visually and from the perspective of how it is directed, which greatly raises its standard. With a slow pacing, which is meant to give a sort of contemplative feel and an aesthetically pleasing style of cinematography, it makes for enjoyable viewing at least. The complexities of the characters and their flawed nature also keep it quite fresh, and High Tides season 2 continues to be a mostly good watch, just like its opening season.
