As the opening scenes of season two of Beyond The Veil play out on my screen, I am relieved to finally discover whether Na’ima (Jemima Osunde) survives the crash she was involved in at the end of the first season. Season two begins with Na’ima focusing on her mental and physical therapy, supported by her friends Badriya (Norah Ego) and Hanifa (Maryam Booth). However, it’s not all smooth sailing, as she also navigates challenges like her growing romance with Matthew (Vine Olugu).
We see her mother and brother, Kassim, anxiously waiting while Na’ima receives treatment in the Intensive Care Unit. Just as the doctor leaves, Na’ima’s aunt, a character not introduced in season one, arrives. Her mother assures her that they will call once Na’ima comes out of surgery.
The appearance of Na’ima’s aunt and the unclear reason for not informing her about the accident don’t quite add up. If the accident had just happened and wasn’t likely reported by the news, how did she find out? Did Kassim call her?
On first watch, these and other gaps in the plot detract from the otherwise spectacular storytelling of season two.
Na’ima’s friends are facing their own struggles as well. Badriya, a social media influencer, is trapped in an abusive relationship, yet she puts on a brave face and lives a double life. Hanifa, pregnant and bearing the financial strain caused by Ahmadu’s failed business venture, also has her hands full. Following Bappa’s passing, Zizi (Ame Aiyejina) resigns from her job as ADC to the minister and keeps a low profile.
Aside from the acting in this season improving significantly, the actors have evidently settled into their characters. Norah Ego’s performance convinces us that she wants more for Badriya. Her portrayal of the physically abused Badriya is striking, making the audience feel her torment and discomfort as she interacts with Sadiq and the other characters. Norah effectively depicts the dimming of Badriya’s bubbly personality, a clear indication of the effects of abuse.
This season, we are introduced to new characters like Maryam (Ijapari Ben-Hirki) and Tariq. Though we don’t see much of Maryam’s personality outside of work in the first few episodes, her character fits seamlessly into the story. The addition of new characters and even the change in actors for some established roles, such as Bilquis—formerly played by Aisha Mohammed in season one and now portrayed by Temitope Olowoniyan—is executed so smoothly that it feels as though they were part of the first season.
In season one, Bilquis stalks Badriya, her husband’s new interest, to Na’ima’s Hamam, where Badriya has an appointment. She books a session, sneaks into Badriya’s room when the spa attendants are away, and aggressively waxes Badriya’s legs.
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In this new season, however, Bilquis undergoes a refreshing change in character. Her unexpected kindness towards Badriya took me by surprise. In a way, I see their newfound friendship as a trauma bond. They are both victims of Sadiq’s abuse and find solace in each other, understanding the pain the other has endured.
Though it doesn’t come as a complete surprise, I’m disappointed by Na’ima’s erratic behavior this season. In season one, we saw her grapple with what appeared to be an anxiety disorder, which hadn’t improved by the season’s end. This season, however, she spirals further, attending parties and experimenting with drugs. Her new friend, Fatima (played by Nadia Dutch), whom she met in group therapy, seems to influence this decline.
I appreciated the accurate depiction of Na’ima’s mental health condition in season one and her efforts to address it. I’m thankful that the writers maintained this authenticity in the current season. Representations like these are essential in Nollywood, where portrayals of mental illness have often been inaccurate.
In season one, Ahmadu and Hanifa clashed over Hanifa’s desire to return to school to study architecture. In season two, we witness Hanifa’s struggle to balance pregnancy, school, and caring for two children. In one scene, Ahmadu insists she picks up the children from school despite her need to study, as he claims to have an important meeting. This lack of support from Ahmadu towards Hanifa’s aspirations wasn’t surprising. I knew Ahmadu wouldn’t suddenly start supporting the dreams he wanted to push aside.
Suraya’s attempt to cast a love spell on Kassim continues this season, and I find it oddly amusing. However, I also feel a pang of sympathy for her. Suraya doesn’t seem to believe in her own beauty and personality to naturally attract a man, highlighting her deep insecurities. I wish she and Zizi would move on from Kassim and find men who truly appreciate and love them. For Zizi, I think Tariq is a better match than Kassim. I hope she allows herself to be loved by him and enjoys their time together, even if she isn’t seeking a long-term commitment.
Regarding cinematography, the scenic shots of Abuja that connect many scenes in the series were my favorite part of season one, and I’m pleased to see they were maintained in season two.
Overall, season two was a significant improvement over season one, despite some inevitable issues.
