Atlantis, A New Dawn: Part 1 - review: Trashy TV at its best

A fun bit of drama sandwiched in between all the reality TV on Saturday night

Greek mythological fantasy drama 'Atlantis' returns for the second series (BBC)

Doctor Who may be over until Christmas but never fear our favourite guilty pleasure has returned for a second series.

Atlantis kicks off with a two-part story full of adventure and sword fights that’s like watching a heavily diluted, Disney-fied version of Game of Thrones. But that’s why we love it.

While the storyline is fairly simple at best, there are some pretty impressive battle sequences and beautiful sets – the Beeb hasn’t skimped on the productions values for this one.

The main cast are charming enough – Jack Donnelly, who is the spitting image of Merlin's Colin Morgan minus the blue eyes – again holds his trio together. The bromace between Jason, Pythagoras and Game of Thrones alumna Mark Addy is cheesy yet it’s also quite sweet.

They are a watchable little gang but the best thing about this week is Sarah Parish as villainess-at-large Pasiphae. She is just as wickedly evil as Lena Headey’s Cersei in Game of Thrones and it’s going to be a delight seeing more of her.

Atlantis may be leaning towards the trashy side but there’s something deliciously indulgent about it that keeps viewers hooked.

Perhaps it’s the lack of brain power required for a Saturday night that makes it an easy watch for both the grown up and the kids. Whatever the reason, it’s fun bit of drama sandwiched in between all the reality TV that dominates the schedule.