4. Jekyll (2007)
The second show on this list by Steven Moffat is a little known gem of British TV that didn't gain a massive amount of attention over here in the UK. Which is a shame because it is a tightly written, brilliant modern twist on the Jekyll and Hyde story that shows Moffat could bring something fresh to a classic story before he helped bring the fantastic
Sherlock to our screens. The story cleverly takes on the idea that the lead character Doctor Tom Jackman is the last living descendant of the original Doctor Jekyll and deals with his evil counterpart though the use of a body share.This Hyde knows nothing about Jackman's family, though as the story unfolds, this all changes. And as it turns out, his friends and colleagues know everything about him and they want the monster inside him. Brilliant pacing and backstory can only go so far and it is James Nesbitt's performance that makes this one series-show electrifying. He plays Jackman as a genuine, humoured family man, confident but mild mannered. You really feel for his predicament and as his life spirals out of control you find yourself desperate for him to escape. But it is his performance as Hyde that stands out. You can never make out whether its a clever use of camera tricks or effects, but his Hyde feels taller. His hair is darker. He has a menace in his eyes. And he's not a deranged monster. He's a cold, calculating sociopath. The early part of the show sees Michelle Ryan's Katherine sitting in a room, studying Jackman as he transforms into Hyde. These are some tense scenes, that fills the audience with unease as they banter back and forth. Katherine is strong, but in Hyde's presence she looks and feels vulnerable. If anything, these are his best scenes as the 'monster'. When he is allowed to break free and have some fun later on the series looses that tension and sharp dialogue that Moffat scripts so brilliantly. The supporting cast are as strong as Nesbitt, though they never overshadow him.
Coupling's Gina Bellman plays a the early role as mother to his children with a warmth and kindness without ever coming across as weak - she is believable as the love of Jackman's life and his anchor to the real world. So much so that you are genuinely concerned when she finally meets Hyde, though Bellman holds her cool in her portrayal of Claire Jackman in that confident, almost sassy manner that the actress demonstrated in her previous Moffat-scripted role. Denis Lawson (Wedge from
Star Wars) plays the switch from supporting friend to villain perfectly and with actors of the calibre of Meera Syal and Paterson Joesph in the mix, the quality of the show continues throughout all six episodes. The conclusion is perhaps a little weak, considering the amazing build up, but it still a show that everyone should check out. It didn't get a second series, which is a terrible shame. Though if it had continued for a few more years, we might not have got
Sherlock, so there's something good to take from its loss.