Edge of Darkness

This month it’s 25 years since the landmark mini-series Edge of Darkness concluded its first screening. I’m guessing I saw it a year or two later, and it remains one of my most favourite pieces of television ever… in fact it probably sparked my interest in the late-80s and early-90s in British television drama, particularly in the genre of slightly depressing.

Edge of Darkness went on to win six BAFTAs, so evidently I’m not the only one who thought it was good. I recently got the DVD, but hadn’t watched it, until Marita mentioned ABC2 have been showing it again, which prompted us to watch through it.

It’s still good.

Bob Peck was a remarkable actor. The emotions he shows as Ronnie Craven throughout the series are amazing, particularly, I think, the growing grief and anger at the loss of his daughter. Watching it again I found it doubly sobering knowing that Peck himself died in 1999, aged just 53.

Many of the supporting characters are also terrific, especially Darius Jedburgh.

ABC2 is showing it on Wednesdays at 8:30pm. They’re up to episode four (of six) this week; episodes two and three are available on iView.