Touching Evil (2004) User Reviews

I wish they could bring this show back from the dead

[centrd · 9/10 · 18 November 2014]

wow...it's been ten years since this amazing show aired and exactly that long for me to discover it. How does something this mesmerizing get the axe while formulaic crime drama lives on...and spins off more of the same drivel?

The cast is outstanding. The chemistry is amazing. How could network execs not see that? Kind of a no-brainer ten minutes in. No surprise that Donovan goes on to a 7 year hit called "Burn Notice", and Bradley Cooper becomes a box office stud. But the people in charge with all their wisdom canceled it. Head scratching, for sure.

I binge watched yesterday, couldn't stop watching, then dreamed about the characters last night. Now that I've seen all the episodes, I feel like something's missing. I don't want to watch what's on t.v. now...I want more of THIS! I wish they'd bring it back from the dead, just like they brought back Creegan...with the same lead characters. It would be a huge hit today.

This one was truly special. Too bad the network didn't have the patience to see it through or, apparently, the skill to market it well enough to get it the notice it deserved.

star crossed production!

[hacks-56635 · 9/10 · 30 January 2022]

It's a pretty decent show. Has a weird vibe going that makes it unique and worthy of it's high ratings even today. I am a huge Burn Notice fan so I may be biased lol but such is life!

So yeah, many years later lol looking back, it's pretty interesting to see the amount of great actors that somehow all came together to make this series happen!

The New IT Show! Creegan sours, carries the whole show.

[cng777 · 8/10 · 13 April 2004]

Well, I would have to say that I agree that this is the new ' IT ' show. Jeffrey Donovan definitely carries this show with his wittiness and in depth manic behavior. He's very sexy and quite intriguing which makes me wanna watch this show every single time it comes on. I watch it when it premiers on Friday not and have to watch it again at midnight and again on Saturday morning and Sunday nights and Monday mornings. Clearly the show itself is greatly and equally intriguing with distinct plots and flexibility of the characters and their boundaries. I predict and problem with Krakauer in the future and a psychotic revelation (surprise break) from Creegan at any moment. I think there's something about Creegan that we've yet to find out. I think he perhaps maybe dangerous. I also believe he actually may have shot Dr. Hinks. In the end of the third episode he dumps for bullets into a pond he crosses while jogging. I thought this was strange. I also thought, why would he have done that unless he was trying to get rid of evidence. I believe we will come back to this assassination, later.

USA's "Touching Evil": Brilliant Show

[rekka · 10/10 · 8 June 2004]

In the wake of many popular television shows coming to an end, whether it be the series finale of "Friends" or "Frasier" or the cancellation of such beloved shows as "Angel" and "Miracles", USA ventures to redefine the crime genre with the remake of a British series of the same name, "Touching Evil".

Starring Jeffrey Donovan and Vera Farmiga, the show starts off unlike any other crime drama before with its surrealistic pan angles, colors and especially creepy background music composed by the Ross brothers (Error and 12 Rounds) and Claudia Sarne. Donovan's character Detective David Creegan is just returning to duty after a three-year long medical leave after surviving a gunshot wound to the head. He is no longer the same man, husband, father or cop as he used to be.

"Touching Evil" is so rich in character development that it is impossible not to become attached to one or more characters on the show. The smallest bits of interacting between characters serves as a device to explore different aspects of the characters that you normally would have seen otherwise. For example, in the episode "Grief", Chief Hank Enright is speaking with Jay Swopes on the telephone and proceeds to spell a person's name. Swopes responds, saying that normally it's I before E, whereas the name is spelled with E before I. It's such a minor and unrelated detail plot wise that makes for the impact. Such character details helps to make these people real, people we can relate to and grow to love. Even the snarky Bernal, who is always out to slander Creegan any chance he gets, grows personally to the point where we have to like him, if just a little bit. In short, the characters on this show are dynamic, every one.

If you haven't seen this show, you're really missing out. I expect at least one Emmy nomination for the outstanding lead roles by Jeffrey Donovan and Vera Farmiga--they both did such a terrific job and they deserve to be recognized for their hard work. "Touching Evil" fans are anxiously awaiting news of renewal for a second season. So far, I am placing much more faith in cable networks than I dare to with broadcast networks. I only hope that USA will continue to come through for us "Touching Evil" fans. USA, don't let us down!

Almost didn't watch this, glad I did.

[jazzycate · 24 March 2004]

I am a huge fan of the original BBC series "Touching Evil" with Robson Green. US remakes of Brit TV have been largely disappointing in my opinion. I expected this to be t he same. I was pleasantly surprised. I LOVED IT. It is not the same show, and this is good. I think the biggest problem with some remakes is attempting to make a straight copy. This show has an identity all its own, although it is based on the same premise as t he British version. I found myself sucked in to the story and glued to the set, so to s peak. Jeffery and Vera are believable in their rolls as the two lead characters of David a nd Susan. Jeffrey's performance was unexpected, he showed great vulnerability, without l osing his leading-man presence. I was very impressed. The dialogue is well written, w ith plenty of dark, wry humor thrown in. The show was well-paced, with an appropriate a mount of action and suspense. Didn't find a minute of the two first episodes u nwatchable. Please give it a chance so that we can find out just where this show can t ake us. Especially since they don't seem to be making any more of the original series. Try it, you'll like it!

One of the Best

[rekka · 10/10 · 3 April 2004]

I can't vouch for the original UK version of "Touching Evil" but I can easily say without any difficulty whatsoever that I am throughly enjoying this drama series. With so many other great shows getting the axe early on, I haven't seen one thing on television that needed my attention let alone my full, undivided attention like "Touching Evil" demanded of me. I am typically not a fan of the crime/cop genre but within only the first couple minutes of the pilot episode I was sold. I didn't even get to see the opening 10 minutes or so the first time and I was still sold. I loved David Creegan--I never knew who Jeffrey Donovan was before this series and I think he's excellent for this role. I could just go on and on about this series... I am beyond joyous for another good show to be involved with after a year of drab television. I just hope USA will prove to be more worthy of my respect than the other "big name" networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, etc). I'm sticking by this show for good. *huggles "Touching Evil" and Jeffrey Donovan* =)

Maybe watch the original British 1st season first....

[surfisfun · 7/10 · 19 February 2021]

Episode 1 and 2 is similar story but the British ones seem better overal.

watched the 13 episodes of usa series, its full of plot holes and abrupt resolution of crimes that didnt felt right in many cases. I think Donavan actually was awesome and physical as the weirdo agent ! too bad the series lacked tight episodes structures/editing/writing. A great charismatic main cast of A actors. except for Donavan, the other agent character lacked definition . like some say, maybe with a good head writer and better cinematography/editing would have made season 2 an incredible one . Farmiga and Bradley needed better script and importance. It was mainly film in Vancouver Canada, like so many shows .

Skip this - Go to the BBC Original

[jan_stanners · 1/10 · 2 October 2006]

This was a disappointment - none of the nuance of the original. The Brits just seem to be able to make a truly unsettling film with none of the over-the-top histrionics of the American version. The original series combined both creepy stories and subtlety of performance with great attention to lighting and settings. I have watched the series many times and am still enthralled.

Just another poor adaptation along the lines of the dreadful adaptation of "Cracker". Get hooked up with BBC America or BBC Canada and watch for such delights as Waking the Dead, Spooks, Silent Witness, and Judge John Deed. Watch the original Touching Evil, then look for "Wire in the Blood" for more of the truly understated, elegant performance of Robson Green. Hollywood needs to have a look at this actor!

Have no preconceived notions!

[jediamy74 · 12 September 2004]

Reading through these comments on Touching Evil I have come to the conclusion that if you were expecting the show to be a carbon copy of the British original, you were sorely disappointed. HOWEVER, if you allowed the show to be it's own entity, you were instantly struck by how different from your average US TV drama it actually is.

First of all, the principal actor, Jeffrey Donovan, is no Robson Green (from the original BBC series). He is, however, a phenomenal Method actor in his own right and should be congratulated at nailing such a complex character so perfectly. Secondly, it should also be said that the persons responsible for all the negative commentary on this particular thread have never commented on the obvious quality and chemistry of the other cast members: an amazingly important thing in ANY show. And thirdly, none of the detractors have said that they bothered to see any other episodes besides the pilot. Pilots, as a rule, are always the roughest draft of any television program and should therefore be given the greatest leeway.

For those of you who are true fans, there is a website petition for giving this show a second season:

http://www.gopetition.com/online/4632.html

The sign up is privacy protected and the information is only used for the petition itself.

In summation, PLEASE have no preconceived notions that this is going to be the same as the BBC original. If you're that into the British version, I'm sure you can find the three episodes that were aired somewhere online on DVD.

Utter Rubbish

[mithril013-1 · 1/10 · 10 September 2019]

Jeffrey Donovan cannot act (see Burn Notice) I gave him another chance with this and wasn't surprised at it being another masterpiece of utter rubbish from him. If it wasn't for Vera Farmiga giving the program a bit of glamour there would be no point in turning on the TV.

Great crime series!

[Stibbert · 1 September 2005]

After being gone for a year after being shot in the head David Creegan return to the OSC, Organized and Serial Crime Unit and join up with his new partner Susan Branca. Only thing is, while being a good cop, his injury has caused some minor abnormalities.

If you think that this is just another series about hard cops fighting crime, you're wrong. This series is more about the humans involved. You'll get to follow Creegan just as much in his personal as well as his professional life. Now, that is nothing new. Many series are like that, but no one is like Touching Evil. After a long term coma Creegan's life has changed in many ways and him finding his way to get along with his new way of life is an important part of the series.

This series is a nice mix of drama, thriller and action. It has the characters with stories and personality. You really get to know them. There is the thriller element of hunting the suspect witch is often very suspense and well done. While it's a kind of serious series, Creegan's condition, the fact that he, among other things don't have shame, add a comic element to it all. He might do or say the craziest thing in very odd situations, yet this comes as well written lines. They are never out of place.

The acting are very good. Jeffrey Donovan does a great job as Creegan and there is no lack of talent among the others neither. You should also take note of the music and the cinematography. These two elements gives the series it's own look and style. The cinematography looks great and you'll find some rather original shots. When it comes to the music this has it's own style witch I think is just great.

If you like crime I would recommend Touching Evil. If you don't I'll recommend it anyway!

I hope the Police aren't that bad in real life

[kimberlylove-07477 · 3/10 · 17 June 2021]

I'm trying to understand why the police in this show even carries guns?? Every single victim death in that show could have been avoided and most criminal activity toward the victims if the police actually used their weapons to stop the criminals, and used common sense to truly protect upfront the victims. How do you as a policeman stand their with your gun aimed at criminal and just stand their while they cut victims throats in front of them???!!! I would have liked the show but it became very unrealistic fast. A guy sets fire to a policeman family and nothing is done??? And the guy goes on to walk around with a shotgun point it at the back of the same policeman and theirs no other cops around to take the guy down?? He's then able to walk up to and on the grounds of a federal court building still carrying same gun and kill a witness sitting in the same policeman car, and again....no police anywhere?? I'm confused I hope it's just bad writing of this show because that was terrible police work in the show. Where I'm from all those criminals would be in a pine box and the victims would be alive even in a show! I hope the police force in real life is not that bad.

Very nice

[Drachaen · 12 March 2004]

With a soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails and a cast featuring Zach Grenier from Fight Club, Peter Wingfield from "Highlander: The Series" and headed up by Jeff Donovan (From Blair Witch 2) "Touching Evil" is a unique and oddly human crime drama.

Donovan plays his characters obsession and insanity with a deep sense of passion, focus and humanity making him more than simply "another crazy cop"

I intend to watch more of this. I enjoyed Donovan's performance exceedingly. I'd like to see the character continue to evolve. He's unpredictable which makes for cliché breaking television and he's very human and humane which makes for a sympathetic and invocative viewing experience.

One of the best/my favorite shows on TV in 2004!

[texasorby · 8 June 2004]

There is so much about TOUCHING EVIL that keeps me coming back for more. >From the moment the series intro each week begins, I'm hooked like a fish that just swallowed his bait! Suddenly I realize that I'm listening to NINE INCH NAILS! (I've been a big fan forever of NIN for a long time!!!) There's something hypnotic about the intro though that seems oddly familiar.

It's like watching the SIX FEET UNDER beginning. Both are beautifully executed and stunning to watch, week after week. Neither seems to get old!

The cast in the series appears to work well with one another, too! Always a feeling of more than meets the eye, you're left wondering when their story will be told. Of course this is the first (of hopefully many) season so too early to say! Let's hope we get more seasons to flesh out each of the characters!

The high speed filming process used in scene transitions really is quite beautiful! San Francisco never looked so good! Sometimes I wonder if I'm at an art exhibit, mesmerized by the imagery shown!

Highly Enjoyable

[TinkerBelle810 · 2 April 2004]

I find this show to be highly enjoyable. Jeffery Donovan does an excellent job portraying a twisted and troubled character such like that of David Creegan. I have not seen the original British version so I can not compare it. But this show is excellent. The end of each episode leaves you hanging for more. I find myself itching to see what is going to happen next. Creegan's sarcastic wit and Bernal's constant wanting to outshine him is fantastic. I have read all the articles leading up to the premiere and I think that the writers of these articles were dead on accurate. I am not sure though if Creegan's partner Branca matches well with him. She is to straight forward. She needs to learn to take more risks. And I was sad to see Agent Krackhauer go. I really liked his character (before he became a vigilante). It will be interested to see who they partner up with Bernal later on in the season.

Entertaining and Addictive

[erin_white · 5 April 2004]

I highly recommend this series about a serial crime detective team in San Francisco. Jeffrey Donovan plays a fantastic role as David Creegan, an eccentric and unorthodox serial crime detective who became the character he is by being shot in the forehead, dying, and coming back with a chunk of his brain removed. Donovan makes the whole show worth watching with his hilarious antics and his interactions with other characters.

The series is by no means morbid, although there are depressing themes and scenes. The show is more characterized by its playfulness and twists between characters. Donovan's antics and exceptional acting make this series so addicting. If you've seen an episode, you'll be coming back for more. If you saw the premier episode and didn't like it, don't be turned away. The premier was longer and slower than it needed to be, but they've made up for it ten fold in the next two episodes with its quick pace and wit.

excellent first episode, but the rest of the episodes are not as good..

[dexterv · 23 April 2004]

the premiere 2hr episode of this series was excellent, it was intense in your face and takes no prisoner, well worth the hype. but now that the show's been on for a few weeks, the stories are not as intense and interesting anymore, just your basic formularic cop show with creegan doing random weird things.

some critics compares this show to law & order: criminal intent, because of the quirky main character, but story-wise touching evil falls short when compare to Criminal intent.

the show's Star jefferey donovan is great actor, and the rest of the cast are just as good, but the story doesn't live up to the show's potential.

hope the show improves back to the quality of the premiere episode.

Looking Forward to the TV Series!

[whpratt1 · 10 April 2004]

Greatly enjoyed this pilot film and look forwarding to seeing this series on USA. Jeffrey Donovan,(Detective Dave Creegan),"Final Draft",'03, managed to have a bullet go through his head and still managed to recover and start back to work for the FBI on a sort of trial basis. Dave gets wild at times and poor Vera Farmiga,(Detective Susan Branca),"Dummy",'02, manages to put up with all his crazy outburst and the beating up of suspects. Dave manages to find three boys who have been kidnapped and hidden in a very mysterious place to find. Vera Farmiga, and Jeffrey Donovan are like magic together on the screen and I definitely look forward to seeing the future series on TV.

Cult Classic Screaming With Potential, Lost without an Identity

[marumae · 1 August 2005]

The concept of the show, practically "screamed" cult classic. A former detective getting shot in the head and suffering brain damage and after suffering a long recuperation period; tries to face the hard task of rebuilding his life where he left it off only to find not only the life he left changed but himself changed almost beyond recognition. Who was once a crisp, clear, brilliant detective who managed to co-found a separate branch of the FBI, the "Organized and Serial Crime Unit" or (OSCU), is now a wild, almost maniac man lacking that crucial part of his brain that can put a handle on his emotions and give him the most basic common sense.

Detective David Creegan (played brilliantly by Jeffery Donovan, of "Blair Witch II" fame), is such a detective. who along with his new and most reluctant partner Detective Susan Branca (played with notable exception by Vera Farmiga, of "Roar" fame).

Having not seen the British show, I can safely say this will not be a comparison review. "Touching Evil" as said in the title practically screams with potential but never fully realizes (in the first season anyway) it's true potential and seems lost like other USA shows in the eternal struggle to be unique and go it's own route or follow the tired and true cliché's of network television that often make for series hit gold. Donovan is well matched to play a character, not all that different (post gun shot) from his character in "Blair Witch Project II", but still intriguing and beguiling and magnetic enough to keep a viewer returning. Dark and eerily toned the series doens't follow the classic "single strong antagonist serial killer villain" that other shows with a similar plot line seem to focus on. But instead a number of killers whom as the title promises, we get to see inside the very nature of who they are and what makes them evil. With excellent actors and wonderfully developed and realistic characters the show is a rare gem.

However "Touching Evil" was canceled before it reached it's true potential and as such like so many other shows canceled in the first season didn't quite realize it's own true voice and as such came out disjointed and often times lost under it's own creepy atmosphere. The chaotic mess that is David Creegan, is perhaps the most straight forward essence to the show as we can easily follow along with his development as a character and also see in flashbacks where he was coming from and who he was while recovering from the gunshot wound to his head.

The uneven portions of the show were perhaps the agency Creegan himself co created. Unsure of whether it wanted to maintain a strict "branch of the USA law enforcement" or move into that "super secret agency" territory that "Alias" has claimed. While Vera Farmiga is a talented and likable actress she balances precariously on the edge of being a clichéd cop "wonder woman" that the viewer only saw hints of towards the end of the series. Another uneven portion of the show was perhaps the creepy atmosphere, more attune to perhaps a television serial version of "Silence of the Lambs" and "The Sixth Sense" the show tried desperately to maintain the creed (like the former ABC show "Blind Justice" )that it wouldn't descend into the realm of supernatural. Despite teetering unclear on that edge.

The show could have used perhaps a second return to the drawing board to clear up the atmosphere and character disjointed follies it had. As well as a definite brightening of the cinematography.

"Touching Evil" was a show that had, even till it's season one ending a host of potential that could have used maybe a stronger network and series writers to clean up it's mess and make it the television gold it deserved to be. One thing is for sure, this viewer certainly hopes "Touching Evil" makes a triumphant and much cleaned return.

Don't buy into the hype

[esbarnard · 16 March 2004]

I did. I read all the breathless reviews that pegged this lame re-make as "darker" and better than the (very good) BBC original. I glued myself to the TV at the appointed time, only to be disappointed by yet another car commercial. The glossy black car wound it's way through the California hills. We got close-ups of the hood, the wheels. Ho hum. The car's handsome, smartly dressed owner got out, went into a gleaming white house, and was shot in the head. Oh. I guess this is the show.

Things went down hill from there. The show is not "dark" either in plot or atmosphere. Shot in sunny southern California, in the day, it couldn't match the doom of drizzly London at night. The plot limped along, barely there, not dark or interesting but merely weird. The characters were beautifully groomed, dressed expensively, met in elegantly appointed conference rooms and flew first class. A frivolous insult to anyone who actually works for the FBI. I really enjoyed the original BBC series and recommend it. Don't bother with this version.

A Massive Insult: Case Closed

[GreenGriot · 13 March 2004]

Even after first seeing the billboard on the subway and reading the "Teaser" on line, I must admit I was still unprepared for the testosterone laden "Die Hard-Lethal Weapon-Mad Maxesque" buddy film of a remake that premiered last night.

He almost died so now he can break all the rules. She's a female agent so she must be obsessed with them.

Can the FBI survive them? Can they survive each other? Give me a break! The Sci-fi Channel can do better than that.

Simply put.

If you want to see "Touching Evil" I suggest you go to your Public Library and rent the full PBS/BBC series. Or contact your local PBS station and demand it's re-airing on Mystery. It is there you will find excellent writing, subtle acting, imaginative directing and thought provoking subject matter that encourages Our intelligence as an audience not insults it.

It is my regret to inform you that this will not happen when you watch this Cable version of the series. Case Closed.

Brilliant

[jennkat1 · 18 March 2004]

I thought this show was inventive, powerful, and engaging. I was drawn to it because of Jeffery Donovan's performance. I had seen him on The Pretender as Jarod's brother. His odd way of doing things I felt brought a lot of drama and tension to the show. Touching Evil not only exceeded my expectations, but surpassed them. That doesn't happen very often. I was also excited to see Peter Wingfield as part of the cast. I loved him from Highlander and try to watch anything he is in. I hope to see him used much more. Also Vera Farmiga I recongnized form UC: Undercover. I enjoyed watching her charater start to like David even though she didn't want to. Way to go. I will definately keep watching.

Fascinating new T.V. show

[tkfuzzkid · 26 March 2004]

I have watched the show "Touching Evil" from it's first episode, and I like it very much. Now I am not usually much of one for really getting into current weekly series, but this I like very much and make a point to watch it. I think that it is a very interesting, well-made show. But, I would not recommend it for viewers under 12; as some of the subjects could be very disturbing for children. But it is great television for the adult. The thing that makes the show so fascinating to me is the main character and his eccentric behavior. I tune in each week to see what odd behavior he will display next. Yet this odd behavior has, so far, not been particularly vulgar or offensive. Just interesting. His character development should be very interesting.

Not as good as the original series but its solid effort none the less.

[naturalnap · 14 March 2004]

Touching Evil was a British TV series that took a slick, and vibrant look at serial killers and mixed it with a dark edge that actually made it pretty disturbing to look at. The American remake is a good effort in some respects but lacks (so far) the dark edge that made the original series memorable. Jeffrey Donovan is a good lead, and he does play the character with a good dark edge but he lacks the cool mental presence of Robson Green, who was the lead in the original British show. I'm just judging it by the first episode, so I may be proven wrong but so far, The new series is doing a good job in making the transition to the American public, but its not as great or as dark as the original British show that spawn it.

Better than the original

[roberto1 · 26 March 2004]

While the original Granada (not BBC, as others have claimed) show was dark, this USA Networks remake is both dark and eerie, as well as better made.

It's best not to think of this as a standard murder-of-the-week show, but as a character study of both police officers (in particular, the hero, Dave Creegen) and of "evil" itself. In most cases, it's obvious from the beginning who the guilty are, but the show is more about why they are evil and the effect "touching evil" has on the police.

What is novel about Creegen is that he's not a straight-cut hero. At first, he appears strange (thanks to a bullet having removed a chunk of his brain and some of his faculties), but with exceptional detective skills; we trust those abilities because he gets results. However, as the show progresses, we stop siding with him, since although he is "a maverick cop who doesn't play by the rules", it becomes clear that this isn't a good thing, despite cop-show convention, since it jeopardises investigations and let's the guilty go free. By the end of the pilot, even Creegen knows he's gone too far, having broken into a suspect's house to kill him, rather than see him go free as a result of too many extra-legal actions on his part. The audience is left unsure whether they're supposed to be rooting for him, even though he does catch the guilty, or whether to side with his colleagues, who are desperately trying to ensure their suspects end up in prison rather than let off the hook.

The show is also novel because of its reasonably positive take on the mental ill: Creegen, despite his lack of shame, lack of restraint, etc, is still a brilliant cop; his schizophrenic friend Cyril could be a valuable member of society if he remembered to take his meds, and is still helpful even when he doesn't; and there's someone on staff who acts more than a little Aspergersy and yet is able to ferret out clues from video and newspapers as well as or better than almost anyone except Creegen. Creegen, maybe because of his own situation, shows them friendship rather than the contempt the average police show cop would offer.

The real test of the show will be when it starts making wholly original episodes, rather than those based on the original mini-series.