chris-mcmenamin Reviews

A Very Peculiar Practice (1986–1988)

Another gem from a golden age for the BBC

[26 December 2004]

A Very Peculiar Practice is another example of the intelligent and thought-provoking television which the BBC went through a phase of producing during the mid to late-1980s. Along with the likes of Edge of Darkness and the Singing Detective this is a series which demands the attention of the viewer.

Andrew Davies has a proved track record in writing for television and this series is no exception. Peter Davison made the successful leap from being the confident, self-assured and cheeky Doctor Who for 3 years to being the clumsy and nervous but capable Stephen Daker.

Graham Crowden's performances as Jock McCannon are seemingly bizarre but do keep with the series' title. Barbara Flynn is the slightly enigmatic Rose-Marie but David Troughton steals the show as Bob Buzzard, a typical example of the many right of centre profit-seekers who populated Thatcher's Britain at the time.

The series has aged somewhat but its dark humour and memorable theme music give it a great degree of uniqueness and those who don't mind being challenged while watching television could do a lot worse than adding this gem of a comedy-drama to your DVD collection.

Edge of Darkness (1985)

The BBC's finest ever production

[10/10 · 24 December 2004]

I can only sum up Edge of Darkness with the following statement. Quite simply it is the best thing that the BBC ever made.

Bob Peck is magnificent as Craven. The ways in which he conveys the character's grief and slow descent into insanity while slipping in some dark humour meant that he fully deserved the BAFTA award he won. Also magnificent is Joe Don Baker as the hugely entertaining and eccentric Jedburgh. Episode 5 "Northmoor" which focuses on these two characters has to be seen to be believed.

Both main characters are ably supported by a range of established British actors with union leader Godbolt, Craven's superior Ross and of course the Civil Servant double-act of Pendleton and Harcourt all very intriguing with each adding their part to the mystery.

The use of film, Martin Campbell's direction, the opening sequences of each episode, Mat Irvine's visual effects, Eric Clapton's terrific score and most importantly Troy Kennedy Martin's fantastic script create a tense atmosphere and all combine to ensure that Edge of Darkness was and is one of the classiest and best thrillers ever produced. The plot twists and turns constantly but stay with it until the end. If you watch Episode 1 on the DVD you will be compelled to stick with it for a highly worthwhile 5 hours and at the end you might just wonder why the BBC have never put the licence fee to such good use since.