BBC Scotland has enjoyed international success with this supernatural drama, which returns after three series in a more cinematic two part special this week. It launches a trio of films along the same lines –contemporary thrillers with paranormal themes – but the other two new ones will have to go some to better this accomplished effort.
Sea of Soul’s is David Kane’s baby, although the show’s creator has only scripted one story since 2004’s debut run and he clearly relishes picking it up again, having honed his craft on two of last year’s Rebus episodes. They’ve teamed him with director Andy Hay, veteran of five Waking the Dead’s, and cast carefully from the cream of British screen to complement star Bill Paterson. The result is a seriously spooky ghost story.
Glasgow professor of the paranormal Douglas Monaghan ditches his usual pair of research assistants to investigate alone, coming to the aid of couple Ian and Karen (Ben Miles and Neve McIntosh, above with Paterson, left), whose new life after their son’s death is being disrupted by bizarre phenomenon in the isolated mansion they are trying to renovate. Uncovering occult decorations and ephemera from the 19th century order of the Golden Dawn, Monaghan realises that a lost key member of the influential society lived there. As each clue is found the past inhabitant’s tragic story unfolds for us (Douglas Henshall steals these scenes). Then the ghosts drive grieving Karen to a suicide attempt…
Thursday’s second half reaches a haunting conclusion as memorable as any blockbuster horror.
Mail on Sunday - April 15th 2007 (Four stars).