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Edge Of Darkness - The Complete Series
1985
Police detective Ronnie Craven sets out to privately investigate the murder of his daughter, and finds himself embroiled in a top-secret government project involving nuclear contamination. Originally created for the BBC, this highly acclaimed production has won numerous British awards. Read more
| Starring | Bob Peck, Joe Don Baker, Joanne Whalley-Kilmer |
|---|---|
| Director | Martin Campbell |
| Genres | Drama, Television |
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Most helpful members' reviews (3)
View all -
11 out of 11 people found this review helpful
Unmissable
Hugely enjoyable political thriller that is as relevant today as it was in the 1980s - if not more so, given the nuclear ambitions of the current US government (it's interesting to note that there's a film version of this currently at the planning stage [I believe]). Great performance by the late (and great) Bob Peck, ably supported by a fantastic cast.
Sadness perhaps at the realisation that the BBC don't appear capable of producing drama of this quality anymore.
All in all - completely and utterly unmissable! -
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful
Gripping and timeless
I remember watching this as child with my dad and not really understanding all of the implications but being enthralled nonetheless. Its even better when it all makes sense! Even though the 80s setting is evident, the acting, story and production is timeless - ahead of most on TV now - Bob Peck is tremendous and the haunting Eric Clapton score is perfect. Remember that the beeb repeated this series only a matter of weeks after it was first transmitted due to demand.
Disc 2 is at the top of my wish list! -
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful
Once seen, never forgotten
This is without a doubt one of the best productions for TV that I have ever seen. It handles important issues like politics, nuclear plants and environmental questions in a unique way: with a preference but without preaching. The story unfolds steadily and quietly, the characters are allowed to develop fully, thereby giving the story an amazing depth and force. The actors are some of Britain's best and brightest, but Bob Peck is truly the shining star even in this devastatingly skilled cast. Furthermore, this is a TV-series with a mission. But oddly enough, you will not feel you're being lectured to - instead it leaves you with a feeling that you want to take responsibility, a rare emotion whenever nuclear power is discussed! I will never forget the scene between the very American Joe Don Baker and the very British Bob Peck drinking whisky and singing. Baker then tells him a long story in his drawling Texan accent. Peck just looks at him, raises his eyebrow one millimeter and says: "Is this relevant?" When you've seen this quiet masterpiece, you too will answer: "Yes".
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Most recent members' reviews (2)
View all -
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful
Still watching this after 20 years
Edge of Darkness was the first thing on TV that grabbed my attention after leaving school - Possibly because I had gone through the previous 9 years near RAF Fylingdales and the early-warning of nuclear war, etc.... Having turned down dates, pubs, etc, just so my Dad and myself could watch this is not half enough of a rave on this. Modern dramas from the BBC come close but sadly lack the excellent in-depth pace that this series adheres to. Stow a meal for the microwave and book the afternoon off work for this one !!!
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8 out of 9 people found this review helpful
Fantastic
It's pure pleasure to watch a TV drama that can only be described as escapist realism, well, actually it can be described as lots of other things but that's how I like to say it. Bob Pecks droll Yorkshire policeman trying to come to terms with the mysterious world of his recently murdered daughter. He makes Morse look like Jim Carrey, so understated is his performance. It damn rocks.
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11 out of 11 people found this review helpful
Unmissable
Hugely enjoyable political thriller that is as relevant today as it was in the 1980s - if not more so, given the nuclear ambitions of the current US government (it's interesting to note that there's a film version of this currently at the planning stage [I believe]). Great performance by the late (and great) Bob Peck, ably supported by a fantastic cast.
Sadness perhaps at the realisation that the BBC don't appear capable of producing drama of this quality anymore.
All in all - completely and utterly unmissable! -
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful
Gripping and timeless
I remember watching this as child with my dad and not really understanding all of the implications but being enthralled nonetheless. Its even better when it all makes sense! Even though the 80s setting is evident, the acting, story and production is timeless - ahead of most on TV now - Bob Peck is tremendous and the haunting Eric Clapton score is perfect. Remember that the beeb repeated this series only a matter of weeks after it was first transmitted due to demand.
Disc 2 is at the top of my wish list! -
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful
Once seen, never forgotten
This is without a doubt one of the best productions for TV that I have ever seen. It handles important issues like politics, nuclear plants and environmental questions in a unique way: with a preference but without preaching. The story unfolds steadily and quietly, the characters are allowed to develop fully, thereby giving the story an amazing depth and force. The actors are some of Britain's best and brightest, but Bob Peck is truly the shining star even in this devastatingly skilled cast. Furthermore, this is a TV-series with a mission. But oddly enough, you will not feel you're being lectured to - instead it leaves you with a feeling that you want to take responsibility, a rare emotion whenever nuclear power is discussed! I will never forget the scene between the very American Joe Don Baker and the very British Bob Peck drinking whisky and singing. Baker then tells him a long story in his drawling Texan accent. Peck just looks at him, raises his eyebrow one millimeter and says: "Is this relevant?" When you've seen this quiet masterpiece, you too will answer: "Yes".
-
8 out of 9 people found this review helpful
Fantastic
It's pure pleasure to watch a TV drama that can only be described as escapist realism, well, actually it can be described as lots of other things but that's how I like to say it. Bob Pecks droll Yorkshire policeman trying to come to terms with the mysterious world of his recently murdered daughter. He makes Morse look like Jim Carrey, so understated is his performance. It damn rocks.
-
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful
Still watching this after 20 years
Edge of Darkness was the first thing on TV that grabbed my attention after leaving school - Possibly because I had gone through the previous 9 years near RAF Fylingdales and the early-warning of nuclear war, etc.... Having turned down dates, pubs, etc, just so my Dad and myself could watch this is not half enough of a rave on this. Modern dramas from the BBC come close but sadly lack the excellent in-depth pace that this series adheres to. Stow a meal for the microwave and book the afternoon off work for this one !!!
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6 out of 6 people found this review helpful
One of the best drama series from the BBC
Whatever you think of the BBC, its drama output over the years has been consistently strong, and this series represents one of the high points. Edge of Darkness stands out because of its very political environmental message (unusually strong for the normally conservative beeb), fantastic writing from Troy Kennedy-Martin, and mesmerising performances from the late and much missed Bob Peck and a host of British talent from Ian McNeice to John Woodvine (not forgetting that this also put the stunningly beautiful Joanne Whalley into the limelight), and joined by the ever watchable Joe Don Baker.
I hadn't watched this since it first aired in the eighties and I was pleased with how well it has stood the test of time.
The first disc is accompanied by a set of essays and the script of the first episode from Troy Kennedy-Martin, which are interesting but almost unreadable on a TV set (so view this bit on your PC). The second disc has the usual talking heads documentary - nothing to write home about. But that's not a problem, becuase this isn't a disc you rent for the extras. If you haven't seen it since the eighties, or if you've never seen it - do yourself a favour and rent it now. -
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Intelligent Drama
If you want a near perfect example of the dumbing down of modern TV, watch this.
It's difficult to put your finger on why this drama is so special. Perhaps the writing, with just enough left unexplained. Maybe the quirkiness of it, not to the Twin Peaks extreme, but far more subtle. Then again, it might be the stunning performances from the cast, especially Bob Peck.
Yes it is dated, and the picture quality on the DVD varies from poor to abysmal.
It is still engrossing though, without the need to spell everythig out to the audience. This one assumes you have enough intelligence to figure it out yourself.
Eric Clapton's haunting soundtrack is just the icing on the cake.
Rent it. -
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Intelligent Drama
If you want a near perfect example of the dumbing down of modern TV, watch this.
It's difficult to put your finger on why this drama is so special. Perhaps the writing, with just enough left unexplained. Maybe the quirkiness of it, not to the Twin Peaks extreme, but far more subtle. Then again, it might be the stunning performances from the cast, especially Bob Peck.
Yes it is dated, and the picture quality on the DVD varies from poor to abysmal. It is still engrossing though, without the need to spell everythig out to the audience. This one assumes you have enough intelligence to figure it out yourself.
Eric Clapton's haunting soundtrack is just the icing on the cake. Rent it. -
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
radioactive
Bob Peck as a copper with morallity.
Involved in a ballot rigging enquiry, when he and his daughter are targetted by a killer. The politics of the situation expand to create a thriller with strange turns here and there.
MI5/6 CIA & Others all give a new meaning to 'The good guys & the bad guys' -
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
dark power struggles
this was the first dvd i bought, not only is the story line dark, with so many twists and turns, but you question the motives of all the charactors that our hero(if hero he is) comes across, a very dark portrayal of power corruption and abuse, on both sides of the 'pond'! this is a long story to watch, but treat yourself, it's worth it....
Buy from the LOVEFiLM shop
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- Edge Of Darkness - The Complete Series
- DVD: £6.93
Free Delivery - RRP £15.79 (you save: 56%)
Police detective Ronnie Craven sets out to privately investigate the murder of his daughter, and finds himself embroiled in a top-secret government project involving nuclear contamination. Originally ... -
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