Customer Reviews

Touching Evil: Series 1-3

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Two minor complaints:
#1 The picture quality of the first two seasons--while passable--could have been improved(for some reason the picture quality on the third season is superior)

#2 The introductions by Diana Rigg are very informative, but give away key plot points. Make sure you hit the mute button or fast forward through them if you haven't watched the series before.

The show itself is comprised of eight, two-hour episodes. Each one is superbly acted, written, and directed. If you've enjoyed Prime Suspect or Wire in the Blood and have not seen this show--you're missing out. Rent or buy the first episode, 'THE LOST BOYS', and you'll get just a glimpse of how brillant this show is...

This is a fantastic program. Very smart, darkly humorous, and disturbing, Touching Evil is truly a fascinating character study. Great performances by all the cast, and the stories are consistently engaging. Fans of mysteries and thrillers would find little to disappoint them.

I found this series to be well written and compelling. Robson Green's character and his performance are stellar. I think this series is as good as Prime Suspect, though darker and creepier. Positively addictive. I am very upset that there are no more episodes to watch

I notice that all the reviews are US - as am I - but several places with articles about the show indicate that the American version (USA/BBCAmerica) has "changes" but none have indicated what those are. I have a LARGE problem with that, so never buy BBC/Granada etc. products until they are verified to be the actual Brit versions - since the changes are never adding more stuff, but rather always removing "offensive" stuff. If anyone can clarify the situation on this quite excellent series, I would be most appreciative.

This series is about a very strange detective. He had been the big brain in the serial murder squad, when he was shot in the head by a criminal. He survived the injury, but is not the same guy. It's very dark and terribly fascinating. I love it.

I discovered this series after watching Robson Green play a clinical psychologist who explores the twisted psyches of serial killers on another police drama titled Wire in the Blood - Complete First Season. Green certainly has a knack for portraying rather eccentric characters. In "Touching Evil", Green plays DI Dave Creegan who is assigned to the OSC (Organized and Serial Crime unit). After surviving a gunshot wound to the head, Creegan discovers a unique ability to get into the criminal mind. Creegan is assisted by DI Susan Taylor (Nicola Walker) and several others.

Season 1 contains three episodes:
The Lost Boys - This episode introduces DI Dave Creegan joining the newly-formed OSC (Organized and Serial Crime unit). The case investigated here concerns the abduction of three young boys. Creegan (Robson Green) and his partner DI Susan Taylor (Nicola Walker) are disconcerted to find a daffodil at the scene of the crime which reminds them of a case in Stuttgart several years earlier.

In the second episode, the OSC investigates a series of strange homicides which are reminiscent of crimes committed across Europe. The link between the victims shows they knew each other back in Bosnia, when they worked for a relief agency. When a suspect turns up, Creegan and co. are befuddled as the man was presumed dead.
The third episode deals with human mutilation and murder, and Creegan suspects copycat killings.

Season 2 has three episodes:
A Pupil of Murder - a reporter named Laney seems to have first dibs on the crimes of a serial killer who takes the hair of his victims as trophies. When the police catch up with the killer, Creegan's impulsive act results in a tragedy. However, even with the suspect in custody, the crime spree continues, and DI Taylor may be next on the list.

The Caregiver - An ex-soldier is haunted by his experiences during the Bosnia War. He resorts to killing those who served with him, in a desperate attempt to erase those horrific memories.

What Price a Child - Creegan gets intimately involved with a suspect in a child abduction case. Children go missing, and the police step up their efforts, focusing on several powerful men who are part of an international pedophilia ring. Meanwhile, Hawkins, father of a murdered victim from episode one has vengeance on his mind, and his target is not the killer, but DI Creegan whom he blames for the death of his beloved daughter. Trouble is, Creegan's own children may be targets too.

Season 3 only has two episodes, but both are well-made and compelling:
Innocent - In the first episode, DI Creegan has been advised to take it easy because of his nervous breakdown earlier. DI Taylor is put in charge of a gruesome case where several wives/partners of working class men have been found murdered, with their hearts ripped out. This case hits close to home for Creegan and Taylor when a member of their OSC team is falls prey to the killer. It takes a while, but I Creegan eventually figures out the identity of the serial killer, a revelation which shocks him.
Fiery Death - In the second episode, both DI Creegan and DI Taylor are still reeling from the shocking events in Episode 1, yet face another challenging case, this time involving a series of burned corpses which leaves them baffled by the question: What connects the victims?
Both episodes in this final season of Touching Evil are well-written with a tautly-woven plot and incredible acting by the main characters, especially Robson Green and Nicola Walker. Fans of gritty British crime dramas will appreciate this compelling TV series.

A much bigger set of DVDs than it at first appears. One of ten best written 'mystery' series ever done for TV (or even film for that matter). Robson Green manages to bring the almost moody, silent Detective Creegan to life, an uncanny piece of acting in itself! Why the BBC never continued this series is beyond me! The only comparably written mystery series I am aware of is "Wallander" series (Henning Mankell), also a BBC video presentation. If you are into the, formulaic, cardboard characters of say, Agatha Christy STAY AWAY! This will ruin you for the 'standard' "Who-Dunnit" stuff full of snmelly 'red herrings'. THIS IS WRITING, CASTING, ACTING! It will positively Ruin you for the Maples, Peroit, and that ilk. Also not ti be missed is the "Waking the Dead" series- a forerunner of CSI that set That standard. WHY can't we in America have TV executives that are courageous (n the face of advertisers) enough to produce such work..... othet that what HBO does with the "Wire" series, etc.?

This work stands apart from other British police dramas for graphically depicting the crimes investigated and analysing the very roots of criminals simply attracted to unspeakable deeds biologically.

I have this series both on VHS and DVD. My VHS tapes were getting worn out, I played them so often. I like all three of these series immensely. I tried to watch the, in my opinion, uninspired remake of episode 1, "The Lost Boys", when American producers tried to remake it, with only one(?) of the original, minor character, cast members. Frankly, the remake wasn't even close to THIS version included in this set. The entire series is tautly scripted, beautifully acted, well-scored, often riveting--depending on the episode. And yes, if you love Robson Green in Wire in the Blood, you should get this. And if you are a Nicola Walker fan from Spooks (Ruth Evershed), you see far more of her AND her talent throughout the Touching Evil series.

ALMOST AS GRITTY AS THE PRIME SUSPECT SERIES. A MUST SEE FOR ROBSON GREEN FANS.