"Edge of Darkness" (1985) TV mini-series

User Rating:

9.0/10   

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

4 August 1986 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Thriller

Plot:

The mysterious death of his activist daughter, leads her straight-laced father, an Inspector of the local police force...

Plot Keywords:

Nuclear | Police | Environmental | Nuclear Plant | Political

Awards:

7 wins & 5 nominations

Cast

Bob Peck	...	Ronald Craven (6 episodes, 1985)
Joe Don Baker	...	Darius Jedburgh (6 episodes, 1985)
Charles Kay	...	Pendleton (6 episodes, 1985)
Ian McNeice	...	Harcourt (5 episodes, 1985)
Joanne Whalley	...	Emma Craven (5 episodes, 1985)
Hugh Fraser	...	Bennett (4 episodes, 1985)
John Woodvine	...	Ross (4 episodes, 1985)
Jack Watson	...	James Godbolt (4 episodes, 1985)
Allan Cuthbertson	...	Chilwell (4 episodes, 1985)
Kenneth Nelson	...	Grogan (3 episodes, 1985)
David Fleeshman	...	Jones (3 episodes, 1985)
Zoë Wanamaker	...	Clemmy / ... (3 episodes, 1985)
Bill Stewart	...	Dingle (3 episodes, 1985)
T.R. Bowen	...	Childs (3 episodes, 1985)
Imogen Staley	...	Young Emma (3 episodes, 1985)
Paul Humpoletz	...	Elham (2 episodes, 1985)
Sarah Martin	...	Polly Pelham (2 episodes, 1985)
Paul Williamson	...	Bewes (2 episodes, 1985)
Tim McInnerny	...	Terry Shields (2 episodes, 1985)

Runtime:

317 min (6 parts) | Australia:307 min | Brazil:270 min (video version)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

Gleneagles, Perth and Kinross, Scotland, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Trivia:

Joe Don Baker's character Jedburgh is the same as the code name of a WWII sabotage group that worked with the French underground to parachute agents behind enemy lines. The code name was taken from a Scotish town. His character's name is therefore suggestive of the sort of part he will play in the drama.

Quotes:

Ronald 'Ron' Craven: They all drowned.
Emma Craven: I know. I was there.
Ronald 'Ron' Craven: Why didn't you tell me?
Emma Craven: Dad... you were on their side
Ronald 'Ron' Craven: No!

Movie Connections:

Remade as Edge of Darkness (2010)

Soundtrack:

Edge of Darkness

TV can be Good

While you could make a good argument that TV doesn't have much to offer as a medium, this mini series stands as a blazing example to the contrary.

I doubt if this story would of worked as a movie. The suspense is slowly built per episode. Nothing blatant. Lots inferred. Brilliant writing. Superb acting. Haunting. Funny. Disturbing. The story is probably as relevant now (2005) as it was back in '85.

The music score alone makes it worth adding to your DVD collection. Michael Karmen and Eric Clapton work magic on the score. (A poor copy following in Lethal Weapon 3).

When it's over your heart won't sing; you probably won't have a smile on your face. Maybe a tear on the cheek? However, you'll be glad you watched it and rave about it later.

It's a moving, gripping piece of work.