"Jekyll" (2007) TV series 2007-????

User Rating:

8.2/10   

Seasons:

1

Genre:

Thriller

Tagline:

Everyone Has A Dark Side

Plot:

London, 2007. Tom Jackman is the only living descendent of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He has made a deal with his dark side: a body share...

Plot Keywords:

Split Personality | Jekyll And Hyde | Lesbian | Murder | Beautiful Woman

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 1 nomination

Cast

James Nesbitt	...	Dr. Tom Jackman / ... (6 episodes, 2007)
Gina Bellman	...	Claire Jackman / ... (6 episodes, 2007)
Denis Lawson	...	Peter Syme (6 episodes, 2007)
Michelle Ryan	...	Katherine Reimer (6 episodes, 2007)
Meera Syal	...	Miranda (6 episodes, 2007)
Fenella Woolgar	...	Min (6 episodes, 2006-2007)
Linda Marlowe	...	Ms. Utterson / ... (5 episodes, 2007)
Matt King	...	Freeman (5 episodes, 2007)
Paterson Joseph	...	Benjamin (4 episodes, 2007)
Andrew Byrne	...	Eddie Jackman (4 episodes, 2007)
Christopher Day	...	Harry Jackman (4 episodes, 2007)
Bruce Mackinnon	...	Malcolm (4 episodes, 2007)
Malcolm Storry	...	Colonel Hart (3 episodes, 2007)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

UK:15 (video) | Australia:M | Australia:MA (DVD version)

Filming Locations:

Bognor Regis, West Sussex, England, UK

Company:

Hartswood Films Productions

Trivia:

Jackman's sons are named "Harry" and "Eddie", a reference to Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde from the Stevenson novel.

Quotes:

Mr. Hyde: Let's play liiionnns!

All TV shows... are commingled out of good and evil...

....Luckily this one is firmly planted in the 'good' category.

When I first heard the BBC was making a modern day adaptation I initially jumped for joy but deep worry set in later. The story of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde has been redone so many times, I started asking many questions.

Will they do anything new with the story? Will James Nesbitt be able to carry off such an important role? Will there be a big enough gap between the good doctor and his other half? And finally, Will I be able to watch it the same night as Doctor Who to fill the gap 'Any Dream Will Do' left? The answer to all of these questions is 'YES'! I don't want to ruin it for anyone so I won't go into details but I felt this was a very good adaptation of the book. James Nesbitt showed the contrast between his characters perfectly. I was afraid that 6 episodes would be stretching the plot but the first episode certainly gave me more fodder for that small amount! There is a good mix of horror and humour, (Especially shown by two female private detectives.) and none of the characters really got on my nerves.

There were quite a few nods to the book, some were quite subtle and not too in-your-face but this adaptation has also taken a life of its own branching out into other areas. I would like it immensely if at one point Hyde sings 'You should see me dance the Polka' but I'll just have to wait and see. Hyde is the real star of the show of course and can be summed up in one word: Insane.

A lovely mix of Jack Nicholson, Beetleguese, The Mask and even Robin Williams in places, Nesbitt's Hyde is incredibly entertaining but gives you an underlying sense of terror. His lack of morals and love of life is refreshing as I personally feel there haven't been any 'good' baddies in a long while. My mind was made up as soon as Hyde made an appearance. I have a feeling he will make this show- I will definitely be tuning in next week and I sincerely hope you do too.

I hope both of you do.