S01E03

After the previous two somewhat mundane instalments, Jekyll finally begins to hit its stride with a cleverly structured episode that manages to generate a healthy slice of dramatic tension. The use of a non-linear narrative works particularly well, as we are forced to adopt Tom’s bewildered perspective and piece together past events, leading to the revelation of who is inside the body bag.

The visual tone of the episode is a distinct improvement, emphasizing the contrasting forces of dark and light - mirroring Tom and his vicious alter-ego Hyde, who now leaves disturbing messages in blood about eating children. Not quite sure what Jamie Oliver would have to say about that.

The disintegration of Tom’s mind, as he flirts with suicide, is well played out by James Nesbitt, although the portrayal of his on-screen wife Claire does not fare so well in comparison. Gina Bellman’s performance translates as something eerily reminiscent of a French and Saunders style spoof sketch and saps any credence or suspense from the scenes she is in.

Still, at least the plot strand involving Benjamin trying to capture Hyde was cranked up a notch this week, with the episode ending nicely setting up events for the fourth episode of this so far disappointing series.