TV review: The Fall
Monday night crime series Broadchurch reached a dramatic climax a few weeks ago and its shoes were always going to be difficult to fill. Step forward Gillian Anderson of X-Files fame, and prepare to tie your laces.
Anderson has been on a long journey to distance herself from the role she will probably, in truth, never escape – after all, as special agent Dana Scully, seeking the truth was a weekly obligation.
And in the first of a new five-part series, it is again the truth that must be sought. A very different truth. A much more disturbing truth.
Born into an American family, Anderson spent much of her formative life in the UK. This goes some way to explain her ability to flick seamlessly from a very British accent to one rooted in Midwest USA.
Perhaps as a nod to her X-Files role, we first see detective superintendent Stella Gibson donning a green mask – well, a face-pack. As Anderson's character cleaned her flat in England, prior to her flight to Northern Ireland, the action criss-crossed between her departure and events unfolding in Belfast.
Jamie Dornan portrays the serial killer, Paul Spector – a mysterious masked figure who is introduced to the audience as he breaks into the home of solicitor Sarah Kay.
Pausing before going through the legal eagle's possessions, Spector unmasks himself in front of her bathroom mirror and takes a souvenir snap of himself using his mobile phone.
The creepy character goes about his business, leaving deliberate evidence of his intrusion.
On Sarah's return, naturally the police are called in. Yet, as creepy as Spector's actions are, the most disturbing aspect is that he is revealed later to be a family man, father to two young children, living an apparent normal suburban existence. Yes, Spector is a doting father and husband – who just happens to be a brutal serial killer. And one who keeps a diary of his crimes in the loft, accessed by a hatch in the ceiling of his young daughter's bedroom.
So much happens in the first 10 minutes, it is a credit to all involved – not least Prime Suspect writer Allan Cubitt. Well, with such fantastic writing and actors on board, this was unlikely to be a let down. And of course, it wasn't.
With Spector having murdered Alice Monroe a month ago, Gillian's character is draughted in from the Met to review the investigation.
Arriving in Belfast, Gibson is met at the airport by Jim Burns, played by the superb John Lynch. Is it just me or is Lynch looking more and more like Eric Cantona as the years pass by?
From the chemistry displayed, albeit oh so subtly, it is hinted that the two may have a past – secret or not.
What really sets this apart from other murder investigation dramas is the early revelation of Spector's dual personality.
His ability to lead the life of a serial killer, hell-bent on murdering professional 30-somethings, and as a psychologist, add an extra layer of grime to what is already a gritty drama.
In his professional capacity he is seen note taking during a chat with bereaved parents, which soon turns to doodling of a most inappropriate nature. As if the audience hadn't already cause to be disgusted by Spector, these actions served to re-enforce a collective revulsion.
As excellent as Anderson is in this first episode, it is Dornan's powerful, menacing turn as Paul Spector that will have left the audience wanting to see more of what promises to be a compelling series.
With the investigation focused on the case of draughtswoman Alice Monroe, now linked to the previous murder of teacher Fiona Gallagher, DS Gibson is convinced another victim is sure to follow unless they can track and capture the serial killer.
The truth is out there Gillian, you've just got to find it.
Paul Naylor
