An explosion rips through a quiet Oxford suburb, shattering the mundane. It’s at a dinner party, of all places – a gathering so stifling, one might almost welcome the interruption. This is the unsettling starting point for *Down Cemetery Road*.
Arts restorer Sarah Tucker, played with compelling intensity by Ruth Wilson, finds her life irrevocably altered. Amidst the chaos, a nagging suspicion takes root when a simple act of kindness – delivering a get-well card – is met with unsettling resistance from hospital staff. Something isn’t right.
Her investigation leads her to Oxford Investigations, a decidedly unglamorous private detective agency. Run by the brilliantly abrasive Zoe Boehm (Emma Thompson, radiating prickly energy) and her somewhat hapless husband, Joe, the agency is as unconventional as its methods.
Sarah quickly discovers she can trust almost no one, not even those closest to her. Her husband, immersed in the world of high finance, seems increasingly distant, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding mystery.
The deeper Sarah digs, the more she uncovers a web of deceit reaching into the shadowy corridors of the Ministry of Defence. Scenes within a cramped government office crackle with tension, reminiscent of a darkly comedic satire, as officials scramble to cover up the truth and locate a missing operative.
Amongst the bureaucratic fallout, Amos, a chillingly composed operative portrayed by Fehinti Balogun, emerges as a truly unsettling presence. His unflappable demeanor hints at a dangerous capability, making him a figure to be feared.
The series, penned by writers from the acclaimed *Slow Horses* team, provides Emma Thompson with a particularly barbed and captivating role. While the initial catalyst for Sarah’s involvement feels somewhat contrived, Wilson’s performance anchors the narrative, drawing viewers into her relentless pursuit of the truth.
*Down Cemetery Road* is adapted from the novels of Mick Herron, the author behind the *Slow Horses* series. The echoes are undeniable. Zoe Boehm is a clear parallel to Jackson Lamb, both possessing a sharp wit and unconventional habits. Sarah’s journey mirrors that of River Cartwright, thrust into a world far beyond her expectations.
However, the adaptation doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor. The writing, while strong, lacks the distinctive snap of *Slow Horses*. Yet, this is perhaps a matter of timing – Herron’s earlier works may not possess the same polish as his later, more refined novels.
Despite the comparison, *Down Cemetery Road* stands on its own as a gripping thriller. It’s a pitch-black, compelling story that will resonate with fans of intelligent, character-driven mysteries. If *Slow Horses* has left a void, this series offers a satisfying, if slightly less polished, alternative.
*Down Cemetery Road* is a darkly pleasurable experience, offering a compelling mystery and unforgettable characters.
The first two episodes are available to stream from October 28.
