Eleventh Hour

Less a traditional series (it only ran four episodes in 2005) than a compilation of made-for-TV movies, this British import—which has not aired on American TV—stars Patrick Stewart (X-Men) as Ian Hood, a government troubleshooter who investigates scientific mysteries with the assistance of his bodyguard and all-around go-to guy, er…girl, Rachel Young (Ashley Jensen). Each of these 90-minute installments delve into hot-button issues of the moment, from cloning and global warming to cryptography and the threat of a viral pandemic, some more incisively than others, but always with a relentless urgency that is immediately gripping, even if you later realize that the science may have been more MacGuffin than substance. Stewart is as charmingly gruff as ever, and his character Ian's contentious relationship with Rachel is delightfully upside down in every way, from her tough aggression—she's quick to draw her gun—to his inability to handle everyday technology (cell phones, e-mail, etc.), for which he must turn to her for help despite being a brainiac in other areas. None of it is really science fiction, but it will appeal to fans of the genre, or of mysteries, or thrillers...or, heck, anyone who loves well-made TV. DVD extras include notes from interviews with Stewart and Jensen. Highly recommended. (M. Johanson)