Fallen Angel

Based on a trilogy of crime novels by thriller writer Andrew Taylor, this 2007 British miniseries initially shows great potential as it delves into the complicated background and uneasy mental state of serial killer Rosie “Angel” Byfield (skillfully and subtly played by Emilia Fox). Covering decades, Fallen Angel is not so much a murder mystery as it is a psychological character study, with scriptwriter Peter Ransley attempting to trace Rosie's crimes to her complex, dysfunctional relationships with various others, including her clergyman father David (Charles Dance), family friend Wendy (Clare Holman), and scheming adversary Michael (Oliver Dimsdale). Threaded throughout all three episodes is a chilling subplot built around a murderous 1920s-era vicar named Francis Youlgreave, who engaged in ritual child sacrifice. The narrative is told largely in reverse sequence, first setting the scene and establishing the lead character, then moving backward in time to illustrate the key events that shaped her deviant nature and foreshadowed her heinous crimes. Unfortunately, this approach makes Fallen Angel unnecessarily confusing, while also disrupting the pace and diluting the suspense of this otherwise well acted, smartly written, and handsomely produced miniseries. DVD extras include a behind-the-scenes documentary. A strong optional purchase. (E. Hulse)