This British dramatic series, originally broadcast in 2010 and later aired on Encore in the U.S., is based on Mark Billingham's bestselling crime novels. David Morrissey stars as brooding Detective Inspector Tom Thorne in this compiled pair of three-part stories. In “Sleepyhead,” Thorne investigates a crime spree in which young girls are targets of sadistically induced, fatal strokes—with one possible lead being a victim who survived an attack but is unable to communicate. Natascha McElhone guest stars as a doctor working with Thorne and the paralyzed patient. In “Scaredy Cat,” Thorne investigates a serial-killer rampage, but concludes that the murders are being committed by a pair of maniacs working in tandem. Sandra Oh shows up somewhat unexpectedly as the episodes' leading lady, although one gets the feeling that her appearance was strictly intended to sell the series in the American market. Morrissey, best known stateside as the Governor in The Walking Dead, is an effective presence, but Billingham's intricately plotted narratives lose their effectiveness over a multi-segment stretch. Still, this will likely be welcomed by fans of British crime dramas, so consider it a strong optional purchase. (P. Hall)
Thorne
Anchor Bay, 2 discs, 274 min., not rated, DVD: $29.98 July 1, 2013
Thorne
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