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Two things let down this prophetic drama; poorly-shot special effects and a long, unnecessary setting-up sequence about a nurse getting a job that takes up most of the first episode (apparently it was originally scripted to start right in at the clinic but the producers insisted on adding the extra material. obviously a long bus ride is their idea of a good time.) But once the real story starts we're into a very dark and uncompromising meditation on cruelty and humanity that was considered science fictional back in 1991 but which has moved within reach today. The identity and status of a creature with an animal physique and a human mentality is a matter for urgent and ongoing debate, and the drama dared to imagine that such a creature might not be denied a voice in its own fate.

Oktober isn't for everyone but if you like this kind of offbeat, twilight-zoney drama the chances are that you'll like it a lot. Tompkinson is a revelation and gives the performance of his career to date. Producers keep casting him in comedies but this proves that his true strength is as a dark and haunted leading man. Id have liked some clearer explanation of how the drug is supposed to work but other than that I think its best the way we are shown what's happening and allowed to figure it out for ourselves. The merry-go-round with the dead Russians on it ranks with the scariest things I've ever seen in a TV drama. Deserves to take its place amongst the classics of British cult TV.