An Evil Streak

While I don't think God himself could have breathed life into this dire tv special, I was still a bit disappointed that Trevor Eve agreed to do it. I didn't think there was something of his I wouldn't get to the end of, but it shows how wrong you can be. The writing was awful, the direction and editing confusing. The characters did not elicit any empathy at all, which I find crucial, even in a "baddy" has to have some spark of something to make you care what happens to them. After 45 minutes or so, we gave up and watched something else.

A psychologically savage portrayal of twisted desire which centres on Trever Eve's loathsome, yet oddly likable character.

It is written by Andrea Newman. Yes, she of A Bouquet of Barbed Wire, and just like that drama this contains a highly controversial sexual element. Yet there is a twist at the heart of it; Eve's character has become impotent (at least I think that is his problem) and as a result his predilection for voyeurism takes a highly disturbing turn.

Yet while Eve takes top billing it is Lynsey Baxter who steals the show. Her performance as Catherine is riveting. Acting as a confidant of sorts to Eve's voyeur, she emerges as the most magnetic character on screen, while the scene of her riding a lover hard as she knows she is being watched by Eve is both deeply erotic and oddly amusing.

This confirms Lynsey Baxter as a compelling - and nubile - screen presence while showing Andrea Newman has not lost her touch of crafting drama that can provoke thought as much as it can shock sensibilities. Evil indeed.

Deliciously evil. Very good writing and solid performance by everyone. The actress that play Catherine is possibly the next incarnation of Helen Mirren. Only the Brits can do evil so well.

As soon as this is available on video or cd I am buying a copy.