I just re-watched Edge of Darkness, a late 80s BBC miniseries which starred
Bob Peck and won some major awards, and was thinking of how similar the
quality of it is to our beloved SB. I bet there are some folks on this list
who remember Edge of Darkness from its original broadcast, and I wonder if
you would give me your opinions on comparing SB to it. Here's my take on it:
First, I think both productions obviously have an intelligence angle to
them--that angle is central to SB, and one of many angles (including ecology,
nuclear physics, murder mystery, . . .ghost story?) in EoD.
Second, both have the most amazing casts to flesh out the roles. I cannot
imagine anyone else but Marsden portraying Burnside, or anyone besides Peck
portraying Inspector Craven. But the "lesser" roles are also filled
perfectly, which is a sure sign of a quality production.
Third, and most important for me, the plots are complex and believable to a
great extent; no escapist drivel with gadgetry or ornamental women or any of
that juvenile, insultingly stupid Hollywood stuff. They have what my
communication professor calls "narrative fidelity." When I watch them, I do
not have to suspend disbelief to get involved with the story. Character
development is a major strength of both productions.
I have spent years searching for information on EoD here in the States to no
avail. If anyone can email me about where I can find anything about Edge of
Darkness (even the soundtrack by Eric Clapton and Michael Kamen), please let
me know. And if you don't know what the devil I'm raving about, rent the
thing when you have five hours to spare and let me know what you think.
tim