"The Last Enemy" (2008) TV mini-series

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

17 February 2008 (UK)

Genre:

Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

Tomorrow is nearer than you think...

Plot:

Researcher Dr. Stephen Ezard returns home to the UK after the reported death of his brother Michael Ezard...

Plot Keywords:

TV Mini-Series

Awards:

2 nominations

Cast

Benedict Cumberbatch	...	Stephen Ezard (5 episodes, 2008)
Anamaria Marinca	...	Yasim Anwar (5 episodes, 2008)
Max Beesley	...	Michael Ezard (5 episodes, 2008)
Robert Carlyle	...	David Russell / ... (5 episodes, 2008)
Eva Birthistle	...	Eleanor Brooke (5 episodes, 2008)
Geraldine James	...	Barbara Turney (5 episodes, 2008)
David Harewood	...	Patrick Nye (5 episodes, 2008)
Alex Caan	...	Haman (5 episodes, 2008)
Christopher Fulford	...	George Gibbon (4 episodes, 2008)
Alina Ioana Serban	...	Nadir (4 episodes, 2008)
Ovidiu Niculescu	...	Bepa (3 episodes, 2008)
San Shella	...	Andrew Wilcox / ... (3 episodes, 2008)
Paul Higgins	...	Professor Lawrence Cooper (3 episodes, 2008)
Emil Hostina	...	Vucevic (3 episodes, 2008)
Rupert Procter	...	Lane (3 episodes, 2008)
David Calder	...	Lord Cawston (3 episodes, 2008)
Inika Leigh Wright	...	Charlotte Nye (3 episodes, 2008)
Tom Fisher	...	Andrew Batz (2 episodes, 2008)
James Lance	...	Bryan Holland (2 episodes, 2008)
Kieran O'Brien	...	Wafa (2 episodes, 2008)
Chipo Chung	...	Lucy Fox (2 episodes, 2008)
Nicholas Sidi	...	Professor John Moreton (2 episodes, 2008)
Mircea Caraman	...	Dark Glasses (2 episodes, 2008)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Australia:MA

Filming Locations:

Battersea Power Station, Battersea, London, England, UK

Company:

Box TV

Trivia:

The scene in "The Last Enemy" with the inline skates in, was shot next to Battersea Power Station on the 24th of February 2007. Most of the skates taking part were from the London Friday Night Skate.

BBC trying hand at US style drama, and failing

A score of 5 for starters as I wondered when it was going to pick up the pace. I understand that they had to establish the initial threads, but it did drag it's feet a little. The computer tech stuff was clumsy, but did assist in speeding up the action (but lose the computer voice) The OCD habits of Benedict Cumberbatch's character Stephen were excellent, and his performance was subtle. Unfortunately some of the dialogue spoils his excellent physical performance. The testament to this is Robert Carlyle who actually does not say anything, but his sheer brilliance conveys his intent and capabilities. Max Beesley although headlined, is only in a few minutes of flashback material, see if he turns up in further episodes. The cast list is impressive, and I am sure that actors of this calibre do not sign up for drivel.

Many people may be put off with the slow start, but I suggest they watch the second hour this weekend. If that is of the same ilk then switch over to another channel, only then might the BBC get the message, that wasting such talent is borderline criminal.

In summary, trying to be John Le Carre, with a budget of a soap opera, so they did the best with what they had. Peter Berry is an excellent writer, but the material on screen so far is falling short of gripping.

Wait and see

And I waited and I saw, and I then selected a DVD and enjoyed that instead.