A new British thriller is about to take over television. Aidan Turner (The Hobbit) appears in The Suspect, a five-part murder mystery thriller that promises to satisfy those who can’t get enough of the actor. Based on Michael Robotham’s 2004 best-selling novel of the same name, the new teaser for the crime programme provides viewers with a glance into the quick unravelling of the life of Doctor Joe O’Loughlin (Turner) as he falls from public hero to the main suspect.
In a riveting preview, successful clinical psychologist Joe is seen at the height of his popularity when he courageously ventures out onto a building’s ledge to save a patient about to plunge. “Both logical and irrational apprehensions may be conquered. To do this, we occasionally require assistance “Joe’s voice is heard narrating a monologue over the events, offering his advice. However, not all is as it appears, as the video of Joe’s bravery is followed by the unzipping of a corpse bag containing the remains of a woman named Catherine, who was apparently cruelly stabbed 21 times. Joe, who has been brought in as a consultant on the case, is quick to point out that the victim may have caused the wounds on herself because of her history of self-injury.
Despite his spotless public image, Joe’s life soon unravels when a detective (Anjli Mohindra) uncovers that the victim was a former patient of his. In response to Catherine, the clearly upset doctor diagnoses her as a “patient who grew captivated with her therapist.” His words are superimposed over a suspicious scene in which Joe and Catherine face each other in the clinic corridor. Joe’s situation rapidly deteriorates when he is taken off the case and brought in for interrogation. He tells his companion, “I’m not giving them the satisfaction of embarrassing me.” Joe is clear that he is referring to “whoever put me up” when asked who he means. Meanwhile, DI Vincent Ruiz (Shaun Parkes) agonises about whether to label Joe a “rooftop hero or sick murderer” as he watches him peer into a dark and rainy house.
The Suspect, created by Peter Berry (Gangs of London), debuted in the United Kingdom in August. It was a smash hit, drawing in an unprecedented 3.3 million people to premiere on Channel 4 in Britain, making it the year’s greatest drama launch. The play also features the talents of Adam James (Vigil), Sian Clifford (Fleabag), Bobby Scofield (Anthony), and Camilla Beeput (Save Me). It won’t be long until international viewers can figure out what’s going on in The Suspect; on November 3rd, Sundance Now and AMC+ will debut all five episodes, so don’t wait too long to start pondering the mystery.