Radio Times: Review by:; David Butcher

Seventeen-year-old Stephen is in a world of pain. His mother is dying and the anger and confusion he feels are only natural. Or are they? Does he in fact have an undiagnosed mental health problem, too? When a palliative care nurse arrives to help out in the home during his mother’s last days Stephen becomes prey to inner demons. He hears voices from the television (in one scene, Alastair Campbell talks to him directly from the screen, which would terrify anyone). And his anxiety shades into a paranoia with, we know from the courtroom flash-forwards, dire consequences.

It’s not the paciest edition but there’s a haunting edge to it and terrific turns from John Bishop (yes, the comedian) and a sinister Sheridan Smith.

About this programme

3/4. Peter Cartwright does his best to help his sons Stephen and Dom come to terms with the fast-approaching death of their mother, but while he appreciates the palliative care nurse's aid at this time, not everyone is as welcoming. Stephen suspects her motives and his misgivings intensify after the teenager's mum passes away, leading to a deterioration in his mental health. Fuelled by his anxiety over the welfare of Dom and troubled by the fact his father appears to have put his wife's demise behind him, he goes on to commit a serious offence. Drama, co-written by Jimmy McGovern, starring Robert Sheehan, John Bishop, Sheridan Smith and Josh Bolt, and featuring Alastair Campbell.