Cape Wrath [DVD]

Cape Wrath is an interesting mini series based on the relocation of Danny Brogan (Morrisey) and his family to a quirky and on occasion creepy, out of the way town. But why are they in protection? Who are they running from and what the hell is going on in Meadowlands?

Mystery, murder and mayhem ensue in equal measure. In short, everyone has a shady past, nothing is as it seems and overall it appears to be a British attempt at Twin Peaks style weirdo drama- and not a very good one. The story is somewhat hard to swallow, especially as the 'cape wrath' project comes to light and the random injection of American cast members makes it a little out of context. The set lends presence as an extra cast member, a plastic, unifrom backdrop not unlike toy town which adds to the general feel of unease about the whole show.

I did like it though, as it is certainly different and grown up without being gratuitous though there is enough menace, sex and violence to make some of the viewing uncomfortable. Some performances are dire and the odd bit of dialogue is laugh out loud terrible. The sub plot concerning sour faced, sulky Evelyn and the painfully wet local doctor is boring and predictable and played with no passion whatsoever and I struggled to care about many of the fringe characters who are supposed to make it more interesting but just serve to make it apparent that the main plot is in serious need of fattening out. However there are stellar performances from David Morrisey, not in his usual role at all and Tom Hardy is exceptional as sinister handyman Jack.

If they had ever got to a second series, I would have watched it but knowing this will never come to be makes the effort of getting through these six episodes seem somewhat redundant. It's certainly interesting, and worth a look, but don't expect to be amazed.

I've just finished watching episode 4 of this series and can't wait to see the rest! Cape Wrath is an excellent drama that keeps you guessing throughout and certainly has its fair share of violence and psychological mind-play. It has sparky and interesting characters and is extremely well cast. There are some characters that appear extremely irritating at first but their place quickly becomes clear, the cast is well balanced and there are few gaps. Some parts are perhaps a bit contrived and the set is a little odd and looks extremely american, perhaps to appeal to the US viewers?! Overall though I would thoroughly recommend this series and will be lending this to countless friends in the coming months I'm sure.
This has got to be english drama at its near-best. Cape Wrath is frightening and compelling and keeps up your interest. I've just found out that the second series has been cancelled - what a shame! a bit more advertising maybe! none of my friends had even heard of it!

I just received this from Amazon for less than a tenner. What a bargain!

This could well be the best drama series you've never heard of - I don't think Channel Four promoted it very well and showed it late at night.

I'd describe Cape Wrath as a cross between Brookside and The Prisoner, with a few short Lost-style flashbacks thrown in to explain the characters. It also reminded me a bit of Twin Peaks in places but there is nothing overtly supernatural about it, just weird.

What made it for me is some stellar performances from David Morrissey and Lucy Cohu who play husband and wife, the Brogans. Some of their scenes together are electric, - warm and loving one minute to a gradual separation, caused by a series of sinister events and revelations. This eventually leads to a surprising cliff-hanger.

It's a shame there won't be a second series. It could probably continue with a complete change of cast because the concept is so good. The Brogan storyline, although ending on a cliffhanger, does reach a satisfactory conclusion, so you won't feel that there's only half a story.

There's also seven episodes, not five as advertised, plus a 'making of' documentary.

One last thing - there's some quite bloody violence in it, (though not gratuitous, it's all part of the plot), so it's very much an 18 cert.