The Second Coming [DVD] [2002]

Basically, it's about a northerner who works in a video store and then disappears for 40 days on the moors only to return and declare himself the Son of God. Obviously, he is written off as a nutter, but to prove that he is the Messiah he turns night into day over Manchester City football stadium. He performs one or two other miracles, but for the most part, he is unsure of his role and bumbles his way through a worldwide media frenzy (made totally believable by the use of actual British TV news readers such as John Snow). He then gives the human race five days to come up with a Third Testament or face Armageddon.

It sounds like a bible-bashing storyline but it's not; it's more like a modern-day thriller for which you don't need to be religious to appreciate - - I'm the least religious person I know and I loved it. It kept me on the edge of my seat for the entire 140 minute running time. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for something intelligent, interesting, thrilling and believable.

Christopher Eccleston puts on a fantastic performance and the idea to set it all in Manchester is inspired. I wasn't sure if we were really meant to believe Baxter was the Son of God when I first heard about this drama but that is soon cleared up from the start. Throughout the programme I was left on the edge of my seat wondering how this could possibly end well, I won't Ruin it for you so I'll say no more. The relationship between Steve's friends is amazing particularly with the only woman he has ever loved, especially because she does not believe in him.

You Absolutely have to see this show it is a must have DVD and I am going to purchase it the day of its release.

Well I hope I've convinced you to see this thought provoking, intelligent and bold British drama. I'm sure someone will eventually write a better review than this one, as this is my first review; I know it's not great. I hope you find it useful.

Christopher Eccleston (in fine form as always) plays Steve Baxter who, after a night out with his friend Jude (played by the equally wonderful Lesley Sharp), suddenly has an epiphany and realises all at once that he is the Son Of God. After spending forty days and nights on Saddleworth Moor (a clever idea doubling for the wilderness), he returns to proclaim himself the Messiah. Naturally, people are a bit sceptical but he proves them wrong by turning night into day over Maine Road. As a devout Manchester City fan this also brought a smile to my face, as my team also perform miracles there from time to time.

The opening episode is first rate, but the second half was pure exposition and left me wanting more. Russell T Davies, creator of the excellent Bob and Rose and the unrivalled Queer As Folk, is an atheist, and it shows in the story. Steve Baxter seems clueless as he commissions the people of Earth to write the Third Testament, but has no idea what it contains until he sees it. This also goes for the miracles he performs, of which the number is scant. The Son Of God, in my very humble opinion, would have an agenda, but Steve Baxter seems to make everything up as he goes along. Also, in the cynical scientific world we live in, Davies manages to convince us that the scientific community accept Baxter as the second Christ without so much as a single objection.

Although the supporting cast are excellent, the direction innovative and script sharp and witty, I wasn't completely convinced that Steve Baxter would save me and the rest of humankind. Ten out of ten to Mr Davies for the effort, but I can't help thinking that he could have made this a masterpiece if only he had overcome his aversion to the Bible and did some thorough research.