Detective Inspector Thomas Thorne (David Morrisey) is a haunted investigator who is obsessed with his cases that his methods are unorthodox.  His past comes back to haunt him in Sleepyhead where the only witness can’t speak or move (she has Locked-In Syndrome which is like being in a living coma).  Thorne is trying to stop a killer who is trying to lock women into a living coma.  The case reminds him of an old case where a man killed his own daughters and five gay men, and Thorne killed him only to cover it up.  Thorne’s only friend is a medical examiner who knows the truth, but he makes connection with a woman (Natascha McElhone) who works at the hospital where the witness was brought to.

Next, Thorne hunts a psychopath who has formed a deranged partnership with another man in killing people.  Tm clashes with his colleagues in both stories in addition having to deal with the consequences when they release a man to catch the other and a cocaine addicted police detective (Sandra Oh).  Both stories end with a shocking twist as I wish for more Thorne novels (written by Mark Billingham) to be adapted for TV (there is a possibility they may put together a third adaptation in 2013 if everyone is available to do it).   The author of the books saw David Morrissey as the right choice to play Tom and the actor heard of this after he read the first book (before purchasing the rights for TV production from the author).

This DVD release features the six episode series which adapts the first two novels.  David Morrisey manages to pull off the haunted detective as well as he pulls off the crazy Governor on THE WALKING DEAD.   I wish they included some extras like interviews with the cast and crew and the author of the books.  Still THORNE is a solid cocktail of British cop drama that you should go rent on DVD at least if you love British cop shows or David Morrisey.

This DVD review is (c)3-8-2013 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission.  Send all comments to feedback@enterline-media.com