Watch Touching Evil

Touching Evil is a British crime drama television series that aired from 1997 to 1999 on ITV. The show revolved around a team of detectives led by Detective Inspector Dave Creegan, played by Robson Green. Creegan was a damaged and intense character, who had suffered a brain injury on duty, which had led to his unique ability to quickly understand criminals and crimes.

The show was set in contemporary London and each episode saw Creegan and his team investigating a series of heinous crimes, from serial killers to kidnappings. With each case, Creegan was forced to confront his own demons, often resulting in him pushing his colleagues and personal relationships to breaking point.

The supporting cast were all equally brilliant in their respective performances. Creegan’s colleague, Detective Sergeant Susan Taylor, played by Nicola Walker, was a calm and collected female detective who was a bit of a foil to Creegan’s wild and reckless persona. They had a great working dynamic, and their interactions added to the series' overall entertainment value.

DI Mark Rivers played by Shaun Dingwall, acted as Creegan's confidant and friend but also provided him with the emotional support that he needed. Rivers was also the character who played a vital role in keeping Creegan grounded, and his performance was nothing short of outstanding.

The show did not shy away from portraying the gritty side of London's underground, and the crimes depicted on screen were often gruesome and disturbing. Despite this, the series had a subdued tone that suited the show, and it was far from being a stereotypical crime drama.

Another aspect that set the show apart from others was the way that it dealt with Creegan’s character. Despite his unique ability to understand the criminals he sought to catch, Creegan remained a deeply flawed character. His past, which was slowly revealed throughout the series, was littered with tragedies that had left him with severe emotional scars. Despite this, Creegan managed to do his job well, and his ability to empathize with criminals led to some unique twists in the cases he investigated.

The show's locations also added to its overall appeal. The series made great use of some of London’s most iconic locations and landmarks, giving viewers a unique and compelling experience.

In addition to its unique tone, exceptional cast and storylines, Touching Evil also had a very distinct visual style. The series often used split screens, unusual camera angles, and close-ups to convey the intensity of the crime being investigated. The music of the show also played a significant role in setting the mood with its jazzy undertones that heightened the sense of unease and tension.

Overall, Touching Evil was a gripping and compelling crime drama that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. It had a unique storytelling style, exceptional acting and an outstanding cast that all contributed to making it one of the best crime dramas of its time. Even now, almost two decades later, the show still remains a classic in the crime drama genre.

Touching Evil is a series that ran for 3 seasons (9 episodes) between April 29, 1997 and on Acorn Media