A Catholic priest confronts demonic forces and investigates candidates for sainthood in this supernatural drama.
Father Jacob (Martin Shaw), a priest working for the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, is tasked by the Vatican with examining cases of supposed miracles. This work, however, frequently brings him into direct and violent conflict with demonic entities. Each episode follows Father Jacob as he assists those afflicted by paranormal phenomena, from a young girl seemingly possessed to a man tormented after an exorcism, while also contending with the political machinations of his superiors, including Cardinal Bukovak (John Shrapnel). He is aided in his mission by his liaison at the Vatican, Michael (Rick Warden), and Sister Ruth (Siobhan Finneran).
Created and largely written and directed by Joe Ahearne, this six-part serial took a sober, theological approach to a genre often sensationalised. The production used the framework of supernatural horror not for simple jump scares but as a means to stage serious debates about the nature of faith, evil, and doubt in the modern world. Its tone was relentlessly grim, with a visual style that emphasised urban decay and spiritual corruption.
The drama was anchored by Martin Shaw’s performance as a compassionate but deeply troubled priest whose intellectual certainty is constantly challenged by the tangible reality of the demonic. The series was a rare example of adult religious horror on mainstream British television, distinguished by its intelligent script and its refusal to offer easy spiritual comfort.
Broadcast: BBC One, 6 Episodes, Thursdays, 13 November – 18 December 2008
Written by: Joe Ahearne
Directors: Joe Ahearne, John Strickland
Executive Producers: Anne Mensah, Matthew Read, Carolyn Reynolds, Tony Wood
Producer: Ann Harrison-Baxter
Main Cast: Martin Shaw (Father Jacob), Rick Warden (Michael), John Shrapnel (Cardinal Bukovak), Siobhan Finneran (Sister Ruth), Luigi Diberti (Monsignor), Elyes Gabel (Vimal), Neil Pearson (Gerry), Shaun Dooley (Liam)
