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RATCHED STYLISH PREQUEL TO CUCKOO’S NEST

Nurse Ratched was one of the most fascinating characters in Milos Forman’s five-oscarwinning 1975 film One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, and this is an eightpart origin story for her. Itopensin1947,inthe wake of a string of bloody murders, as impeccably attired Mildred Ratched

(Sarah Paulson, above right) arrives at a psychiatric institution noted for its experimental treatments. Steadily, Mildred worms her way inside, manipulating everyone as she climbs the ladder, and the mystery of what motivates her is revealed along the way. This is for you if you like stunning-looking drama, because the detail and style of Ratched’s costumes and sets give Mad Men a run for its money –andher manipulations areadevilish pleasure, too.

PARANOID CHESHIRE WHODUNNIT

First shown on ITV in 2016, this mystery from the production team behind Happy Valley ladles on the intrigue right from the start, when a brutal murder takes place in a children’s playground. The unfolding story aims higher than the average whodunnit, and involves a New Age cafe owner (Lesley Sharp), a troubled detective Bobby Day (Robert Glenister) and plenty of turns we won’t reveal – but one of them leads to Germany.

GIRI/HAJI CULTURE CLASH THRILLER

GRIPPING GANGSTER SAGA

The consequences of one act can reverberate across the world, as we see in this beautifully crafted BBC drama. When detective Kenzo Mori (Takehiro Hira, below, with Aoi Okuyama as Taki) is sent from Japan to London to hunt down his destructive brother Yuto, who is suspected of murdering the nephew of a yakuza crimelord, he gets embroiled in a murky world. Look out for Kelly Macdonald as the case evolves.

DARK MONEY THE PITFALLS OF STARDOM

‘Heartbreaking’ is the best word for this BBC drama, in which young actor Isaac is sexually abused while filming in Hollywood. When he returns, his mum and dad realise something is wrong, and the boy has proof of this abuse on his phone. The parents are desperate to take action – and we hear the awful video over and over, as they try – but when they come up against

the smiling faces of Hollywood

lawyers, things get much worse. Young Max Fincham carries the weight of the drama as Isaac very well, and has since appeared in Invasion on Apple TV+.

Marty is a pivotal character. But it was Julia Garner who became the breakout star, landing two Emmy Awards for her turn as ruthless Ruth. Although Ruth inspires terror in all who cross her, Garner is far more timid. In season one, there was an episode in which Ruth electrocuted a mouse while testing a possible death-trap for Marty, but Garner was so scared that producers had to bring in a double to pick up the mouse.

Now that the final seven

Ozark has shown us the depths humans will sink to in order to save their own skins – and it’s gripping

episodes are available, viewers can find out if Ruth manages to avenge the death of her cousin Wyatt (Charlie Tahan) and if Marty and Wendy escape the clutches of the Navarro drugs cartel and the long arm of the law. An intensely dark drama set in a creepy American hinterland, Ozark has shown us the depths humans will sink to in order to save their own skins – and it’s utterly gripping.