The Forgotten Masterpiece: James Nesbitt’s “Jekyll” Deserves a Second Look

Netflix’s gripping new crime drama “Run Away” has captivated audiences worldwide, but for fans of James Nesbitt, this series represents just one chapter in a career filled with compelling performances. What many viewers might not realize is that Nesbitt delivered an equally powerful performance nearly two decades ago in a criminally overlooked series that reimagined one of literature’s most enduring characters.

In 2007, Nesbitt took on the dual role of Dr. Tom Jackman and his dark alter ego in “Jekyll,” a modern reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novella “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” Created by Steven Moffat—the visionary behind “Sherlock” and “Doctor Who”—this BBC miniseries was ahead of its time, blending psychological thriller elements with supernatural horror in a way that feels remarkably contemporary even today.

The Mind Behind the Madness: Steven Moffat’s Genius

Before diving into Nesbitt’s performance, it’s crucial to understand the creative force behind “Jekyll.” Steven Moffat isn’t just any television writer; he’s a master craftsman of suspense who has consistently pushed the boundaries of British television. His work on “Doctor Who” episodes like “Blink” and “Heaven Sent” has been hailed as some of the most innovative storytelling in modern sci-fi, while “Sherlock” redefined how classic characters could be modernized for contemporary audiences.

Moffat’s approach to “Jekyll” was anything but conventional. Rather than simply adapting Stevenson’s 1886 novella, he crafted what amounts to a sequel set in the modern era. The series acknowledges the original story’s existence while asking: what if the Jekyll and Hyde experiment was real, and what if the curse continued through generations?

James Nesbitt’s Tour de Force Performance

What makes Nesbitt’s portrayal in “Jekyll” so remarkable is the complexity he brings to both personas. Unlike traditional Jekyll and Hyde adaptations where the transformation is physical, Moffat’s version keeps Tom Jackman looking the same while his personality shifts dramatically. Nesbitt had to convey this internal battle entirely through performance—a challenge he meets with astonishing skill.

As Tom Jackman, Nesbitt presents a man tormented by forces beyond his understanding. He’s a scientist, a father, and a husband whose life is slowly being consumed by something he cannot control. When Hyde emerges, Nesbitt transforms into a predatory, confident, and often terrifying presence that feels genuinely dangerous. The actor’s ability to switch between these extremes—sometimes within the same scene—demonstrates why he earned that Golden Globe nomination.

A Plot That Keeps You Guessing

The six-episode miniseries unfolds like a tightly wound spring. Tom Jackman discovers he’s descended from the original Dr. Jekyll, and his experiments with unlocking his darker nature have attracted the attention of a mysterious organization with its own sinister agenda. What follows is a cat-and-mouse game where Jackman must navigate a world where allies become enemies and trust becomes a luxury he can’t afford.

Moffat’s writing shines in how he parcels out information. Just when viewers think they understand the rules of this new Jekyll universe, another layer is revealed. The series tackles themes of identity, control, free will, and the nature of evil itself, all while maintaining the tension of a first-rate thriller.

The Supporting Cast Elevates the Material

While Nesbitt carries the series, he’s supported by exceptional performances from Gina Bellman as his wife Claire and Denis Lawson as the enigmatic Peter Syme. Bellman, in particular, brings emotional depth to a role that could have easily become a damsel in distress. Her character is intelligent, resourceful, and central to the unfolding mystery.

The chemistry between the cast members feels authentic, which makes the psychological horror all the more effective. When trust is broken and relationships fracture under the strain of Jackman’s condition, the emotional impact lands with genuine weight.

Why “Jekyll” Remains Relevant Today

In an era where streaming platforms are saturated with content, “Jekyll” stands out for its refusal to play by conventional rules. The series doesn’t spoon-feed its audience; instead, it demands attention and rewards careful viewing. Its themes of duality, the masks we wear, and the darkness that lurks within all of us feel even more pertinent in our current social media age, where public and private personas often diverge dramatically.

The show’s visual style also deserves mention. Shot with a cinematic quality that was rare for television in 2007, “Jekyll” uses its modern London setting to create a sense of urban isolation and paranoia that enhances the psychological tension.

Where to Watch This Hidden Gem

Here’s the frustrating part for modern viewers: despite its quality and the subsequent fame of its creator and star, “Jekyll” remains stubbornly unavailable on major streaming platforms in the United States. The series exists primarily in physical format, requiring viewers to either purchase the DVD box set or seek out less conventional viewing methods.

This absence from streaming services is particularly galling given how perfectly the series would fit alongside contemporary psychological thrillers. Its six-episode format makes it perfect for a weekend binge, and its quality easily matches or exceeds many series that enjoy prominent placement on today’s platforms.

The Legacy of “Jekyll”

While “Jekyll” may not have achieved the widespread recognition of Moffat’s later works, its influence can be seen in many subsequent psychological thrillers. The show demonstrated that classic literature could be reimagined in ways that honored the source material while creating something entirely new. It also proved that television could tackle complex themes without sacrificing entertainment value.

For fans of “Run Away” discovering Nesbitt’s work for the first time, “Jekyll” offers a fascinating glimpse at an earlier performance that showcases the same intensity and emotional depth that makes his current work so compelling. It’s a reminder that great acting transcends genre and that sometimes the most rewarding discoveries are the ones that require a little extra effort to find.

The series may have been overlooked in its time, but for those willing to seek it out, “Jekyll” remains a masterclass in psychological horror, stellar acting, and innovative storytelling—a true hidden treasure waiting to be rediscovered.

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