Empathy (BBC-1 2007, Stephen Moyer, Mark Womack)

Empathy was a one off crime drama (possibly a pilot for a series that never happened) with a twist. When Jimmy is released from prison after nine years he begins to get visions every time he has physical contact with a person.

Following the murder of a teenage girl Jimmy realises he has touched murderer after bumping in to him at a train station, he goes to the police who are disbelieving and actually have him pegged as the murderer, eventually though Det Sgt Jo Cavanagh realises that Jimmy in fact hold the key to solving the murder.

Despite a few obvious moments in terms of plot exposition and dialogue this was an entertaining drama with definite potential to become a series.

cast
STEPHEN MOYER as Jimmy Collins
MARK WOMACK as Detective Inspector Will Benson
HEATHER PEACE as Detective Sergeant Jo Cavanagh
AMANDA DOUGE as Sarah
AMBER BEATTIE as Amy
NICK SIDI as Robert Evans
CAROL STARKS as Gail Evans
BELINDA McGINLEY as Susan Evans
JUSTIN SALINGER as Jack
NICK BARTLETT as Lester Strick
PHILIPPA WILSON as Maddy
PAUL RICHARDS as Darren
PETER POLYCARPOU as DCI Petrides
NOEL WHITE as Dan
BRIAN COWAN as Alan Turner
AMANDA FAIRBANK-HYMES as Lisa Turner
GARY RAYMOND as Walt
JOAN OLIVER as Brief

crew details
Writer: Steve Lightfoot
Script Editor: Chris Farrer
Costume Design: Joe Hobbs
Music: Ben Bartlett
Production Design: Michael Relph
Director of Photography: Andrew Speller
Executive Producers: Anne Mensah, Gareth Neame
Producer: Tim Bradley
Director: David Richards

production details
Country: UK
Network and Production Companies: BBC One – Carnival – BBC Scotland
Duration: 1×75 minute episode
Aired From: 4 August 2007

Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.