Hybridize a historical drama and a documentary and you get a chance to tell a compelling tale that is actually real. This series uses understated storytelling with a sense of proportion that can emphasize the human struggle for knowledge and goodness without getting saccharine or maudlin. Great acting, tight script, compelling use of historical detail... this is a masterpiece.

Perhaps I've just been subjected to far too many tiresome CSI-type films & TV shows over the past few years, but this stood out a country mile in comparison when I caught it last month. Subtle but effective film-making, telling a true and important story with maturity and gravitas but avoiding gratuity or mawkishness, with some spot-on acting - especially from Threfall. The icing on the cake is that you're kept on the edge of your seat throughout, despite knowing the outcome from the off.

ITV 2-part miniseries about the true story of DNA profiling and how it was first used in a police investigation. Naturally the DNA revolution is what's celebrated with barely a question of scepticism being aimed at this new science. And that's probable what's most disappointing about this series. It become a pure tribute to the new discovery, blowing that trumpet a little too hard in an otherwise chilling human story.