A great crime drama starring John Simm, who Doctor Who fans will know as the Master, is available to watch now via the BBC, notably on its iPlayer service (though it’s also been screened on BBC1).

I, Jack Wright is a murder mystery involving, of course, family politics after a patriarch apparently commits suicide but someone unexpected gets the lion’s share of the inheritance; and naturally, it turns out that it wasn’t suicide after all…

Simm plays Gray Wright, one of the victim’s sons; Gray is a bit of a walking disaster, and it’s great to see John as someone you’re supposed to hate yet root for. Simm’s one of my favourite actors, so he initially pulled me into the series; but there’s plenty that kept me tuning in: Chris Lang’s script is very clever, the acting is great, the direction is excellent, and the central mystery is compelling.

The cast also includes Nikki Amuka-Bird (Twice Upon a Time; Torchwood: Sleeper) as Sally Wright; Ruby Ashbourne Serkis (daughter of Lorraine Ashbourne and Andy Serkis — and she’s a terrific actress) as Emily Wright; Harry Lloyd (Human Nature/ The Family of Blood) as DCI Morgan; James Fleet (Big Finish’s The Eighth Doctor Adventures: Max Warp) as Bobby Botham; and Daniel Rigby (whose name has been mooted several times in the past as a future Doctor) as John Wright.

Polly Williams, Executive Producer, Federation Stories says:

“I, Jack Wright is a riotous, pacey treat and we are so thrilled that series 1 and 2 will air on BBC. Dysfunctional families are endlessly fascinating, and in I, Jack Wright, Chris has created an unforgettable crew whom we hope audiences will be appalled, moved, and surprised by.”

It’s really very good, and I reckon DWC readers will enjoy it.

I, Jack Wright Series 1 originally aired on U&alibi and BritBox last year, and the BBC has also picked up the second series