Eleventh Hour
Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: The Next Generation,X-Men) brings his impassioned gravitas to the role of Dr. Ian Hood, an advisor for the British government who investigates science-related crimes and conspiracies inEleventh Hour. This cunning, short-lived series combined the procedural suspense ofPrime Suspectwith the reality-stretching eeriness ofThe X-Files; regrettably, it only ran for four episodes and was canceled before it really found its footing.  The first two episodes, both written by creator Stephen Gallagher, are the strongest: Taut thrillers that tackle hot-button issues (cloning and pandemic diseases), making the science accessible while cranking up the suspense and horrific images. The crisp writing makes the wary relationship between Hood and his Scottish bodyguard Rachel Young (Ashley Jensen,Extras) different from the usual partner banter. The next two episodes, about global warming and a miracle cure connected to political conspiracy, are significantly weaker. (Admittedly, it's difficult to make gradual global warming a source of dramatic peril, but the hammy dialogue and silly computer programs sink this clumsy episode.) Despite this disappointment, the first two episodes remain vivid and enjoyable. These are smart, spooky thrillers juiced by Stewart and Jensen's dynamic performances.--Bret Fetzer