Those of you who read Michael Crichton novels will probably be familiar with the way the story goes. Humans experiment with new/alien technology and it all goes wrong. Sometimes it's good (The Andromeda Strain) and often it's crap. Well, this mini-series follows in that mould, but falls very much into the 'good' category. Surpassing it, in fact, to hit the brilliant mark.

Jim Harper is an English schoolteacher based in Switzerland. On a whim, acting on 'five parts testosterone, one part brain' he attends a conference hoping to bump into a certain young woman he's had his eye on. In fact, not only does he bump into her, but also the fists of a security guard. Beaten almost to death, he is revived by an experimental drug that the conference was set up to present. Deemed an 'experiment' as a result of this, Harper is wanted by the company, but he escapes to Britain. The effects of the drug begin to kick in, however, as it seems to cause a sharing of conciousness among all those who take it, including dogs... With the company in pursuit of him, Harper decides to lie low in a small community where he befriends several people. They all seem nice enough, until the company shows up.

Written by Stephen Gallagher, based on his own novel, the series' pedigree is a good one. In the past he has written for series such as Doctor Who and Bugs, and the mini-series Chimera. Stephen Tompkinson, however, does unexpectedly well in his role as Harper. Previously seen in the BBC's Ballykissangel playing a priest, it certainly didn't appear that this would be a good role for him. How wrong I was. He gives the role of Harper a hard edge beneath an approachable exterior, and pulls it off magnificantly.

Directed at breakneck pace, there is never a dull moment. The plot is beautifully paced to keep the viewer's attention throughout, a testament to the ability of Gallagher to rework his story for a very different medium. It's not often something of this quality comes along. If you missed it first time round, find someone who videoed it, or wait for a repeat. This is definately one that deserves to be seen.