Second Sight

Second Sight is a compelling and chilling British detective drama series exclusively shown on Acorn TV. Originally aired in 1999 and spanning over two series until 2000, this exceptional show captivates audiences with its unique twist on the traditional detective genre. Helmed by supreme acting talents such as Clive Owen, who famously portrays DCI Ross Tanner, Second Sight is a series that combines a gripping narrative with intriguing character portrayals.

Second Sight tells the story of Detective Chief Inspector Ross Tanner, a dedicated and relentless officer from the Metropolitan Police's elite Special Murder Unit in London. Tanner is a respected figure in his field, renowned for his innovative investigation techniques and his knack for cracking cases that seem virtually impossible. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he begins to lose his sight due to a rare disease known as Retinitis Pigmentosa. This turn of events leads to a considerable dilemma for Tanner. He has a fierce ambition to solve cases but is afraid that disclosing his condition would end his career.

Despite his declining sight, Tanner refuses to let the disease dictate terms, and with sheer determination, he sets out to adapt and excel within his new reality. He takes on the condition as a personal challenge, hidden from his colleagues except the insightful DS Catherine Tully, played by Claire Skinner, who soon becomes his ally and guide. As they team up and Tanner begins to rely on his 'second sight,' honing his remaining senses and intuitive skills to comprehend and solve complex murder cases, the viewers are treated to a plethora of intense, bone-chilling mystery stories.

Second Sight is remarkable in its approach to the crime drama genre by fusing it with an overarching narrative that pushes the boundaries. It is far from the standard 'whodunit' model, with each episode digging into a deeper and more mysterious territory, taking the viewers on a thrilling ride through London's underbelly.

The series does an impeccable job of drawing an audience into the personal life of DCI Tanner while keeping them engrossed in the compelling mystery stories. The character’s degrading vision becomes a striking storytelling device, weaving a tension-laden narrative with a deep exploration of personal experience and adaptation.

Clive Owen's performance as DCI Ross Tanner is extraordinary. His portrayal of a character who is gradually losing sight whilst battling to maintain an exterior of normalcy and authority is truly exceptional. Owen brilliantly brings to life the nuances of Tanner’s struggle between vulnerability and resilience. Claire Skinner impressively complements Owen with her endearing portrayal of DS Catherine Tully. Skinner breathes life into Tully with subtlety and empathy, crafting a character who serves as Tanner’s guide but has ambitions and challenges of her own.

Second Sight’s excellence extends to its technical aspects as well. The series beautifully captures London's grimy, shadowy side, adding weight to the mystery-laden narratives. The sharp editing, coupled with a haunting score, adds a tense, ominous vibe while exposing Tanner's declining world view and the coping mechanisms he employs to fight the odds.

The show has been applauded for its symbolic use of 'second sight,' not just pertaining to Tanner’s heightened other senses compensating for his loss of vision, but also referring to his ability to look beyond the obvious, to see through lies, deceit, and pretense – an ability that becomes his most potent investigative tool.

Created and written by Paula Milne, Second Sight is a testament to her talent for drawing interesting, relatable characters and weaving engaging, suspense-filled narratives. The riveting performance by the cast and the adept direction has made this series a hit amongst the viewers, captivating them from the first episode to the last.

In summary, Second Sight is an innovative, gripping crime drama that masterfully interweaves the professional and personal traumas of its complex protagonist, DCI Ross Tanner. It pushes the boundaries of the detective genre with its profound exploration of human resilience in the face of adversity, heightened senses, intuitive perception, and the will to not just survive, but thrive in the face of adversity. Evocative, thrilling, and deeply human, Second Sight is a series that continues to fascinate audiences for its remarkable storytelling and brilliant performances.