I haven’t, as far as I know, come across the work of writer Sally Wainwright before.  But on the strength of Unforgiven, the first part of three of which just ran in ITV’s 9pm slot, I’ll make sure to follow her work in the future: this was television of rare quality, intelligence apparent in every choice made by writer, director, and cast.

At the core of the story is Ruth Slater, about to start a new life as a fork lift truck driver having spent the last 15 years incarcerated for killing two policemen.  As portrayed by Suranne Jones, most known for her flinty flirty time as Steve MacDonald’s wife in Coronation Street, Ruth is someone who makes little effort to make herself likeable.  But you still come to warm to her, through her desire to connect with the sister she hasn’t seen since the latter was just six.

After that…things are less straightforward.  There are several strands to the story, and it’s a tribute to Sally Wainwright’s scripting skills that we maintain our interest in them without necessarily getting resolution on any.  There are the people now living in the house that was a farm when Ruth lived there, who may perhaps be having poltergeist problems.  But that thread is handled in the same no-nonsense way as the rest of the story, nothing obviously ooky-spooky going on here.

Then there’s the two brothers, sons of the eldest cop who Ruth killed, the dominant one convinced — but selfishly — that his life would be better if his dad was still alive.  It’s the younger brother that actually spots Ruth, leading to a strong conclusion to the first episode.  And there’s the teenage girl who gets involved in a car accident, who turns out to be Ruth’s sister, now a gifted young musican living with a family who want Ruth to have no contact with her.  Only, the people living where Ruth was brought up are family lawyers, and agree to do what they can to put the sisters in touch.

There wasn’t a false note struck in writing or performances throughout.  The story takes place in several social worlds, each credible and not subject to caricature.  The same can be said for the characters: everyone’s perspective made sense.  You feel angry when with the brothers who’ve been robbed of their father, just as you do when you find out that Ruth has been without her sister for so long, and feel equally for the family who’ve looked after that sister all this time.

I’m fascinated to see what happens next, and equally happy if it develops to become more of a crime drama or a supernatural one.  It makes a pleasant change to come across a drama where the cards aren’t stacked so clearly, especially after the aberration that is Demons, another new ITV offering that wears its influences (Buffy, Buffy, and Buffy) all too painfully.  Not fair comparing a family show with an adult drama? Maybe not, but imagine if the same imagination were applied to creating a series for the whole family as was utilised in developing Unforgiven. ..

Oh?

It’s been done?

And the show is Doctor Who?

Fair comment.

Next episode of Unforgiven is at 9pm next Monday.  Watch it if you can.