A Mind to Kill

This Welsh series stars Philip Madoc as DCI Noel Bain, a widower with a young, rebellious daughter (Ffion Wilkins). The show deals with his cases, his relationships with the people he works with (Sharon Morgan and Gillian Elisa) and his problems with his daughter.

The stories are dark, gritty, realistic, and atmospheric. There always seems to be a background, however, of youth violence, which doesn't make Wales seems like an attractive place to visit.

The late Philip Madoc was a wonderful actor, and he creates an interesting character in Noel Bain. Not one to show emotion, the actor manages to give us a character who is a compassionate, perhaps disillusioned man, still mourning his wife and in pain over some of his daughter's behavior. It's quite a masterful performance.

I can't say I love this series as it always leaves me a little sad. Even if there is closure of the case, one is left with a hopeless feeling. That's realistic, of course. It's just not very entertaining.