With news that The Split is making a comeback to the BBC, we're here for the Abi Morgan renaissance. But first, we have Netflix's Eric, which is peak Morgan – in the very best way.
Touted as an emotional thriller that follows a father's desperate search for his missing nine-year-old son, the six-part series taps into the allure of crime stories with a central mystery that will hold your attention right through to the end.
But there's so much more to Eric. As the creator and writer, Morgan pulls in some more profound themes that weave impressive layers over the show's narrative.
The first episode does a brilliant job of setting the initial scene. Against the backdrop of a bustling 1980s New York, we're introduced to a strained marriage, with Benedict Cumberbatch's Vincent at the heart of the family's tension, and an imaginative young boy who both idolises and fears his short-tempered father.
But by the time the credits roll on episode one, something happens – which we won't spoil here – that provides a shift, giving you a clear sense that the show is far from a paint-by-numbers crime drama.
Eric borrows familiar plot devices from the popular genre, with plenty of twists and red herrings, but it uses them to springboard on to other themes. The writing is smart and considered – sure to inspire water cooler conversation – with much that can be unpacked. That being said, Eric remains accessible despite its heavy themes, and still makes for a compelling binge-watch.
What to Read Next
Visually, the world that's been created appears lived-in – which of course makes sense, considering the show is grounded in real history and socio-political issues – while still managing to evoke a colourful, almost dream-like feel in places.
The '80s are alive and well in every frame but it's a far cry from the neon-soaked style of Stranger Things: Eric has taken off the nostalgic rose-tinted glasses and doesn't shy away from the uglier elements of the decade, or the echoes that still carry through to today.
Benedict Cumberbatch manages to tread the line perfectly as the central character who we're not invited to like but are still oddly rooting for.
Related: BBC's The Split to get a brand new spin-off
But it is McKinley Belcher III, who you may recognise from the likes of Ozark and One Piece, that truly stands out as Detective Michael Ledroit – the lead investigator on the case of finding Vincent's son Edgar. His character is afforded a complexity that's equal parts refreshing and frustrating, in a genre that can traditionally gloss over – or even glorify – the institution of policing.
We also need to take a moment to appreciate Gaby Hoffmann, who plays Edgar's mother Cassie. We can't go into too much detail here, for fear of spoiling some important plot drivers, but Abi Morgan deftly steers clear of a number of tropes that can entrap these types of female roles, affording nuance and autonomy.
And then we come to "Eric" himself – a puppet, born from Edgar's child-like drawings, who becomes an important part of Vincent's search for his missing son. Himself a creator of a Sesame Street-style children's television show called Good Day Sunshine, Vincent's drive towards building a life-size Eric, to incorporate into the puppet show, becomes a symbol of both his increasing distress at his child's disappearance, and the inner turmoil he starts to unpack about his own childhood.
We won't say any more than that for now, because Eric really is best viewed with as little prior knowledge as possible. But with the stream of forgettable content that Netflix can be accused of churning out, trust us when we say that this one is worth your time and attention.
Eric will release on Netflix on May 30.
TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK's biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world's oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
