Plot: Tom Parfitt (Michael Palin) is a retiree who still lives in his own home, but he wants that to change. In order to be moved into a care home, Tom stages a fall and makes it seem as if he needs additional help. His plan works and he is soon moved, put into the care of a young caregiver named Hannah (Jodie Comer). But not long after Tom arrives at the care center, a horrific event unfolds that claims the life of his social worker. The worker is thrown out of the fourth story window in Tom’s room, but only Tom and Hannah were inside. The police look into the case, but Detective Fairholme (Mark Addy) doesn’t seem that worried and in truth, is coping with his own problems that distract him from his police work. Then odd things begin happen to those around Tom, including things that happen outside the care home, away from Tom’s room. Hannah knows there is something strange going on, but when Tom vanishes from his room, she decides to uncover the truth, regardless of what that entails. As Hannah and Fairholme close in on the truth, what dark secrets surround Tom?

Entertainment Value: Remember Me combines several genres, with elements of drama, detective shows, and even a dash of the supernatural. The story centers on an old man who disappears under strange circumstances, after a series of odd events including the death of his social worker. Michael Palin plays the old man and he is quite good here, showing off his dramatic side. He plays the role in a pained, troubled way and it works well, showing us the inner turmoil of his character. While Palin is the central character, his costars are also given ample room to stretch. Jodie Comer is given a substantial role and she runs with it, while Mark Addy is rock solid as always. Addy’s character is a little on the cliche side, a detective with inner demons and all, but his performance is good and that elevates the material. The series is also well crafted from a technical aspect, with dark, but beautiful visuals and apt storytelling. The pace is deliberate, but never feels overly slow and with three hours of content, that allows the narrative room to breathe and not feel rushed. I’m sure some will dislike the pacing at times, but the series never wastes time and utilizes time well.

The series is marketed as an eerie, supernatural thriller, which isn’t inaccurate, but also isn’t a bullseye. The emphasis here is on drama and suspense, more than shocks or scares, without question. This is bolstered by the pace, which ratchets up the suspense and builds the tense atmosphere. At the same time, that atmosphere is where most of the supernatural element resides, at least for most of the series’ duration. So if you come in for a ghost story above all else, you might be let down. But if you want a skilled drama that involves some supernatural elements, Remember Me is in that wheelhouse. In either case, I think the tense atmosphere and dark vibe of the series will be enough to satisfy both audiences. I was glad to see this kind of material treated so well, with good writing and some great performances. In the end, I think Remember Me is a capable and well crafted suspense/drama that tells an interesting narrative. The series is a little slow here and there, but this is about mood, not cheap scares. If you’re looking for a good drama with some eerie vibes, give this one a chance.

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