Safe House series two: An ex-cop’s case is back to haunt him

In 2015 Christopher Eccleston, Marsha Thomason and Paterson Joseph took the lead roles in the first series of Safe House, a drama about a former police detective and his teacher wife who become embroiled in the machinations of a violent criminal after being persuaded to take in a family for a witness protection programme.

It was a standalone, eight-part story but it went down so well with viewers that ITV decided to bring it back, and this is the result.

Now cut down to just four episodes, it stars Stephen Moyer and Zoë Tapper. He plays another retired policeman, Tom Brook, this time living in an isolated property on rugged Anglesey with his partner Sam.

Although they seem normal and happy, it soon becomes clear that Tom is haunted by the villain who evaded him, a kidnapper dubbed The Crow who abducted married women and made their husbands witness everything he did.

After years of silence a similar crime takes place and Brook is convinced that The Crow is up to his old tricks again.

He and Sam agree to protect the latest victim’s family while Tom faces the difficult task of persuading the new investigating officer of his suspicions.

Moyer, best known these days for his vampiric role in cult hit True Blood, has an opportunity to show his versatility here, and grabs it with both hands.

He’s matched all the way by Zoë Tapper, an underused actress who should be a bigger star.

Other star names involved include Jason Watkins and Ashley Walters.

Safe House begins on Tuesday, September 7 at 9pm on ITV.