Grace, Series 1
by Russell Lewis (ITV, 2021)
Essentially two feature-length pilot episodes where Lewis hasn’t quite decided which facet of John Simm’s character to emphasise (masterful investigator or flakey quasi-widower). The support cast looks promising and the murder scenarios are very much on the dark side—nothing cosy here.
Life on Mars, Series 1
(BBC, 2006)
A true classic, pitching the modern policing of DI Sam Tyler (John Simm) against the anarchic 1970s swagger of DCI Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister). Tyler, having been struck by a car, is either in a coma or has slipped back in time.
Doctor Who, Series 3
(BBC, 2007)
David Tennant hits the ground running post- Rose Tyler, in a season characterised by overt explorations of racism (experienced by companion Martha Jones), the return of the Master (revitalised by John Simm), and the brilliant, almost Doctor-less episode ‘Blink’ (starring Carey Mulligan).