Outcasts: The BBC's Hidden Gem

I'm sure it happens to us all.  You're flicking through the Radio Times or similar TV listings magazine, you see a new programme advertised and think, "Wow, I want to see that!"  And then the day comes, and you're either eating dinner, engrossed in Facebook or simply can't be bothered to pick up the remote.  And you clear your conscience by saying, "Ah well, it probably wasn't very good anyway."

I'd been intrigued by the listing for Outcasts, BBC2's new sci-fi drama, but I was feeling lazy that night and let the first episode slip by.  That was, until I received a telephone call at 10pm, immediately after the broadcast:

"Did you see Outcasts?  It's brilliant!  Has your dad seen it?  It's ******, ****** good!"

So I decided to catch up on iPlayer, and it turns out my nanny was right.  Episode one has an intriguing set-up: a group of humans on the extrasolar planet Carpathia are anxiously awaiting new arrivals from Earth.  It's a little slow to begin with, but you find yourself getting wrapped up in the lives of the characters, and there's a gripping sense of mounting tension as well as some very human, emotional moments.

The next three episodes live up to the high standard, with each installment having a unique feel which sets it apart as a stand-alone story in itself.  The cast - led by Liam Cunningham as President Tate and Hermione Norris as Stella Isen - are excellent, though Fleur (Amy Manson) and Tipper (Michael Legg) in particular really stand out for me.  Each character has been intricately crafted so that you really care about them, giving the thrilling (and occasionally chilling) plot even more impact.

After such a good start, I'm surprised that low viewing figures have forced Outcasts to be rescheduled to a later slot.  So much care, thought and hard work as gone into the series; if I'd been a member of the production team I would have been very disheartened to see my pride and joy pushed away into the late hours of the night.  Still, it won't stop the fans, who will continue their weekly visits to Carpathia until the very end.