The psychological thriller Cape Wrath, featuring an ensemble cast including Tom Hardy, David Morrissey, and Death in Paradise star Don Gilet, has quietly arrived on Channel 5, two decades after its original broadcast. The series, originally titled Meadowlands, first aired on Channel 4 in 2007.
Cast and Premise
The show centres on the Brogan family, who enter witness protection and move to an idyllic suburban neighbourhood. However, behind the tranquil facade lies a web of secrets, paranoia, and danger as their past threatens to catch up with them. David Morrissey (The Walking Dead, Sherwood) plays Danny Brogan, while Lucy Cohu (COBRA) portrays Evelyn Brogan. A young Tom Hardy appears as Jack Donnelly, years before his breakout roles in Venom, Inception, Locke, The Dark Knight Rises, and Mad Max: Fury Road.
Additional Cast Members
Other notable cast members include Tristan Gemmill (Coronation Street), Melanie Hill (Casualty), Don Gilet (Death in Paradise), Sian Brooke (Blue Lights), and Clarke Peters (The Wire). Felicity Jones also appears in the series.
Synopsis and Reception
The official synopsis reads: "Picturesque and crime-free, Meadowlands appears to be a suburban paradise where the Brogan family can start a new life. However, they soon realise that it is not so easy to escape the past, and their haven becomes a world of paranoia and psychological intrigue with shocking surprises around every corner – especially the particularly stunning revelation that they can never leave."
When it originally aired, the series received mixed reviews. Critics described it as gripping and compelling but felt some storylines were left unresolved. American viewers compared it to Twin Peaks, with one fan writing: "I don't want to give anything away as to what Meadowlands is about but I would best describe it as a cross between The Prisoner and Twin Peaks." Another commented: "Twin Peaks son and Desperate Housewives' cooler, darker brother!"
Filming Locations
The programme was shot in Kent. Liberty Square at Kings Hill served as the local town centre, while Kings Hill Golf Course provided several exterior scenes. Wye College also features prominently, and the exterior of Maidstone Leisure Centre appears regularly throughout the show.
Availability
All episodes of Cape Wrath will be available to stream on 5 from Thursday, July 2.
