Aunty Beeb’s belter of a Sunday night drama looks set to leave Vera clueless

We’ve previewed a fair few crime dramas recently – of varying quality – but the BBC’s new four-parter What Remains stands resolutely head and shoulders above Alibi’s fluffy Rizzoli and Isles and ITV stalwart Vera.

It’s fair to say the US import won’t trouble the terrestrial channels and their bitter ratings battle. But, chances are, there’s going to be some fur flying between the first and third channels as viewers start out their evening in the company of Brenda Blethyn and her cosy, comfy show, but end it glued to the screen as the credits roll on the stunning opener to the Beeb’s edgy addition to the schedules.

Be warned, though: What Remains is no ‘wham, bam, thank you ma’am’ show, and it’s not big on exposition and flashy visuals,  either. It’s proper, old-fashioned grown-up telly of the highest order: slow-burning, beautifully shot and with a cast so classy that, if you cut it, it would bleed pure blue.

The story begins as a young couple (Amber Rose Revah and Russell Tovey) move into their new flat, one of five in a big, converted house. Shortly after arriving, discover their idyllic new home not only has an annoying water leak, but there’s the mummified body of a former resident in the attic.

Into the frame steps on-the-cusp-of-retiring copper Len (played by a simply mesmerising David Threlfall), who dutifully knocks on doors, asks all the right questions and leaves his card. Yet while his colleagues are quick to shrug off the sad, lonely death of Melissa Young, he just can’t get rid of the nagging suspicion that all is not well at 8 Coulthard Street – and as the first episode unfolds, it begins to look as if he’s absolutely right.

From Indira Varma’s flinty, aggressive lesbian to David Bamber’s officious, super-creepy teacher, the building’s inhabitants – both past and present – all appear to have something to hide.

Whether, of course, any of them had anything to do with shuffling shy, overweight Melissa off this mortal coil remains to be seen. In the meantime, we’re offered not only a meaty, nuanced crime drama to get our teeth into, but writer Tony Basgallop also manages to layer in a study of abject loneliness in this modern age of online connectivity.

What Remains was so good, we lapped up the second episode, which only confirmed our suspicions that it’s not only far, far better than cosy old Vera, but it’s going to wipe the floor with it over the next four weeks. Don’t miss it.

THE WHO, WHAT, WHEN OF IT

WHAT’S IT CALLED?

What Remains

WHEN IS IT ON?

9pm, Sunday, August 25

WHAT CHANNEL (UK and IRELAND)?

BBC1

WHO’S IN IT?

David Threlfall, David Bamber, Steven Mackintosh, Russell Tovey, Indira Varma, Victoria Hamilton

WHO SHOULD WATCH IT?

Everyone. Really – no exceptions.

WHO SHOULDN’T WATCH IT?

Oh okay – maybe Brenda Blethyn should steer clear, lest she fume with jealousy.