It’s complicated.
That’s my two-word description of “Undercover,” a six-episode BBC America series boasting a heavy-hitter cast (Oscar nominee Sophie Okonedo, Dennis Haysbert), a distinctive creative pedigree in writer/creator Peter Moffat (“The Night Of,” “Criminal Justice”) and a dense plotline that takes its time to unravel.
But it’s worth the wait.
Like other British TV dramas that have resonated here — “The Hour,” “Broadchurch,” “Ripper Street,” “Downton Abbey” — “Undercover” has a different contextual DNA than the majority of dramas cranked out by ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox et al. Either that, or maybe we’re just seeing the best Britain has to offer while they keep their dreck to themselves.
Whatever the case, “Undercover” offers up an intriguing premise.
Okonedo stars as Maya Cobbina, a British lawyer who’s spent a lot of time over the past 20 years in Louisiana, trying to keep her client, convicted murderer Rudy Jones (Haysbert), from being executed by lethal injection. As Episode 1 begins, Jones’ execution is two hours away and he’s awaiting a hoped-for last-minute reprieve, with Maya by his side and a throng of supporters picketing outside the prison.
Back in England, we meet Maya’s family: Her devoted husband, Nick (Adrian Lester), and their three grown children: 19-year-old daughter Clem (Tamara Lawrence); middle child Dan (Daniel Ezra), learning-disabled and extremely sensitive; and younger sister Ella (Shannon Hayes). As the episode unfolds (languidly), strange elements start to creep into the narrative: Nick’s dying father, for instance, has no idea his son is long-married (or that he has grandchildren). There’s a shady woman keeping Nick under constant surveillance. When the family dog goes missing, he’s returned by a cheery, mysterious Scotsman (Vincent Regan) who makes elliptical comments to Nick about his secret past, which he threatens to expose unless Nick comes in from the cold and cooperates (on just exactly what we don’t yet know).
Back in Louisiana, meanwhile, Jones’ execution goes forward just as Maya learns that a witness has come forward in the 1996 UK murder of her friend, an anti-racism advocate. His death, in turn, seems to be linked to the Jones case in Louisiana. Follow the bouncing ball.
The acting here is terrific, particularly among veterans Okonedo (Oscar-nominated for “Hotel Rwanda”), Haysbert (“The Unit” and those Allstate commercials) and Lester (“Girlfriends”), who all deliver meaty, nuanced performances. You won’t soon forget Jones/Haysbert’s advice to Maya when he learns of his fate.
By the end of the “Undercover” premiere, one key mystery is answered, a few twists are thrown into the plot mix and many more questions remain unresolved. I have faith that Moffat will, based on his track record, piece together this elaborate dramatic puzzle. “Undercover” premiered last April on the BBC to solid numbers and generally good reviews, so hang in there — it looks like it’ll be worth the wait.