BBC series Case Histories starring Jason Isaacs

New BBC One series Case Histories is set amidst the iconic landscapes of modern Edinburgh, bringing to screen the delightful jigsaw puzzles of Kate Atkinson's novels and the complexity of her hero Jackson Brodie played by Jason Isaacs. A former soldier and policeman, Jackson's tough-guy exterior belies a deeply empathetic heart. He's unable to resist coming to the rescue and is a magnet for the bereaved, the lost and the dysfunctional.

Full of entertaining and original characters, each two part story in this 6x60 series is warm poignant and life-affirming, enjoying humour whilst exploring the darkness that underpins each crime mystery.

Episode 1

In the first of this two-part story written by Ashley Pharoah, Jackson is called to the home of one of his clients, Binky Rain, when one of her cats goes missing. He is intrigued to hear a woman crying next door. Unable to resist, he is dragged into world of the Land sisters, Julia and Amelia. They beg Jackson to investigate the mystery of their three-year-old sister, Olivia, who disappeared without a trace more than 30 years ago.

Later at his office Jackson meets Theo Wyre. Jackson knows him from his days in the force. Theo's daughter, Laura, was murdered in broad daylight in her father's office. Theo begs Jackson to help him...

The cast also includes Keith Allen, Amanda Abbington, Natasha Little, Phil Davis, Adam Godley and Sylvia Syms.

Episode 2

Before leaving hospital, private detective Jackson Brodie visits Theo Wyre, the father of murdered daughter Laura. Theo is still devastated over Laura's death.

Jackson floats an idea to Louise of a possible stalker who bought Laura a pink teddy bear. A comment from Louise clicks in Jackson's mind and he pays a visit to Laura's neighbour, Stuart Lappin.

Meanwhile, Shirley Manning tells Jackson that her older sister, Michelle, became pregnant at school and married the father, Keith Fletcher. But she snapped and killed him. Jackson presumes Shirley wants him to find her sister since her release from prison. However, it is actually the baby, Tanya, she's seeking.

Episode 3

Jackson sees a female body floating in the water while out running. He tries to retrieve the body but fails, and notices she’s wearing religious earrings.

Crime novelist Martin Canning has a house guest, comedian Richard Moat. Martin later witnesses a vicious road-rage attack and hits the assailant with his bag. The hospital wants Martin to accompany the attack victim who, because of his head injury, shouldn't be left alone.

Episode 4

DI Louise Munroe and Marcus Stewart join Jackson Brodie at Martin Canning's house where Jackson has found a body battered to death. Jackson thinks the road-rage attacker, Terrence Smith, has killed Martin.

However, Jackson is surprised to hear a familiar voice – it's Martin. The dead man is Richard Moat, and he's wearing Martin's trousers and watch. Jackson’s assistant, Deborah, has tracked down the road-rage car to Graham Hatter, of Hatter Homes, who also owns the cleaning company. He is Gloria's husband.

Episode 5

An irate client pesters Jackson into investigating a seemingly routine case of marital infidelity. However, the private eye becomes involved in a train accident while searching for evidence, and gets drawn into the world of a troubled girl who needs his help.

Episode 6

Jackson ends up being released from jail, but his arrest has made a connection with the Joanna Hunter case. Jackson attempts to find her before anything bad happens to her. Marcus finds himself becoming caught up in the cheating wife case.

Photograph of Jason Isaacs in character as Jackson Brodie for BBC1's detective drama

BBC drama series Case Histories starring Jason Isaacs

Detective Jackson Brodie is an ex-soldier and ex-policeman

Starring Jason Isaacs, Keith Allen, Amanda Abbington, Natasha Little, Phil Davis, Adam Godfrey and Sylivia Syms.