Pieces of Her (Netflix)

Divorced, middle aged, cancer survivor Laura Oliver lives a quiet life in small town Georgia and has a difficult relationship with her adult daughter, Andi. A violent and traumatic incident while the pair are out to lunch puts Laura in the national spotlight and dredges up some deadly secrets from her past. Andi has to tap into resources she never knew she had in her quest to stay alive and discover who her mother really is. Based on a Karin Slaughter novel, the eight episodes jump around in time and place, gradually revealing the real Laura Oliver, her family history and her motivations. Toni Collette and Bella Heathcote are compelling as adult Laura and Andi. Because this series was largely filmed in Australia the supporting cast is packed with fellow Aussie actors, with varying degrees of success in the accent department. The suspense is maintained throughout as you wonder who will survive and who deserves to.

Vigil (ITV) Season 1

Nuclear submarine Vigil is off the coast of Scotland, as part of Britain’s proactive defensive shield when a crew member dies in suspicious circumstances. Because of the location it comes under the jurisdiction of the Glasgow police and Detective Inspector Amy Silva is helicoptered to the sub to investigate, along with a replacement crew member. For security reasons she can receive messages but not send any and that’s not the least of the obstacles to her work. Ongoing fallout from a tragedy in her past severely affects her ability to operate in confined spaces and enlisting a colleague who is former lover to assist the case could hinder as much as it helps. The Navy, Police and Security Services must overcome their mutual suspicion and hostility to help Silva find a killer who threatens the nation. The always excellent Suranne Jones leads the way through six tense, action-packed episodes, supported by a strong cast of familiar faces including Rose Leslie and an almost unrecognisable Shaun Evans. Hopefully the high quality can be maintained for the recently released second season, although apparently it's still called Vigil although nowhere near the sub.