With a general election looming, the terrifying prospect of Viv Rook coming into power is just one of the many challenges facing the Lyons family.

No one gets an easy ride in Russell T Davies’ futuristic drama, which depressingly feels more prescient as each episode airs. The recent real world European elections and the rise of certain individuals is uncannily called out by Davies, who really has his finger on the pulse. And like the rest of us, his central family can only sit back and take what’s being thrown at them by a world that’s increasingly spiralling down. What’s telling is the scene where the family members all cast their votes in the election, displaying a wide range of choices depending on how they stand.

Rory Kinnear’s Steve is still reeling from the loss of his money and is now holding down five jobs to make ends meet. Brother Daniel (an excellent Russell Tovey) struggles to help free Viktor, who’s been deported, while Jessica Hynes’ Edith embarks on some industrial espionage. Futuristic references include ‘clean’ vegan meat that’s grown in a lab, orange rind burgers and the prospect of seeing Toy Story: Resurrection!

Emma Thompson’s Viv Rook performing Tragedy is as clear a foreshadowing of what’s to come as you can get, and while there’s still some hope among the gloom, it needs the death of a family member to show the cracks and the next set of dramatic moments to kick in.

Verdict: Russell T Davies’ near-future cautionary tale feels like it’s a bit too late in its warnings – we’re nearly there. The first-rate cast continue to sink their teeth into the (vegan) meaty drama – and things are just going to get worse… Like watching a car crash in slow motion, you just can’t turn away. 8/10

Nick Joy