A child in town dies of a mystery illness and on her deathbed credits the late Stephen Boone, leading hysterical townsfolk to demand the digging up of his grave.

The birth of a deformed baby is seen as another ill omen that is predictably laid at the feet of the new Boones in town. It’s become increasingly clear just how much the townsfolk hate and fear the family, bullying the children at school and excluding them from their Halloween activities.

Race also plays a part in the bigotry, the mixed race Boone siblings being singled out for their ancestry. Charles (Adrien Brody) is doing his best to hold the family together, helped by the children’s governess (and writer) Rebecca Morgan (Emily Hampshire, 12 Monkeys). She brings local knowledge to the family, while also being fascinated by the grim story that she has stumbled into.

Verdict: After the world-building of the show’s opening hour, we spend time with the brutal residents of Preachers Corners and wonder just who are the real monsters here. 7/10

Nick Joy