Charles prepares to commit himself to the asylum for treatment but Tane discovers something disturbing in the barn that may help reveal Chapelwaite’s secrets.

And so the teeth are finally bared. For the first three episodes of this excellent adaptation of the Stephen King short story Jerusalem’s Lot, the Boone family and local villagers have been unable to reconcile the pale creatures who wander at night. But we’re one step ahead, being more familiar with the shortened name of Salem’s Lot, a town that’s full of vampires.

Charles no longer trusts himself, having nearly killed one of his children, and fearful that he is suffering from the madness that afflicted his ancestors, prepares to commit himself. But the chance discovery of an underground passage and a secret room within the home sets Charles off on a mission to track down his undead relative.

Back in Preacher’s Corner, mysterious visitors are feasting on the ill, and a secret liaison between the preacher and one of his flock is in danger of being revealed. The relationship between Boone’s daughter Honor and Able is blossoming, but the latter is concerned that she’s white enough for him to be hanged for such a coupling. But it’s the last ten minutes that really delivers, as the vampires start to come out of the shadows and Charles is invited to a rendezvous with the leader.

Verdict: A washed-out colour palette, excellent production design, uniformly-good acting and an increasing sense of dread make this King serial a scary treat. 8/10

Nick Joy