Overwhelmed with madness, Charles is driven to the church cemetery where he unearths a hidden book. Once in his hands, he has an apocalyptic vision of the vampire future.

Adrien Brody’s Charles Boone spends most of his life overwhelmed – whether coming to terms with the loss of his wife, daughter or his own sanity. Once he’s opened the De Vermis Mysteriis (Mystery of the Worm), a book hidden inside a coffin, he foresees a world of red skies and crimson rivers. This prophecy drives his resolve never to let the book fall into the hands of the vampire factions.

After an altercation in town, Martin joins Boone at Chapelwaite, which is readying itself for battle. Windows are boarded over and white crosses painted on the walls, but will this be enough to ward off Stephen and Philip? And even if they survive this opening sortie, what of Jakub and his followers, who are on the move?

Verdict: Before the hour is out, there are casualties on each side, as the show prepares for its final three episodes. And what a gloriously grim ride it has been so far. 8/10

Nick Joy