The team investigate a man who’s convinced he’s being pursued by a demon – and threads start to come together…

If this is what we get in the penultimate episode, I can’t wait for the finale at the weekend – so many elements are juggled successfully, with direct action forced on Leland at long last, and some very worrying developments for nouveau author Kurt…

The family atmosphere for Kristen and her girls has always been an unusual feature of a series such as this, and it’s paid off regularly, not least here where Grace becomes “part” of the family – leading to a confrontation with Sheryl and a prophecy that strikes very close to home. The girls also link into Kurt’s plotline, not seeming to query why he would be writing in such a manner but encouraging him to descend further into the grip of whatever it is that is controlling him.

The “Ring” aspect of the case of the week is lampshaded by Ben, but that doesn’t make it any the less creepy, and for once it seems unambiguous that there’s something paranormal going on. What Kristen chooses to do when they discover that is delicious – and Katja Herbers neatly underplays the scene.

We also get another death close to home, and not one that I suspect anyone watching would have expected. It moves Leland up a level as he tries to take out Grace and Michael Emerson radiates evil in the scene as he’s heading to confront her.

Verdict: Roll on the finale – a strong instalment sets a lot up. 9/10

Paul Simpson