After making a devil’s bargain with William, Ruby steps into the charmed shoes of a white woman, but her transformation only fortifies her resentment of the racial divide.

Lovecraft Country does body horror, and then some, in this startling, adult hour of television. If there was any doubt that this show is unafraid to shock, Strange Case reveals just how visceral it is prepared to be. Based on Chapter 5: Jekyll in Hyde from Matt Ruff’s novel, Ruby wakes up in William’s bedroom and is shocked to discover that she’s now a white woman (Jamie Neumann).

Long story short, William is able to perform metamorphosis (shapeshifting) through the ingestion of a blood-like serum, and he offers this to Ruby on the Faustian understanding that she does a favour for him. In the meantime, Ruby gets a management  job at the department store she’s been desperate to work for and enjoys the white privilege that goes with her skin colour.

Tic and Leti are very much in the background this week, though they do get the opportunity to get together and share their mutual feelings towards one another. Montrose, in denial of his sexuality and the slight matter of murdering Yahima last week, finally discovers freedom of expression, and possibly love.

But the main plot is a killer, as Ruby gets to seek revenge on those around her. The transformations from one character to another are no simple dissolves, rather full on gore-fests as the one skin explodes from under the other, bits of flesh dripping down the walls. It’s strong stuff.

Verdict: By far the most full-on episode to date in the gore stakes, this instalment also has some great reveals to keep you on your toes. My favourite hour of new television each week. 9/10

Nick Joy