FIRST LOOK Better

BBC One has released a first look at Jonathan Brackley and Sam Vincent’s new five-part thriller Better, starring Leila Farzad and Andrew Buchan.

Set and shot entirely in Leeds, Better explores the complex and powerful bonds of loyalty and family, set in a world where everyone has their own version of “right” and “wrong”. Examining the power of human conscience.

The five-part thriller follows DI Lou Slack, played by Leila Farzad, and her epic battle towards redemption, by bringing down Col McHugh, played by Andrew Buchan, the man she has come to love like a brother and the man she has helped place at the head of Leeds criminal underworld. But while Col is a dangerous enemy to make, Lou’s biggest battle may yet be with herself.

19 years ago, when Lou was a young police officer at her lowest ebb and Col a low-ranking but ambitious newcomer to the Leeds underworld, their paths crossed, and they struck a deal that changed their lives forever.

The bargain allowed Col to become very rich and very powerful, and Lou to turn around her failing career. A complex but special bond between the pair was forged, and so began Lou’s gradual slide into corruption.

But now, when Lou’s family is brought to the brink of a tragedy, she must put right the wrongs that she has spent years rationalising and excusing, to have a second chance at a new, better life.

Better is produced by James Dean and Jonathan Brough serves as lead director alongside Pier Wilkie, who directed episode four.

Better will air on BBC One