Parallel Universe (first aired BBC1 14.8.2013)

[Katrina]

Discuss this episode here

[foxadoodle]

I really enjoyed this episode. I thought the teenage boy with the enlarged heart was utterly delightful, his winsome mum reminded me of Gabrielle Drake, and the old reclusive scientist living in a houseful of junk in which he believes there may be some chairs buried was a sweet character too. And the parallel universe concept nicely welded it all together. It showed how in a secular world, in which fewer people believe in God, things like the multiverse concept can give us the kind of comfort that religious faith used to give us. I thought the whole thing was a charming, and understated short story.

And the Jas / Al stalker storyline is beginning to hot up. Bizarrely, although I thought Al was a loathsome character when he joined, I'm beginning to warm to him and see him as a rather sad eccentric. And I don't think he's the stalker! Yes he's obsessed, yes he sat outside her house watching her night after night, but I don't believe he keyed her car or sent the abusive texts. I don't have any particular theories as to who did, though, but I think big Al is innocent...