Eleventh Hour (British TV series)

Eleventh Hour is a British science fiction crime drama television series, produced by Granada Television for ITV. It aired in 2006 and starred Patrick Stewart as Professor Ian Hood, a scientific advisor to the British government.

The premise of the series centered around Hood's investigations into scientific crises and threats, often involving controversial and cutting-edge technologies. Each episode presented a self-contained story, exploring ethical dilemmas and potential dangers arising from scientific advancements. Topics covered included genetic engineering, cloning, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence.

Professor Hood, a man haunted by personal tragedy (the loss of his wife), worked alongside Detective Sergeant Rachel Young (played by Ashley Jensen). Young provided a grounding, practical perspective to Hood's more theoretical and intellectual approach to the cases. Their partnership formed a key element of the show.

The series aimed to blend science fiction elements with crime drama conventions, creating a thought-provoking exploration of the societal impact of scientific progress. However, Eleventh Hour was cancelled after only four episodes aired in its initial run, although the remaining episodes were eventually broadcast at a later date. Critics were divided on its merits, with some praising its ambition and intellectual depth, while others criticized its pacing and execution.