Critic Reviews

Insomnia is nagged by the doom that looms over every psychological thriller: viewers might be better off waiting for episode six to drop, then watching the last half hour for answers, like bored readers flipping to the final few pages. The ending that awaits them will cause half the audience to say “Whoa, deep” and the other half to say “Oh come ON”.

At the end, just when you think things can’t get any madder, there’s a final flourish of a twist that is totally off its head. It’s a daft ride but a well-acted one.

As the show continues fundamental elements of the story become lost in muddled subplots and twists, and in turn, Insomnia loses its way. Despite scrambling to tie up its loose ends, key questions are brushed over dismissively and ironically, you're left feeling more dazed and confused than ever.

The three excellent main performances are stronger than the writing: like good sculptors McClure, Best and Marshal use their skill to carve depths into shallow matter.

Her [Vicky McClure's] performance is expectedly fine, I suppose, but much of the material that she and the rest of the cast are working with is – excuse the pun – tired.

Insomnia becomes progressively overheated, convoluted and silly.