Screw

Things feel darker and heavier this time, although the writing remains as sharp.

Remains a well-served blend of broiling menace and leavening wit.

Rob Williams, Screw's writer, used to teach in prisons and his richer observations show in the script. He portrays the dark and light with equal conviction.

If Time made prison seem like a descent into hell, Screw portrays it as more akin to a hotel with limited amenities but staff determined that you enjoy your stay.

This is broad and warm and welcoming, with enough of a sharp side to make it worth sticking with.

While the focus is largely on the guards, the most compelling aspect of the pilot involves Stephen (Jake Davies), a prisoner three months shy of his release and the new transfer Dolby (Christopher Fulford).

With O’Donnell and Sosanya putting in commanding turns, Screw was certainly watchable, but it needs to work out what sort of prison drama it wants to be. At the moment, it’s an unsatisfying blend of thriller and soap with occasional laughs. This clunker in the clinker is trying to be too many things at once.