The multiple convolutions of the plot keep coming right until the last minute, yet they promise to be resolved – and they deliver. All of this is a way of saying stick with Wolf.

For the most part this an exceptionally assured first outing for a series which has the potential to run and run, should the stories remain this engaging and structured with this much innovation.

I can’t tell you if they or Jack succeed, but I can say that you will definitely be as surprised as you will be horrified as this superbly crafted intricate tale twists its tail.

To be clear, Wolf, from the Sherlock production stable, is preposterously overstuffed. A late scene involving motorised crocodiles redefines “jumping the shark” for a whole new generation. That said, the country mansion/home invasion strand is a blast.

There is a twist that is so cleverly unguessable that I must doff my cap. You really don’t know where it’s going. But will most viewers stick around for six episodes and find this truffle? I doubt it. Because there’s too much dull meandering flab to wade through first.

There are a couple of decent twists near the end, if you’re prepared to stick with it, and the production gets two stars for its two central performances.