Michael Sheen has played politicians, vampires, and at least one angel across his three-decade-long career.
However, despite killing it onscreen (and off), he’s only ever played one mass murderer.
In what show, you ask? Well, none other than the gruesome crime drama Prodigal Son, which is available to stream now on Amazon Prime.
First released in 2019, this gritty thriller ran for two seasons and follows Malcolm Bright (Tom Payne), a talented criminal psychologist who helps the NYPD bring down bad guys.
However, Malcolm has a dark secret.
When he was a kid, he learned his father, Martin Whitly (Sheen), was a serial killer known as The Surgeon and reported him to the police.
But when a copycat killer takes on his modus operandi, Malcolm is forced to reconnect with the twisted father he put away to crack the case.
Think of it as a classic police procedural, with a Hannibal Lecter-flavoured twist.
And while it might only have a Critic’s Score on Rotten Tomatoes of 56%, audiences are much more generous, giving it a far more impressive 86%.
Fans have also been sharing their thoughts on IMDb, including garytthompson, who called it ‘the best show in a long time.
‘It’s got all of the above. A great cast and writing. It’s so hard for a show to get both the intense drama with just the right amount of humour.’
‘This show is incredible,’ agreed williesjill. ‘You never know what is going to happen next. Definitely keeps you guessing. Well written, and all the characters are so good. Well done!’
Mozjen meanwhile wrote: ‘Prodigal Son has a phenomenal cast and brilliant script writing. I have been hooked since the first episode, and the show just gets better with every new episode.’
Metro’s thoughts on Prodigal Son
Duncan Lindsay, Metro’s Soaps Editor, shares his thoughts on Michael Sheen’s sinister turn.
The electrifying and unpredictable chemistry between Tom Payne and Michael Sheen is undeniable as the game of cat and mouse between ‘The Surgeon’ and his traumatised son left me glued to the screen, forgetting even to check my phone.
We’ve seen the premise of getting into a jailed serial killer’s head many times before, but the depth of this character goes beyond sociopathic and presents the question: how much is he playing his son and how much does he love him? The first season’s jaw-dropping finale is worth the tense build-up alone.
And, while he’s the flavour of the month, Alan Cummings’ guest role is unsurprisingly notable too. I can only hope that any success on Prime might reawaken a chance of a reboot.
Most of the reviews agree, however, that the star of the show is Michael Sheen.
‘Michael Sheen is just a fantastic serial killer in my opinion.,’ said Sooshaq. ‘Intelligent, scary, and kinda charming but in a creepy way.’
‘Exactly the show I have been waiting for,’ added Dargon Luna. ‘Michael Sheen is fabulous (of course)!’
Even JKOO8740, who gave the show 1/10, claimed that Michael Sheen was ‘flawless’ in it.
Prodigal Son seasons one and two are both available to stream now on Amazon Prime Video.