Olivia Colman opens the first episode of BBC's new five-part drama The Secrets, subtitled 'The Dilemma', and stepping into the role of a six month pregnant mother-to-be, Pippa.
She's facing troubling times. Her mother - played by Alison Steadman - has cancer which has gotten worse than ever before. So bad in fact, that she's got to the point of asking her daughter to help out in an assisted suicide.
Credit: BBCIt's a tough time in her life, with scenes that will ring relevant and true to many families watching from home. The topic of assisted suicide is now more prevalent than ever, and the show is sure to divide opinion in this way.
Tensions are raised to an all-time high when Pippa considers taking part in the assisted suicide, and though she knows it may not be the right thing to do she can't help but try and get her partner on-board.
Working as a vet, she has to deal with the death of animals on a weekly basis and in doing so, has access to medicines that bring a pet's life to an end - ones that could come in handy with her own mother.
Credit: BBCAnd so, she faces 'The Dilemma'. Strong acting and a passion for their work is obvious throughout, as a once taboo issue is brought to the small screen and explored in a way not seen before.
Raw and emotional it's a series opener not to miss, paving the way for its four following episodes and setting the bar high. Get the tissues ready.
The Secrets premieres tonight at 10.40pm on BBC One and continues nightly until Thursday.