This six-part psychological thriller unravels the poisonous legacy of publishing magnate Jack Wright (Trevor Eve), whose suspicious death exposes decades of familial resentment. When his controversial will favors mysterious beneficiaries over his own family, DCI Hector Morgan (Harry Lloyd) and DC Katie Jones (Liz Kingsman) navigate a labyrinth of lies among the Wright dynasty – where every relative has motive, means, and the moral flexibility to commit murder.
With its gothic country house setting and Rashomon-style flashbacks, the series delivers both an intricate mystery and a devastating portrait of a family corrupted by wealth and manipulation.
The Cast of I, Jack Wright
1: Trevor Eve as Jack Wright
Trevor Eve brings terrifying magnetism to the role of the deceased patriarch, appearing throughout in flashbacks that reveal his Machiavellian control over the family. Eve’s performance masterfully balances charm and cruelty, particularly in scenes where he psychologically manipulates each family member – whether destroying his son Gray’s confidence during chess games or gaslighting his wife Sally about her inheritance. The actor worked with a movement coach to develop Jack’s distinctive physicality – an intimidating prowl that made his presence linger even after death.
Eve’s most chilling moment comes in Episode 4’s extended flashback to a family Christmas, where his “gifts” to each character are actually calculated humiliations. His posthumous narration (read from discovered diaries) provides the series’ spine, with Eve’s voice taking on different textures – sometimes wistful, sometimes gloating – as new layers of the truth emerge. The role represents a career highlight for the veteran actor, reinventing the classic “dead patriarch” trope with fresh malice.
2: Nikki Amuka-Bird as Sally Wright
Nikki Amuka-Bird delivers a powerhouse performance as Jack’s third wife, a Nigerian-British lawyer whose outsider status makes her the prime suspect. Amuka-Bird portrays Sally’s razor-sharp intellect and simmering rage with precision, particularly in interrogation scenes where she dismantles the detectives’ assumptions about “the gold-digging widow.” The actress researched inheritance laws to authentically portray Sally’s legal strategies to contest the will.
Her character’s backstory unfolds gradually, revealing how Jack weaponized racial microaggressions alongside financial control. A standout scene features Sally delivering a blistering monologue to the family about the colonial dynamics underlying their fortune, with Amuka-Bird’s delivery shifting from quiet intensity to thunderous fury. The role showcases new dimensions of the acclaimed actress’ range.
3: Harry Lloyd as DCI Hector Morgan
Harry Lloyd brings cerebral intensity to the lead detective, whose polished Oxford demeanor conceals a troubled past connection to the Wrights. Lloyd developed a distinctive investigative style for Morgan – his habit of rearranging objects at crime scenes reveals his obsessive attention to detail. The actor shadowed real homicide detectives to perfect the character’s interview techniques, particularly his use of prolonged silence.
Lloyd’s most compelling moments come in Episode 3 when Morgan’s personal ties to the case surface during an interrogation gone wrong. His evolving dynamic with partner Jones (Liz Kingsman) provides both comic relief and emotional depth, especially when his privileged background clashes with her working-class instincts. The role marks a career transformation for Lloyd beyond his aristocratic typecasting.
4: Liz Kingsman as DC Katie Jones
Liz Kingsman nearly steals the show as the brash, intuitive detective whose unconventional methods complement Morgan’s precision. Kingsman improvised many of Jones’ funniest lines, including her running gag about the family’s pretentious art collection. The actress trained in forensic techniques to lend authenticity to evidence collection scenes.
Jones’ backstory as a council estate kid who outsmarted the system adds richness to Kingsman’s performance, particularly when she verbally sparswith the entitled Wright heirs. Her emotional breakdown after discovering Jack’s secret basement in Episode 5 demonstrates Kingsman’s impressive dramatic range beyond her comedic roots.
5: John Simm as Gray Wright
John Simm is heartbreaking as Jack’s embittered eldest son, whose failed business ventures made him the family disappointment. Simm developed Gray’s alcoholic tremor and perpetually hunched posture to physicalize years of paternal belittlement. His explosive confrontation with Jack’s ghost in Episode 2 represents some of Simm’s finest work.
The actor’s most nuanced moment comes when Gray secretly visits his father’s grave, delivering a drunken monologue that shifts between hatred and desperate longing for approval. Simm makes Gray’s self-loathing palpable in every scene, particularly when he bullies his own son in Jack’s exact patterns.
6: Zoë Tapper as Georgia Wright
Zoë Tapper crafts a deliciously ambiguous performance as Gray’s ambitious wife, whose perfect hostess smile never quite reaches her eyes. Tapper studied upper-class mannerisms to create Georgia’s distinctive blend of chilly elegance and barely-contained rage, visible in her white-knuckled grip during tea service scenes.
Her character’s hidden pregnancy adds layers to Tapper’s portrayal, particularly when Georgia uses it to manipulate different family members. The actress’ finest moment comes during a police interview where her story changes subtly with each retelling, showcasing masterful control of subtext.
7: Daniel Rigby as John Wright
Daniel Rigby brings tragic depth to the black sheep artist son, whose bohemian affectations mask profound damage. Rigby learned basic oil painting techniques to authentically portray John’s creative process, which becomes key to his alibi. His physical transformation – from disheveled artist to cleaned-up heir – mirrors the character’s arc.
Rigby’s most powerful scene features John destroying his own exhibition when he realizes his work was just another of Jack’s manipulations. The actor’s real-life experience with anxiety disorders informed John’s panic attacks, portrayed with uncomfortable authenticity.
8: Ruby Ashbourne Serkis as Emily Wright
Ruby Ashbourne Serkis delivers a breakout performance as the recovering addict youngest child, whose inheritance hinges on sobriety. Serkis worked with addiction specialists to portray Emily’s withdrawal symptoms and recovery struggles with painful accuracy. Her darting eye movements and nervous lip-biting create a vivid portrait of fragility.
The young actress shines brightest in Episode 4’s intervention scene, where Emily’s raw scream of “He wanted me broken!” echoes through the manor. Serkis makes Emily’s journey from victim to avenger utterly compelling.
9: Sabrina Bartlett as Bella
Sabrina Bartlett brings unsettling ambiguity to the live-in nurse whose relationship with Jack crossed professional lines. Bartlett trained with medical professionals to perfect Bella’s clinical movements, which gradually become more sensual as her backstory unfolds. Her piercing gaze and calculated pauses make Bella the series’ most enigmatic figure.
Bartlett’s standout moment comes when Bella calmly describes Jack’s final moments while methodically folding his clothes, her voice never wavering even as tears stream down her face. It’s a masterclass in repressed emotion.
10: James Fleet as Bobby
James Fleet provides both comic relief and pathos as Jack’s alcoholic brother, whose inherited tremor makes every drink a struggle. Fleet’s improvisational background enriches Bobby’s rambling monologues about the family’s glory days. His shuffling gait and threadbare tweeds silently tell decades of resentment.
The veteran actor’s most devastating scene features Bobby drunkenly attempting to wear his brother’s suit, the sleeves hanging inches past his hands. Fleet makes this pitiful moment unexpectedly profound.
11: Gemma Jones as Margaret Wright
Gemma Jones (in a late-revealed role) stuns as Jack’s long-presumed-dead first wife, whose shocking return upends the investigation. Jones portrays Margaret’s institutionalized trauma through minute facial tics and a haunting, singsong voice. Her knitted shawl becomes a security blanket shielding her from the family’s cruelty.
Jones’ confrontation with Sally in the finale – two generations of Jack’s victims finally understanding each other – is some of the most powerful acting on television this year. The Oscar-worthy scene required just one take.
12: Rakhee Thakrar as Laura Johnstone
Rakhee Thakrar shines as the tenacious journalist investigating the Wright family’s colonial-era crimes. Thakrar’s rapid-fire dialogue delivery and sharp eye movements create a terrier-like intensity. Her character’s notebook becomes a Chekhov’s gun of secrets.
The actress’ best moment comes when Laura turns the tables on Gray during an interview, her polite smile never slipping as she eviscerates his privilege. Thakrar makes Laura the audience’s proxy – the one person seeing through the family’s facades.
13: Percelle Ascott as Reuben
Percelle Ascott brings youthful energy as the forensic accountant who follows the money trail. Ascott’s natural charisma makes technical financial exposition compelling, especially when Reuben geekily enthuses about tracing offshore accounts. His hoodie-and-suit combo visually bridges generations.
Ascott’s emotional breakthrough comes when discovering Jack’s secret ledgers, his usual confidence crumbling as he realizes their horrifying implications. The young actor holds his own against the veteran cast.
