Wunmi Mosaku and Shaun Parkes in BBC Two's TV drama 'Moses Jones'

Graphic, gritty, gruesome… gorgeous. At a time when the BBC could be forgiven for playing it safe and trying not to offend sensibilities, Moses Jones boldly bops down the middle of Monday nights’ prime-time slot on BBC 2.

Shaun Parkes and Matt Smith (the new Dr Who) allegedly star as two police detectives in Joe Penhall’s unraveling plot of Ugandans living in the United Kingdom as they cope with the echoes of a murky political past, the daily hustle to get papers and staying just under the radar of the authorities. I say allegedly because the satiable plot and the tangible characters, with the strongest performances from corrupt former military leader Matthias Mutukula (played by Jude Akuwidike) and Solomon (Eamonn Walker), a musician with a looming secret, outshine the headliners. In a short time you are immersed in Moses’ world and hold on to his perspective as an outsider with a vested interest while different characters are introduced and dispatched in equal measure. He is himself descended from Ugandan parents but is raised in West London, he is quick and adamant in pointing out when he is initially assigned to the case. But the star of the ensemble is without a doubt Wunmi Mosaku. She’s gorgeous. Part Lauryn Hill, part your sisters’ cute friend, Wunmi who plays Joy, weaves through the delicate patchwork of stories like sterling silver thread. She adds a sensitivity to the drama which nicely cushions the whole piece from turning into an all boys kick about.

However hold the applause, let’s get the disclaimers out of the way. Yes, some of the accents are suspect and yes, the action is full on (possibly over the top in parts). There’s so much blood and violence over this three part series that you are often calmed by the oasis of dialogue back at the station or in Moses’ moments of reflection. There is still enough here to keep us coming back for three further weeks if needed.

Moses Jones is an elegant example of how Black-interest drama can appeal outside the inner circle without the occasional segue into “now here’s what it means if you’re not from Uganda” sub plot. Anything that’s good enough to bump my viewing of America‘s Next Top Model on to +1 viewing is a winner in my book.

(See also an optimistic view on African TV programming in The Telegraph. UK Viewers can watch ‘Moses Jones’ for a limited time on the BBC iplayer. In March 2009 a DVD will be made available for worldwide release. –Ed)

-Bernard Achampong