Dark Angel (2016)

ITV’s Dark Angel remains a chilling exploration of Victorian-era crime, anchored by Joanne Froggatt’s transformative performance as Mary Ann Cotton. By depicting the life of Britain’s first female serial killer, the miniseries challenged the romanticized view of 19th-century domesticity. Its cultural footprint is defined by a refusal to sanitize the harsh economic realities that drove its protagonist's lethal choices. While the production lasted only two episodes, its influence persists in how modern television portrays historical true crime with psychological depth. The show effectively deconstructed the angel in the house trope, leaving behind a grim, fascinating record of social desperation and cold calculation. Though the story of Mary Ann Cotton concluded on the gallows, fans should set a reminder for any potential anthology expansions or news regarding similar historical deep dives.