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Apparitions is a BBC drama about Father Jacob Myers, a priest of the Roman Catholic Church, played by Martin Shaw, who examines evidence of miracles to be used in canonisation but also performs exorcisms. As he learns, Jacob's duties run deeper than just sending demons back to Hell; he later must prevent them all from escaping. Unlike most portrayals of exorcism and spirit possession in fiction, Apparitions is more religiously accurate and fact-based, incorporating the nature of demonic possession as described by the Church. It also recounts historical events associated with Christianity and other Abrahamic religions, which may have been caused by Heaven or Hell, indicating that the War described in the Bible may not have fully concluded. The series is written by Joe Ahearne.
Father Jacob is approached by a young girl who believes her father is possessed by the devil. Although he is initially skeptical, Jacob is forced to take extraordinary steps to ensure her safety by staging a dramatic exorcism, despite the misgivings of his church colleagues.
Jacob realises that Vimal's friends could be next after he is found dead. Jacob realises that in able to exorcise the murderer he will have to meet him on his terms.
Jacob visits a prisoner who could be possessed. Jacob is surprised though when he discovers the man might be possessed by a saint.
Father Jacob is called to a woman's health centre where supernatural forces appear to be at work.
When a young Muslim, Zaid, claims to see visions of the Virgin Mary, Jacob is sceptical. But when the boy also claims to have seen visions of his dead father suffering in hell, Jacob is convinced that Satan is tricking the boy. Zaid holds his imam hostage in order for Jacob to perform a reverse exorcism, to free Zaid's father from hell. Cardinal Bukovak advises they go ahead with the ritual, despite Jacob's misgivings and the potentially catastrophic consequences...
After performing the reverse exorcism, Jacob is unable to complete Mass. Cardinal Bukovak calls in a psychologist to assess Jacob, but Jacob realises what is needed: he needs to be exorcised himself.
