A nun exercises God-given right to snoop in BBC’s Sister Boniface Mysteries

Perhaps it is an assumption that they are doing good, saintly works. Perhaps they have a faint glow of divine inspiration about them.

Whatever the reason, when members of religious orders turn sleuth it gives us cause to be thankful, for it brings forth the likes of Derek Jacobi as the namesake monk in 1994 series Cadfael and Mark Williams as Father Brown.

It also offers Lorna Watson as wimple-wielding Catholic nun Sister Boniface, scientific adviser to the police force of fictional English town Great Slaughter, in the new series of Father Brown spin-off Sister Boniface Mysteries (BBC First, now streaming).

This might seem like twee drama at its most prim, not least because the time frame is the early 1960s, but a certain tongue-in-cheek humour pervades proceedings.

A spaced-out, scooter-riding nun enjoying a vision of tropical fish swimming in her goggles must itself be a landmark in television history.

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While her spiritual calling no doubt means she does not need to seek the sort of “celestial vitality” peddled by the retreat, her adventures are thankfully light on religion, notwithstanding the good sister’s bride-of-Christ uniform.

That said, it remains a puzzle as to why suspects, witnesses and perpetrators never seem to question why a nun should be attached to a police force … a nun who also sails into a pirate radio station, makes a few stealthy moves at a chess tournament and leaves a coven of witches spellbound.

Perhaps it is best that they all remain nun the wiser.

Acts of faith

Hong Kong has more than its share of demonic bus drivers: just venture out onto the roads for proof. Whether they are actually possessed is a moot point.

Yes, bad spirits are in the material world again and the “counter-acting” team in the red tracksuits are back to keep us safe. But it is an increasingly tough job these days, thanks to a formidable opposing team of infernal evildoers bossed by Pil Kwang (Kang Ki-young), who resembles the product of an unholy marriage of a Teddy Boy and a spiv – a swindler – from 1950s Britain.

As a hideout between call-outs, a high street noodle shop was never going to last, so when their cover is blown, the counters must also be on the move to a new HQ: a far more professional base, befitting the stiff tests that await.

The Uncanny Counter ride remains breathlessly wild at times, bursting with action, diabolical special effects and even some slapstick comedy, courtesy of clownish new recruit Na Jeok-bong (Yoo In-soo).

It is, however, a ride that requires commitment, with episodes spooled out to more than an hour – which might leave some viewers feeling punch-drunk.