SANCTUARY, a new sci-fi series from the creators of Stargate: SG-1 and Stargate: Atlantis launches on ITV4 tonight. The 13-part series is based on the world’s first high-definition science-fiction Web series and will be the first television series to use live-action actors against mostly virtual sets.

Here is a quick synopsis of tonight’s episode:

Forensic psychiatrist Will Zimmerman (Robin Dunne) investigates a disturbing case in which two officers from his precinct are killed. Although they have a suspect in custody and the case is considered closed, something doesn’t add up for Zimmerman who takes it upon himself to investigate further and follow his keen instinct.

While at the crime scene, he sees a young boy leaving the building in a rather unusual way. Will follows him through an alley, but his pursuit is abruptly halted when he is struck by a car, landing him in the hospital with an aching body and more questions than answers.

Later that night, he is caught off guard by Dr. Helen Magnus (Amanda Tapping) who approaches him as he’s leaving the hospital. In the dark, pouring rain, she captures his attention by revealing that she too was pursuing the boy and was in the car that struck him. She invites him to come to a place called the Sanctuary where she can tell him more and open his eyes to a world he’s never understood. Unconvinced and exhausted, Will declines her offer, but pockets her unusual business card that cryptically reads “Sanctuary for all”.

A long night turns longer for Will when he arrives home to find his ex-girlfriend Meg (Kandyse McClure) packing up the last of her things from his apartment. In a ‘what have I got to lose’ moment, unable to forget his encounter with Magnus and the strange sighting of the boy, Will decides to visit the Sanctuary.

Once inside, Magnus explains that the world is full of nature’s mistakes and triumphs and has spectacular proof of the strange and often terrifying creatures that secretly populate our world. She takes a mystified Will on a tour of the Sanctuary where he can see for himself that ‘abnormals’ do exist outside of his imagination.

She explains that the Sanctuary is a place for all of nature’s creations – it is indeed a Sanctuary for all – where ‘abnormals’ are respected and helped and where she can delve into the study of the rich evolution and diversity of life.

While he wraps his head around this astonishing news, Magnus receives a call from her daughter Ashley (Emilie Ullerup) who informs her she’s hot on the trail of the boy and needs back-up in the subway tunnels.

Deep underground, Magnus, Will and Ashley find the young boy, who reveals his secret in a rather alarming way. Clearly skilled at the chase, Magnus and Ashley manage to bring the boy back to the Sanctuary securely, where they can investigate further.

Will is put to the test right away when Magnus asks him to talk to the boy in spite of the danger he poses. Will uses his insightful psychiatric skills and personal understanding to connect with the young patient, impressing Magnus who urges him to join her team.

The events of the evening now well in hand, Ashley goes out against mother’s wishes. In an unassuming moment, she is confronted for the first time by the sinister John Druitt (Christopher Heyerdahl), possessing a force she has never encountered. A spectacular fight ensues. In spite of her impressive skill and strength, Ashley may have met her match against the mysterious Druitt who has a hidden agenda and a baffling knowledge of Magnus.

At the Sanctuary, Will must decide if he will take the leap of faith and join Magnus in this seemingly inexplicable new world, knowing that in doing so, he may find answers to questions he has tried to bury and that have tormented him since he was a child.

Magnus must now confront her own past and consider a dangerous deal with Druitt – one that could unleash his power in inconceivable ways - in order to save her daughter’s life.

Wednesday, 8 October 2008, 9:00PM - 10:00PM, ITV4