Messiah

/refers to Season 1/

British crime series have remained a sign of quality - accrual of Scandinavian ones in this century has not impaired them but diversified their approach. Messiah is a good example how "good old" episode-based crime has obtained "modern" nuances and cinematography, including fast twists and meaningful use of flashbacks.

As usual, performances are good (in fact, I could not Ken Scott starring somewhere), policemen are realistic, no cute faces and fancy clothes/cars, and the severity of crimes depicted here has a sophisticated reference to the past... And I as did not guess the evildoer, did not suspect even, I would easily give 8 points for constant suspense - in spite of the fact I am not very fond of religious fanaticism or crime - and I intend to watch the following seasons as well.

Very well made. Very well acted. Not in the least by Ken Stott. Neil Dudgeon makes it a bit more bearable with his light humor. Real humans having to deal with heavy subjects. Gets under your skin. Wished there were more of them made....

This is great it has a great plot,a good pace and it makes you want to keep watching right to the end. All through the programme you are always wondering who the killer is and if the killer could be working among the investigation team. For once the acting is good especially by ken stott who is also excellent in the vice but it is shame they only make about one or two messiah thrillers a year.

While there are better mystery/detective shows in my opinion, 'Messiah' is incredibly well done and ceaselessly compelling. It is near blameless and definitely should have lasted longer.

It is stylishly and beautifully filmed with a lot of atmosphere, while the locations are also used to great effect. The music is suitably ominous while never being too obvious.

'Messiah' is very intelligently written, it is never stilted or clichéd and constantly keeps the mystery elements alive. The stories are gripping throughout with lots of twists and turns and genuinely surprising solutions. The only motive I didn't completely buy was in the first series, which felt implausible and underdeveloped, it didn't seem like a good enough reason to murder all those people in such a gruesome manner.

That is my only criticism of 'Messiah' really, as well as more could have done with Frances Grey's character as well. There are some clever and very gruesome murders that never are gratuitous (especially in the first series) but are not for weak stomachs, mine is getting stronger but even it was quite disturbed by those in the first two episodes. The characters are interesting, and the series is constantly well directed and ensures that the episodes never feel rushed or plodding.

Ken Stott is exceptional as the main character, and it is some of the best acting he's ever done. He is terrifically supported by Neil Dudgeon (who has never been better), Michelle Forbes, Frances Grey, Edward Woodward and especially a sinister Jamie Draven, in fact everybody is good.

In summary, incredibly compelling. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Obviously inspired by Se7en and sometimes even more gruesome; more bloodshed and very graphic details (a bit too much for my taste). Great script and acting (I was especially impressed by Ken Stott and there were no weak points in te cast). Good cinematography and very realistic stereo-sound. One of the best thrillers I've seen since years. Although it was scheduled on BBC in three parts I watched Messiah on video in one take. One point of critic; the motivation of the villain was not very convincing.