Code of a Killer

Worthwhile 3-episode true story drama with wonderful performances all around. I've always loved John SIMM, and he's great as the scientist-hero Dr. Jeffreys. It's easy to forget how difficult forensic crime fighting was before the first application of 'genetic fingerprinting' in 1986. So the tension is heightened by the very newness of the technology. Will it work?

If you are a fan of the true-life crime investigation series out in the wild (Forensic Files, Murder Comes to Town, etc.) that involve matching suspects to DNA evidence, then this is a must-see for you. The inventor of DNA testing, Alec Jeffreys, is a main character in this 'sort of' 3-part docu-drama about catching a rapist-killer in a small town in England in the mid-80's. Jeffreys' research at a university lab near the infamous attacks on 2 teen girls is profiled, as his work is key in exonerating a falsely-accused boy, and nailing the real killer.

Interestingly, if this were a fictional story, many viewers would be saying, 'O come on... this sort of thing could never happen that way...!', thus proving that truth is stranger than fiction (or 'life imitates art', as you please).

Three actors always worth watching (together or apart): John Simm (who plays Jeffreys), Robert Glenister (the DCC - Glenister looks like a real DCC, or a cop you would want on your side if you were wrongly accused of murder - he gets my vote) and David Threlfall as the determined DCS doggedly chasing the real perpetrator. I think Simm & Glennister effectively teamed up also in the Brit version of 'Life on Mars'. Threlfall looks completely different from his IMDb profile pic, thus showing that great Brit actors transform themselves enough to suit even a grim role, unlike popular American actors who show the same glam profile in every shot of every movie - (you know the ones I mean: pretty boys!).

A great BRIT 3-parter I caught on ACORN-TV, well worth the price of admission for this alone. 9/10

First off, it's a very sad, interesting, and real life story. The first time in our history that DNA was used by the Police to bring about a conviction, hard to imagine nowadays.

I have to give real praise to the Director and screen writer, for telling the story in a realistic, informative, factual style, that lacked the usual sensationalism associated with modern dramas.

Superbly acted, John Simm and David Threlfall in particular are excellent.

Tragic crimes, brought to life, in a fast moving drama. 8/10

I wasn't sure about watching this, but I'm so glad I did. It's a fictional account of the rape and murder of two young girls. The story shows how DNA testing used by the police first came about. Everything about the series was outstanding. Well worth less than 3 hours of your time.

I found this a wonderful rendition of the trials and pains involved in creating the DNA fingerprinting process. It did have a good amount of science included but this was a theme that undergirded the entire series. The dogged work by the police the anxiety of the scientists and the grief and hope of the victims families were woven into a great story. This is the type of show we need more of.