The Reckoning

Many people loved Jimmy Savile, millions would tune in to watch him, he raised millions of pounds for charity, however, the man was genuinely monstrous, the list of his sickening crimes is obscene.

When this broke on the news, it was just shocking, he was a British institution, close to Government, The Royal family, hospitals etc, it was hard to contemplate, this case really did change things.

This is surely going to be divisive, and for many good reasons, there's something a little uncomfortable about the fact that The Beeb made this, considering the history.

However, opinions of the real life situation out of the way, this is an excellent drama, very well made, superbly acted and thought provoking.

Harrowing and hard to watch at times, it's really sickening, mercifully it's not too graphic, but what's shown and implied is diabolical enough.

Steve Coogan delivers a first class, award winning performance, he's got everything spot on, the visuals, the body language, the very strange behaviour, spot on, he's definitely faced something of a backlash. Mark Stanley, Gemma Jones, Fenella Woolgar and others are excellent in support.

Well worth watching.

9/10.

Have just started watching the 1st episode and I feel so uneasy at the obvious predatory nature of the man that nobody called him on in his lifetime.

Must admit that I never liked him in "jim'll fix it" or on "top if the pops" so obviously am looking for a reason for my feelings.

That being said Steve Coogan does a good job with such a subject, people say its Alan Partridge with a blonde wig but missing the point that the Alan Partridge persona was based I believe on a number of DJ's that were around in 60's.

I also can't believe that BBC who ignored his behaviour is now prepared to profit off of the misery he cause.

In the course of his life he became one of the most celebrated radio and television personalities in Britain, and used his extensive charity work to place himself at the very heart of the most important institutions in our society.

This drama examines how he was able to hide in plain sight, using his position to commit countless serious sexual offences, many against minors, and how the voices of so many were ignored and silenced.

Steve Coogan is excellent as Jimmy Saville and has his mannerisms and inflections down, which is both impressive but also very unsettling. The dramatisation too is excellent and isn't shy of showing real footage which just cements its historical accuracy and importantly, the survivors get to speak out as they deliver their stories in a talking head style.

Coogan is amazing as Savile, and I often thought I was watching the show on Netflix. He steals the show from start to finish with his portrayal and offers no excuses for JS's predatory behaviour.

The supporting cast is brilliant, with Gemma Jones playing his mother. She clearly knows that her son is different and in one scene states that 'he's old enough to be their father.'. However, she is dragged into JS's web of deceit and lies.

Hiding in plain sight is an excuse. People knew, particularly at the BBC. In one scene we are shown a picture of JS with his hand on the bottom of a young lady who he later abuses. People knew what was going and did nothing to stop the abuse.

Why is it horrific? The abuse scenes are never shown, and this is implied. However, it is the eye witness accounts which are so painful to watch. These poor people were never heard and will never get the justice they deserve. It is sickening to think that this man has an OBE and was allowed to get away with the most heinous of crimes. In fact, organisations like the BBC allowed a steady stream of young ladies to be groomed, abused, and have their lives ruined by a sadistic, vile, and truly devil of a man.

Coogan nails his interpretation of this man, but it is certainly not an easy watch.

I watched this to understand why Jimmy Savile did what he did and to understand how he got away with it for almost 6 decades

To be clear, I never really understood what he did and so it was an education. Personally for me, it gave a better understanding of what Savile was like and he is vile monster!!

After watching it made me hate him. The man was vile, disgusting, disrespectful and he should have been stopped immediately when he was first investigated in 1958

Due to no one doing anything, for years and subsequent decades afterwards he caused so much pain and suffering due to the abuse he inflicted on his victims. Savile thought he was doing no wrong and was a little man with big ego as well as a liar - shame on him!

Savile should have been sent to prison and served a whole life sentence with no parole.

Steve Coogan was absolutely outstanding in playing Savile and it was an incredible performance. The acting and performance throughout this mini series was exceptional and for that reason I scored it highly.