National Treasure

STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning

In his heyday, Paul Finchley (Robbie Coltraine) was one half of a comedy double act with his partner Karl (Tim McInnery) who were adored throughout the land, but today rests in the side lines, dealing with his troubled addict daughter Dee (Andrea Riseborough) and emotionally distant wife Marie (Julie Walters.) But this all changes when he finds himself arrested over an historical allegation of sexual abuse by a former baby sitter of his daughter, and sinks further and further into an ever wider hole when more women come forward and the allegations mount up. As the stress of the impending trial takes over, and his private life slips further into turmoil, Paul is forced to examine himself over the years, and the actions and behaviours that may have led to his predicament.

In the immediate aftermath of the revelations about Jimmy Savile, Operation Yewtree was launched by the Metropolitan police, in an attempt to save face by investigating historical allegations about other, still living former big name stars from the 70s/80s, some of which resulted in convictions. National Treasure, however, seems to be modelling itself on cases such as that of comedian Jim Davidson, who was arrested at an airport upon return from a holiday on the basis of one allegation, which escalated into a witch-hunt where many more women came forward, only for no charges to be brought, in spite of what many could already have claimed was a trial by media. If you follow the news, it's certainly not hard to see the foundations from which this drama drew inspiration, and it certainly comes off in a believable and thought provoking way.

The first episode certainly dispenses with its fair share of celebrity cameos, from stars including Alan Carr and Frank Skinner, but it never feels tacky or gratuitous. The most important star is the main one, in the shape of Coltraine, a performer who seems to have been out the limelight for a little bit now, but who makes a revelatory return to form here. As the former icon turned pariah, he fits the skin and bones of the role down to a tee, and it's tough to think of anyone who could have been better suited. The always reliable Walters compliments him perfectly as his understanding, extremely forgiving wife. More than being a riveting courtroom thriller, it works more as a character study and examination of the past and present and how they may have shaped each other.

It works on pretty much all the levels it sets out to, and it's an inspired piece in terms of everything that tears a subject from recent headlines and does it proud. ****

Has Comedian and National Treasure Paul Cobley, done the unspeakable, is he a sex offender?

A story that was surely inspired by the shocking case of Jimmy Saville, this makes you contemplate whether or not someone that is nationally loved, could be guilty of that worse possible crimes.

I really did enjoy this, it's a thought provoking, well made and supremely well acted series. It does perhaps play out, and even conclude the way too expect it to, but the journey itself is worth going on, it's the impact not just on the accused and accusers, but those directly associated also.

It's very well made and presented, good production values, it looks quite arty.

The acting is the key strength, Coltrane and Walters shine through, as do the entire cast, Andrea Riseborough, Tim McInnerny and Susan Lynch all impressed.

Worth seeing, 7/10.

Doing a re-watch of visionary Marc Munden's filmography & "National Treasure" is still one of the most technically impressive shows Channel 4's ever made in its entire history; genuinely insane how high the production values look for a series which would've been nowhere near as expensive as it appears on screen. Boasts truly exceptional filmmaking & acts as an astonishing achievement for all the cast & crew involved.

Writer & creator Jack Thorne turns out some of his strongest scripts & the direction (coupled with Ole Bratt Birkeland's stunning cinematography) elevates them even further. Each & every episode's edited to perfection, scored beautifully by Cristobal Tapia De Veer & the performances are outstanding - especially from Julie Walters, who truly shines here. Aged like fine wine.

Seriously, does anyone do topical stuff better than Marc Munden? Can't think of one single superior alternative. Time after time, he tackles potentially controversial subject matter in such an audacious & unflinching way, without being exploitative / triggering. Strikes a phenomenal balance & remains respectful whilst doing justice to the horror of the subject matter featured. Remarkable.

I had heard lots of positive reviews of this drama, and of course the timeliness of the narrative is obvious to all. A celebrity who had been at his peak in the 1970's is accused of sexual assault by multiple victims, leading to press and prosecution. The plot seems fairly straightforward in terms of what it does, and for sure the "ripped from the tabloids" content made me think it would be soapy, dramatic, and perhaps be hammed up for the sake of being cathartic. Instead the drama tends to avoid this totally and goes for a tone/content which I liked, even if I think it didn't totally work all the time.

This tone is one of creepy observation of the whole thing. In some ways it works because it seems to avoid cliché and expectation, leaving the viewer to go with it in a way perhaps they would not have done had it been so obviously one way or the other. It had its limits for me, simply because it was so very reminiscent of the Channel 4 show Utopia. This is for good reason since they share director, DOP, and composer at least; but the use of this package worked so well in the sci-fi that it made me feel it unsuited here. Perhaps to those coming to it for the first time there would be no such reservation due to the lack of association. It does work though, and the atmosphere it produces allows the performances to (ironically) feel more natural within a stylized presentation. Coltrane is great, but Walters is by far the standout in her gradual doubt on her way to clarity. Riseborough is also very strong. The younger versions of the cast are also very good, matching the "main" performances very well.

Overall it is an effective drama which is well balanced, allowing the viewer room to think. I wasn't totally sold on the style, but for sure it works.

National Treasure goes deep into the routes of sexual abuse and rape. Everything from the fighting to a simple tear that was shed had detail. Senses were focused on, the anxiety, the suspense, the craziness can all be felt in this show. The acting was well staged, it felt real and you could feel the pain of each actor. It's also before it's time. This was before the #MeToo movement but it gave insight to what life is like when elite men are accused of sexual misbehavior.