The Sixth Commandment

An excellent drama by the BBC. The acting was of a high standard and the script was respectful in favour of the victims. It was compelling viewing but difficult to watch at times and heartbreaking the way the victims were used and manipulated.

Although the drama does expose and show the chilling coldness and evil of the killer, it doesn't in any way glamorous him. Instead I felt it honoured the victims and gave them a voice, as well as providing an insight into how the families must have suffered. It also showed the diligence of one of the victim's families along with the police investigation to get justice.

I can't remember having watched such compelling drama in a very long time. The pacing is superb - a slow ratchet towards the climax of the jury's verdict.

What makes it work is a combination of brilliant performances and scripting together with the constant, horrible knowledge that this is a true story. This may be Timothy Spall's greatest performance in a splendid career, which is saying something. Every actor, though, delivers, even those in the minor roles.

One unusual achievement of this four parter is a shift in style. It begins as an indescribably tense psychological drama, rather like The Talented Mr Ripley. In part 3 it shifts to more of a police procedural, but manages to maintain the tension.

You will almost not want to watch, but find yourself compelled to. At the end I found myself exhausted and, I'm not ashamed to say, with a tear in my eye.

Wow, wow and more wow.

You watch Timothy Spall in something and go...what a good performance...and then you watch this. Wow! It has award stamped all over it.

Anne Reid, who I think is one of the UK's much underrated actresses, shines like a supernova in her portrayal of Anne.

Éanna Hardwicke? Yes, I know. I haven't heard of him either. Wherever he's been hiding then this superb creepy, manipulating, hazy devil's portrayal is absolutely top notch and you should be seeing more of him no doubt.

The remainder of the cast put in fabulous performances in this four part excellently written and paced "true story".

You MUST watch this. This makes the Licence Fee top value.

A dramatisation of actual events, the deaths of Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin, two mature residents and neighbours from the small village of Maids Moreton, who both died after meeting and falling in love with a younger man, one Ben Field.

Arguably the best drama of 2023 so far, it's been a little time since I've said it, but this is truly The BBC at its very best, this is an outstanding, uncomfortable, sometimes upsetting watch.

This story was big news when it broke, it never seemed to make any sense, what this dramatisation does, is give you an almost factual detail of events, I understand that much of it was obviously dramatised, but I think they've got the core essence of what happened.

It is remarkable just how much Eanna Hardwicke looks like the real life Ben Field. His performance here was quite exceptional, and whilst I will rave about Timothy Spall and Anne Reid, Hardwicke made the whole thing come to life.

Timothy Spall should win an award for his performance, he was incredible, Anne Reid also phenomenal.

Fantastic.

9/10.

Sadly this is based on a rather horrible case that viewers in the UK will almost certainly remember. Its written by Sarah Phelps, well known for her series of Agatha Christie adaptations on the BBC in recent years. It was made with the full permission of the victim's families.

Its a quietly effective and moving drama which is a sometimes difficult and uncomfortable watch. Very well-written and made.

The use of hand-held camera gave it a documentary feel at times. For me it was very much an actor led piece and this is its greatest strength. The three principals, Tim Spall, Anne Reid and Eanna Hardwicke all deliver big time with understated and nuanced performances.

One of the strongest UK dramas of 2023.