Deceit

An absorbing examination of the investigation into a disturbing true life murder and the subsequent police undercover operation to try and entrap the man they believe is responsible.

The decision to make the drama female centric and tell it through the eyes of the undercover cop Sadie Byrne worked really well. Casting was great, Niamh Alghar was standout as the lead and Eddie Marsan was great as ever.

Hard to fault the production in any department, direction and photography were stylish, the score by Marc Calham was beautiful and the story was perfectly paced.

Hats off to all involved, esp. The writer Emilia di Giroloma for a fab script.

Considering it's based on a true story I think the writers did a good job of squeezing as much drama as possible from the events.

But it's not perfect. There are some very slow moments and overall it might have fitted one less episode better.

Having said that, it is quite compelling and most of the lead actors were excellent.

You know what it's like - just one more episode then I'm going to bed then before you know it you've done the whole thing and it's 2:00am on a work night! I have no idea who has rated this low but they were not watching the same thing as me! I was gripped and can't quite believe that the police, those that are here to protect us, could behave so despicably, so devious and blinkered. No spoilers but just wait until the last two episodes! Absolutely amazing!!!

A four part series based on the tragic and brutal killing of Rachel Nickell back in 1992.

This is a dark, gritty, unforgiving drama, 4 relentless episodes that give you the horror of the crime from the point of view of the undercover Officer, it will unnerve you, it will upset you, at times it will shock you.

Parts one and two are excellent, parts three and four take it up yet another notch.

The production values are terrific, they really do capture 1992, not just the visuals, but the mood and atmosphere, the accompanying music is first rate, it adds to the story, they play some great tunes too.

I thought the acting was fabulous, Niamh Algar is the absolute standout, Treadaway and Marsan are great too.

Excellent drama, 9/10.

Beautifully shot, terrific performances and a script that sizzles with a mix of verbatim and written dialogue, this outstanding drama is a world away from most British true crime. It feels like a reinvention of the genre and is a truly compelling watch. Sion Daniel Young turns in a superb performance as Stagg and we feel every ounce of his suffering as he's targeted by the unstoppable Niamh Algar as Lizzie James. Eddie Marsan is gently terrifying as the criminal psychologist out of his depth. I've never seen anything quite like this before. An absolute 10/10.