The Murder at Road Hill House

I came on here to see if others thought this as brilliant as I, and was very disappointed at the negative comments. If I am to stand alone,so be it. From what I've read, this show is based on fact; it is therefore not CSI, or Criminal Minds, where the killer is found (mostly through forensics and DNA testing), and the crime solved and neatly wrapped up with a bow. I somehow feel that that is what many were expecting.

That is why reality TV is so successful. People don't want to watch a show where you have to think, or to watch the crime solver think as well. They want everything solved, or only happy endings. Well you won't get that here. But the show is brilliantly done and Mr Whicher is portrayed brilliantly by the actor. The actress who portrayed Constance Kent was also exemplary in her role. I found the show interesting, and did not stop once for the whole hour and a half that I watched it online.

It has peaked my interest so much that I am not only going to watch the other episode with Mr Whicher, but I am also going to see if I can find the info on Wikipedia about the Kents, and the murder. Not every show has a happy ending, but when it's based on real life and fact, then we must deal with that and accept it. Life is not always a bed of roses. A very interesting show and I recommend it highly.

I'm a big fan of mystery series (Morse, Endeavour, etc.), so I was curious to view the "Roadhill" film and see what Mr. Whicher was all about. I read about the series and about the real Mr. Which on Google before I watched this first episode. What a wonderful experience! The story takes a while to unfold, but it does in such a way that by the end you feel like you understand why Mr. Whicher conducted the investigation the way he did. Paddy Considine is perfectly cast as Mr. Whicher. His face expresses multiple emotions, and unlike most modern detectives, he generally keeps his cool and behaves with decorum and decency to the innocent and guilty alike. The story unfolds like the layers of an onion constantly unfolding new bits of information about the characters involved in the case. The costumes and sets are fabulous and the cast is very believable. If you want action and adventure this is not your show. However, if you want to enjoy a fascinating story that is very well acted this is a film for you. After watching this first episode I watched the other three that are available. I wish that the BBC had produced more episodes in this marvelous series.

This is actually a review of all four of the Mr. Whicher episodes that I've viewed: The Murder at Road Hill House, the Murder in Angel Lane, Beyond the Pale, and Ties that Bind. I disagree with other comments that the four don't come together. The psychological development of the Whicher character is completely plausible from a psychological perspective (I'm a psychotherapist). The shifting loyalties of the political characters are also completely plausible, in my personal experience with local politicians. I love the emotional depth, courage, humility, and values that the author and Paddy Considine bring to the Whicher role. I hope that there are more episodes.

I can understand the view from those that describe this as a rather grim affair, that's very true, but so often is the case from real life events.

The story is not only interesting, dark, but it's also one that draws you in, a fascinating look into the dark side of human nature.

Paddy Considine is key, his understated, but truly sincere performance brings the steadfast character of Whicher to life, he's terrific. Well supported, Capaldi stands out.

The subject matter may be too dark for some, but the actual production is excellent. 8/10

I came across the 'Whicher' series of dramas on amazon prime. I'm so glad I did because 1) I've never heard of the actors and 2) I am put off by the dark grim environment of the times portrayed. Luckily, the acting and writing (and story) were good enough to overcome my biases.

Watching these Whicher stories (I have not read the novel from which the film is adapted, I am impressed that this is straight story-telling. Every few minutes, I appreciate that it is clear the story is going somewhere. That holds my interest - where? There are not the distracting subplots and twists so often found when a mystery unravels. Whicher has one aim - to solve a crime - and I'm taken along for the ride. That's an interesting ride, too!

Very enjoyable viewing.