Murder Case: The Disappearance of Julie Reilly

This is the first true crime detective series where I felt the police showed an incredible amount of care towards the family and giving them notice about what was happening, allowing them as much dignity as possible. This is the first two episodes about Julie Reilly. Other episodes I've seen so far did not involve the victims' families. The oddest thing about the show was the lighting used during filming both of the detectives as they met for formal meetings in the office, and the family in their homes. It made everyone look very unhealthy and almost dead themselves. No kidding. Like the dead taking care of the dead. Faces looked thin-skinned and bruised. I can understand the family looking this way because of the trauma of a loved one's violent death. But even the detectives? I don't know if that was on purpose, but it gave an added nuance of horror to what was already a horrific murder.

A fascinating, brilliantly constructed documentary series exploring the work of the Scottish police and the impact of brutal crimes on victims and their families.

The direction, editing and storytelling are second to none. Victims are centred in the narrative and bereaved families are given dignity and a powerful voice, but most of all this is a testament to the compassion, ingenuity and professionalism of all those involved in solving these crimes.

It's easy to drag the police, but this series is a reminder that so very many of them are genuinely good people, who work tirelessly in the face of real horror and dedicate their lives to pursuing justice on behalf of the communities they serve.