Murder 24/7

The BBC's 'Murder 24/7' is in many ways a straightforward copy of Channel 4's '24 Hours on Police Custody', albeit with even more relience on police bodycam footage and an exclusive focus on the worst of crimes. I find it riveting, and the odd thing is how often I end up sympathetising with the perpetrators, even when they have done the worst of things: what happens to a person to make them into a murderer? It's not exactly feel-good TV, but it is both gripping and (at least for me) thought provoking.

Takes you inside real life murder investigations in real time. It's not a recreation. After watching so many ridiculous fictional US police shows this is a mind blowing dose of reality. You follow real detectives as they review CCTV footage and find suspects, dredge drains and find weapons, question witnesses and gather leads. We get insights into the stresses of homicide policing and these people. Well edited and shot with a good balance of focus on the procedure but also the people involved. Must see TV.

After watching the first three episodes I'm absolutely hooked. I knew some of the processes which took place but the behind the scene footage was more than I expected it to be. Full respect to the police officers and forensic experts involved in filming this. Hoping to see more of the forensic side in next weeks episodes. Hopefully this won't be a one off series. Warning though the images and video footage is quite disturbing to see

The level of access for the cameras is impressive. You see everything but the dead body, which elevates this show above many true crime shows relying on recreations. The pacing is good, the police were very professional and respectful, and the show provides some insight into a murder investigation.

Unfortunately, the show comes up short in the entertainment department. There is some suspense as to when and how they will fund their suspects, but ultimately there is no mystery here. The second crime was even caught on video, which was pretty digsusting to watch. A couple of the interrogations were interesting, but too much time was spent on the "No comment," interrogations.

Again, if you want realism then this is the show for you. If you want drama, mystery, and intrigue then you might have to find a fictional show or a true crime show such as Murder Board that focuses on narrowing down suspects.

This series gives you a massive insight into everything that police detectives are faced with when piecing together all evidence and suspects involved in the murder of various people. How from very little knowledge at the scene of the crimes they painstakingly gather intelligence evidence etc leading to the perpetrators of the murder and convictions.

The BBC have excelled in the production of this keeping it fact based without unneeded bells and whistles All credit to all involved and every detective forensic and on the ground police that worked tirelessly to both solve and try and get justice for the victims. I binge watched the 2 seasons and was totally gripped throughout.