Episode #1.4

It's Eddie's 50th birthday and The Millers are trying to have a normal day, unfortunately people won't allow them to move on, and with Jamie inside, then become the target.

As with episodes 2 and 3, this one surprised me, it certainly didn't go in the direction I was expecting, I thought it may have ended with the trial, but instead it shows the long lasting impact Jamie's crime has on his family.

Incredibly uncomfortable to watch, this was really heavy going, talk about intense, I watched the whole thing with a sunken feeling in the pit of my stomach, surely a great drama is designed to move you, to make you feel, even if it's bad things, this certainly does that.

Every crime drama and mystery focuses on the victim and the killer, this one goes a step further and focuses on the lives of those trying to move on.

That moment when Jamie phoned, that was like the ultimate knife twist.

It makes you think all sorts, especially about where we're at now, society just seems to be crumbling before our eyes, no respect, no discipline, it's so sad.

I figured Stephen Graham would get a chance to display his talents to the max, of course he does, he's superb here, you almost feel Eddie's anger and frustration.

10/10.

This 4th episode was by far the best.

Thank God the producers avoided a trial based ending, and chose to deliver a brilliant antithesis between an otherwise happy day, and a constant inner battle within both parents. With flawless acting, this episode is an outstanding climax of a really well-shot mini series. Even the accent of the actors is addictive. Mr Graham is an amazing actor, hope we will get the chance to enjoy many more offerings by him, both in writing, and in playing. 10/10 for me, an episode that will grow to be as one of the best episodes in any series, of all time. Must watch for everyone.

This limited TV show is a masterpiece. It tells the story of a family left behind, trying to return to a normal life, but in reality, no one truly understands what they have been through.

The show challenges viewers to empathize with the fact that the suspect is just a child-not inherently guilty, yet everyone wonders what could have been done differently. The family lost their son in the worst possible way, but the story extends beyond them, reflecting the pain of any family who has lost a loved one.

There's a significant contrast between those who take lives and those who take away opportunities. The death of a young girl is different from a young boy being condemned to a life behind bars. The focus remains on the suspect's family, yet the boy is still alive-unchanged in some ways, yet forever marked.

It leaves everyone questioning... Who is the real victim here?

What shaped the young boy's future?

What should we, as parents, have done differently?

But while the boy remains alive and might one day reintegrate into society, the girl will never return. This reality weighs heavily on those left behind in the living world.

The show's cinematography is exceptional, using seamless one-take shots to present multiple perspectives. Unlike typical crime dramas that focus on law enforcement, lawyers, or victims, this show highlights the people surrounding the suspect-those directly impacted yet often overlooked.

Emotions are what make us human, but how we control them is just as fascinating. The story explores the emotional struggles of psychologists, institutions, detectives, parents, siblings, and even the victim's best friend.

The final episode feels like an acceptance of the boy's guilt-without scapegoats, only the reality that life must continue. This reinforces the idea that those still living are not ghosts; they must carry on.

Recommended for those who have complicated relationships with their parents, have lost children to tragedy, struggle with family distance due to work, feel lonely, or are dealing with the challenges of parenting, trauma, or relationship struggles. It may also resonate with therapists or those planning to become parents.

There is no escape or perfect way to handle these situations. Sin cannot be justified, but we are not them. We can still save ourselves by recognizing our emotions and staying true to our inner selves.

You need to protect yourself.

Detectives, lawyers, nurses, and psychologists all deal with emotions professionally, but they are also human-mothers, fathers, someone's daughter or son. Losing control has consequences that ripple outward, reminding us how to live with the weight of tragedy. Themes and perspectives explored in the show.

Fathers: Regret and self-doubt.

They struggle to hide their true feelings behind daily smiles, yet their pain is undeniable. The importance of allowing time to confront unresolved emotions is deeply explored.

Mothers: A quieter kind of grief.

She may not outwardly struggle as much as the father, but it doesn't mean she suffers less. It's about survival, about holding the family together. A simple question-"Want a cup of tea?"-becomes a powerful moment of moving forward.

The sister: Strength and independence.

Teenagers today are overwhelmed with information, making it crucial to filter and absorb knowledge without being brainwashed. The difference between her and her brother is that she holds onto her core identity without external influence.

Detectives and lawyers: A professional front. A male detective, who is also a father, manages to remain highly professional while coping with emotions. They are human too, but they have learned how to set boundaries. The show demonstrates that emotional control is a skill that can be learned, not an impossibility.

Teachers and grieving friends: Supporting students in crisis is complex, as each child copes differently. Giving up on them means giving up on the core belief of education-to guide and support.

The psychologist and the suspect boy: This dynamic is deeply layered, focusing on boundaries, control, manipulation, skepticism, gender stereotypes, and fear. One entire episode is dedicated solely to their session, without explanation-because the scene itself provides the clearest insight into his motives. They fear each other, struggle to protect their core selves, and are shaped by their families' influence.

Stephen graham. An incredible actor, I love him, good job mate. (Also check out the movie BOILING POINT), that's a great one too. This fourth episode is the best one in the miniseries. Raw naturalistic and engaging. NO complaints from me except the word nonce was a poor choice of words, if the hooligans spray painted 'MURDERERS' then this episode as a piece of work could be isolated from the rest of the miniseries and be a short film. Those words Nonce are only understood as passing remarks and not actual accusations because we've watched the rest of the episodes, as a stand alone project this episode would make you think the dad did something wrong maybe? The word being MURDERERS would have raised questions to first time viewers that would have been answered throughout the episode when the son(who's in custody) reveals he will plead guilty. That would have been the question answered and made this a stand alone episode. Aside from that, perfect 10/10.

I thoroughly enjoyed the series. Many aspects of it came very close to home for me. I was enthralled by the acting, especially the young boy, who had never acted before. I did struggle a bit with a thick British accents, and was unable to understand some of what they said, but I pieced it together.

I was so impressed by the cinematography, and how the Director and the cameraman circled the room during the psychologist seen and how it followed everyone as they walked around the police station and the school and other locations.

What was the graffiti that was written on the father's truck? I couldn't make it out.