The Bombing of Pan Am 103

The small Scottish community of Lockerbie was rocked when a Pan Am flight carrying over 250 passengers crashed into a housing estate; all on board the flight were killed, as well as a number of locals. This details the subsequent investigation and the relentless fight for justice.

I worry about docudramas from the BBC these days; they have a habit of focusing on things other than the story. Credit where it's due, though; in this instance, it tells the story very well. As an eight-year-old, I remember watching the news, with Michael Buerk announcing the disaster on the BBC; it was harrowing. It's a shocking story, one that will never be forgotten. When the name Lockerbie is mentioned, the crash is remembered.

It's sensitively handled; I felt they managed it all with a degree of respect. At no time did they opt to sensationalise or over-dramatise it. If I had one criticism, I felt it could have been cut down to four or five episodes. Very well made, with some great visuals and on-point period details.

I thought Connor Swindells was particularly good; he's terrific from start to finish. Peter Mullan and Tony Curran were also excellent.

8/10.

This is what the BBC does so well. Not over dramatised, but based on good research and faithful to the events.

I've given 7/10 until I see more but with just episode 1, I am blown away by the preparation, scene setting, extras, props.

Initially disappointed with the representation of 1988 like it was the 60s or 70s! I remember that year and the UK was much more power dressing and double breasted jackets... Though maybe not in Lockerbie, tbf.

Acting and script is a bit patchy, but there are some great actors to carry this off, albeit with some sketchy US accents.

Lastly, to reflect on the event itself. What a dreadful thing to do. So much terror, and for what. The btards. It's a testament to this tragedy that we are reconstructing it nearly 40 years later.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first two episodes of this miniseries. The attention to detail, from the set design to the wardrobe, and especially the acting, is truly impressive. The performances feel authentic and grounded, which helps convey the emotional weight of the story. While it's understandable that those with a deeper connection to the tragedy or more knowledge of the facts may notice certain inaccuracies or dramatizations, it's important to view this as a dramatized retelling, not a documentary. Given the passage of time and the nature of television storytelling, some creative liberties are expected. That said, the series treats the subject matter with a great deal of care and sensitivity. It manages to be both informative and emotionally resonant, drawing viewers in without sensationalizing the events. So far, it strikes a thoughtful balance between drama and respect, and I look forward to seeing how the rest of the story unfolds.

It's been said this has strayed from the train of events somewhat, and may even have factual inaccuracies. Maybe so. However, I feel it has captured the essence of this awful tragedy - with a strong cast, well-written screenplay and thoughtful direction. I would like to know what the people of Lockerbie thought of it, as well as those (still with us) who were involved in the aftermath of the disaster - police, FBI, forensic experts and other professionals - as well as families of the victims. Arguably it might bring back memories which many would best not wish to have resurrected, but these views would surely be authentic.

A few reviewers have given dreadful scores because it's unrealistic. I have an imagination so I can imagine what it would be like to be the first on the scene. These people are complaining there's not enough bodies! I mean come on, we don't need to see that. We can all imagine what 270 deaths would look like! I would imagine that the response would be coordinated initially from Glasgow. Another reviewer thought that there should be more emphasis on local responders. My response to that would be that they should make their own dramatisation with the focus on local responders. Oh and while they are at it make it a gory, rather than a sensitive drama respecting the dead and bereaved.

I live exactly on the flight path probably one more minute into the flight. This could have been us. It could have been a lot of places.

So far so good. It's not over dramatised. It's a sensitive portrayal of actual events.