Il ladro, sua moglie e la canoa

I didn't really expect to be watching this series on ITV, but as I'm from Hartlepool I just had to take a look. I was happily surprised, mainly because of Eddie Marsan's performance is outstanding.

He is both endearing, manipulative and a delusionalist.

Endearing because of his smooth tongue. Manipulative in his seduction of his wife and a delusionalist for thinking he could get away with any of it.

Yes, it's true, this is not Seaton Carew, but the usual state of affairs for films telling you they are somewhere they are not.

As for the goof of the accent being from 25+ miles up the coast, that is totally wrong. The two stars have a very good Hartlepool accent. It isn't Geordie by a long stretch.

To get there you have to go through a few coastal territories, with what are called the 'Pit Yackers' of the old mining villages of Horden and Easington. Then we hit Sunderland, with the Mackems (famous for the Netflix series 'Sunderland Till I Die') and then, finally we get to Newcastle, home of the Geordie. For communities so close, geographically speaking, there is such a rich diversity of dialect.

So in this review, let's hear some praise for the dialect coach! They have done a great job here.

Beyond that, yes you know the outcome, but the journey is so rich, you will love the story, the characters and the performances of the lead talent.

If this had been fiction it would have been written off as ridiculous.

The fact that it is true makes it even more unbelievable.

It is hard to imagine what was going through John Darwin's mind to think he could get away with it, although he was ably assisted by such institutions as the passport applications and coroner's offices.

Top performances by Monica Dolan and Eddie Marsan.

It was hard to keep a straight face when Karl Pilkington was on screen.

This four part show had me and the Mrs gripped. I'm surprised by the lack of reviews for it but honestly everyone should watch this, great story, great musical story telling, great acting from the two mains.

Honestly give it watch.

New four part series based on the bizarre disappearance of John Darwin who faked his own death to escape his creditors.

Written by Chris Lang who created the brilliant 'Unforgotten' I had high hopes for this and wasn't disappointed. Both leads Monica Dolan and Eddie Marsan were outstanding, production values were high and the script was inch perfect. The jaunty score was lovely and set the tone beautifully.

Really enjoyed this series from start to finish, a quality TV drama in all respects, well done to all those involved in the making of it.

This man loves himself doesn't he.

Eddie Marsan, who I love from Ray Donovan Etc, completely transforms as Darwin, and if you see any of the real John's interviews, he gets his personality off to a tee. He's horrible John Darwin, but he does it all with a smile. He seems so ignorant to everyone's feelings and he jokes in the most innapropriate of times. Mark Stanley impresses much more than when I last saw him in Trigger Point.

I really enjoyed this series though. It didn't drag on. And as I seemed to have missed this news story when it originally broke I was intrigued to see how it all would pan out.