Steeltown Murders

There can be no doubt that DNA has been a huge game changer in solving crimes. And in particular cold case crimes as shown in this four part true crime drama by the BBC.

The story evolves around the brutal murder and rape of three teenage girls in Port Talbort South Wales in 1973. With similarities to the hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper the only options were endless hours of door to door searches, index systems and eye witnesses and a hope that they somehow come up with a credible suspect. It's no wonder so many innocent people ended up in jail for crimes they didn't commit.

We move on 30 years and the still early days of DNA and the cold case detectives now can use samples to find matches in the DNA database, and before long a prime suspect emerges.

With nice attention to the 1970s it's a really interesting insight into how policing has changed over the last 30 years.

Despite a dodgy Welsh accent Phillip Glenister does a decent job as the lead detective to help put to rest a crime that many thought would never have been solved. 7/10.

I recently watched Steeltown Murders, the latest crime drama to hit our screens, and I have to say, I was hooked from the start. The plot immediately drew me in with its mysterious killings and interconnected web of secrets in a small, industrial town. The stellar cast, led by Sion Alun Davies, Steffan Rhodri, and Aneurin Barnard, delivered captivating performances that made the characters feel authentic. I appreciated how the show tackled important issues such as corruption, poverty, and neglecting marginalised communities, although, at times, the execution felt heavy-handed. The gloomy atmosphere of the town was captured perfectly through the cinematography and production design. However, the series' pacing was a drawback, with some episodes lacking the necessary momentum to maintain my interest. Despite its flaws, the emotional depth explored in Steeltown Murders resonated with me, leaving me with a lingering melancholy. Overall, this series is worth a watch for fans of the genre.

Writer Ed Whitmore has a couple of decades experience with crime stories, including penning many of the best episodes of 'Silent Witness'. The compelling Steeltown story seemlessly alternates between the original investigation in 1973 and the new investigations in the present.

It had resonances with 'Life on Mars' and shared a lead in Philip Glenister, who shines here along with the rest of an accomplished local cast. Above all it felt totally authentic.

Production values were excellent, it was beautifully directed and photographed by Marc Evans and Sam Thomas respectively, with some tremendous set piece scenes (The funeral - wow!). It had a very strong sense of period with fantastic attention to detail and a fine score by Sarah Warne.

One of the best UK dramas of 2023, highly recommended and hats off to all involved, it was obviously a labour of love created by a close team.

But here he gets the role he has been waiting for, and many chances to carry the production on his shoulders when needed. It is not for this reviewer to wonder why this was done as a series instead of a one-of? The fact remains that any shortcomings in the "action" are more than compensated for by the superb writing, acting, and direction. Give it a chance and you will get caught up. Stories about doing the right thing for the right reasons are so rare today, they should be cherished. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

DC Paul Bethel is part of a team investigating the murder of two young women, he tries to link a third woman, but his superiors block him, years later, with the advent of DNA testing, DCI Paul Bethel is given a lead.

This is a fantastic four part series from The BBC, being from the area myself I can confirm that this case did indeed cast a big shadow over the whole area.

I am a massive fan of writer Ed Whitmore, he has written some great dramas over the years, including the excellent Manhunt series, once again he gets the balance of fact and entertainment spot on.

Of course there are some dramatic changes, new characters etc, but the heart of the story is very much still here.

Production values are spot on, it looks fantastic, the music, sets, clothes and cars are all on point. There is one scene where my old haunt, The Top Rank on The Kingsway is recreated, again they got it spot on.

A super cast, Aneurin Barnard, Keith Allen and many others, Philip Glenister steals the show with a superb performance as Paul Bethel, at times it feels like we've got a real life Gene Hunt, less The Quattro.

9/10.