The Hunt for Raoul Moat

As a working class Geordie myself this dramatisation felt authentic and realistic with a largely local cast. I'm happy to report that it didn't give a voice to Moat himself. Instead it focused on his toxic masculinity, his violent crimes, their impact and legacy and the race to capture him. Nor did it gloss over the errors made by the police.

I thought it was well written (by Kevin Sampson who also wrote the excellent 'Anne' last year) and produced and the cast was very good led by the always reliable Lee Ingleby.

Overall a strong and successful drama that is sadly timely with so many stories of domestic violence still featuring in our news every day.

For those of us outside the UK who've never heard of this story, I appreciate that the British seem to be able to convey the essence of this kind of crime without sensationalizing it. The acting was pretty solid and the pace was just right, apart from a few frantic camera shots that didn't add to anything except dizziness. What is clear here is that apart from the many victims (the ones shot and their families and friends), the other 'victim' is the empathy that all these social media/Facebook followers were lacking. However you feel about the police, the fact that psychopath (and he was a very damaged individual who made these choices) killed and maimed people and yet still was viewed by himself and his deluded 'fans' as a victim, is beyond comprehension. But sadly, this is far too commonplace these days and everyone wants to be a 'star' and be recognized, regardless of how or why. One has to despair of humanity that we have 'evolved' to this kind of mindless narcissism. This series at least tries to put some of that humanity back for the victims and show them the respect they deserved. Kudos to the whole production and shame on those who glorify killers of innocent people.

This could have been sensationalised to the max, but to the programme makers credit, it wasn't. I found it a well told, factually based drama, which whilst horrifying, was completely absorbing.

It shocked from the start by showing people at the place of Moats death a year on, idolising him, I found that one of the most shocking scenes of the entire mini series. What on earth made these people think he was a hero after what he'd done?

I've seen a few people complain about the accents, but as I'm not from the area, I can't say it bothered me in the slightest, and I found the acting throughout to be of a high standard.

Recently I've seen quite a few dramas that were too long, and that's my only slight criticism of this,but in the opposite direction, could have been longer, it felt a little rushed, I think another episode or two could have seen a bit more character development but overall, a job well done.

If the subject matter put you off watching it, I'd still suggest giving it a go. Recommended.

A well done compelling true story about one of the many abusive situations leading to deaths that occur everywhere. I would not have watched if it were in documentary format. 3 episodes was perfect - not dragged out into a long series of 6 or 8 episodes like so many shows are now.

As for Moat's idolaters they are of what I'm left to call a 'group' that revel in and honour sensationalism and horrific behaviors much of which is egged on by social media, at least IMHO. There was a definite place for them in showing it's not only the perpetrators that are ill or twisted. It's a larger portion of society than many, if not most, aren't aware exists.

I remember following this story, as someone who'd moved to north and been to certain areas it was a gripping story, moat himself was a strange mix of endless sad childhood stories mixed with the typical toxic masculinity from the gym/nightclub bouncer and pub scene, someone who doesn't take no for an answer and someone who very much believes in his own morale code which to most us awful.

I watched this and call I could think was what's the point? Other than lacking ideas and cashing in on a Story that ruined real people's lives. This added nothing that wasn't known, or you couldn't find out by easily googling it. The acting was average at best, very cheaply made cringe tv done for the wrong reasons.

There's nothing here remotely gripping, Rathband doesn't get enough focus and truthfully it's not that well done, it's basic paint by numbers stuff, I'd say there was probably a few tiny details that are new but nothing to warrant making this.

All this does is glamourise a monster and only useful thing was shining the light on the ignorant and stupid people who live online in social media land and comments sections who have very strong opinions based on nothing but rubbish they read online.