Deceit

Beautifully shot, terrific performances and a script that sizzles with a mix of verbatim and written dialogue, this outstanding drama is a world away from most British true crime. It feels like a reinvention of the genre and is a truly compelling watch. Sion Daniel Young turns in a superb performance as Stagg and we feel every ounce of his suffering as he's targeted by the unstoppable Niamh Algar as Lizzie James. Eddie Marsan is gently terrifying as the criminal psychologist out of his depth. I've never seen anything quite like this before. An absolute 10/10.

Recently, I came across an intriguing mini-series titled "Deceit," comprising four riveting episodes. The narrative unfolds around a dedicated policewoman tasked with infiltrating criminal organizations. As she becomes entangled in the complex case of a murderer linked to a suspect, the storyline takes unexpected turns, introducing a myriad of challenges.

What sets this series apart is its clever incorporation of a police psychologist, adding a unique dimension to the investigative process. "Deceit" is a 2021 American production that skillfully explores the intricacies of crime and the efforts to unravel deception.

The series not only delves into the criminal underworld but also presents a satirical take on the involvement of a psychological perspective in police work. Its 2021 release reflects a contemporary approach to storytelling, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Considering it's based on a true story I think the writers did a good job of squeezing as much drama as possible from the events.

But it's not perfect. There are some very slow moments and overall it might have fitted one less episode better.

Having said that, it is quite compelling and most of the lead actors were excellent.

A four part series based on the tragic and brutal killing of Rachel Nickell back in 1992.

This is a dark, gritty, unforgiving drama, 4 relentless episodes that give you the horror of the crime from the point of view of the undercover Officer, it will unnerve you, it will upset you, at times it will shock you.

Parts one and two are excellent, parts three and four take it up yet another notch.

The production values are terrific, they really do capture 1992, not just the visuals, but the mood and atmosphere, the accompanying music is first rate, it adds to the story, they play some great tunes too.

I thought the acting was fabulous, Niamh Algar is the absolute standout, Treadaway and Marsan are great too.

Excellent drama, 9/10.

A moving and quite heartbreaking account of a special police unit, set up to ensnare their number one suspect of a grisly murder. But is their suspect the right man? What follows is a psychological game of cat & mouse, that ends with devastating consequences.

Based on true life events, it works well as an insight into how, even when we truly believe something to be so, that it doesn't always mean that it is.