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.

The BBC and Netflix's The Bombing of Pan Am 103 embarks on a monumental task: to dramatise one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in British history with both forensic detail and unwavering respect. Over its six-episode run, the series proves to be a meticulous, if sometimes understated, chronicle of a truly global investigation.

It opens with a sober, painstaking reconstruction of the immediate aftermath in Lockerbie, quickly establishing the sheer scale of the tragedy and the quiet heroism of the local responders. While Ep 2 perhaps lingers a tad too long in the initial sifting, feeling more like an "investigative treadmill" than propulsive drama, the series finds its stride in subsequent episodes. It commendably delves into the gargantuan challenges of international coordination, showcasing the bureaucratic friction and the cultural clashes between the steadfast Scottish police, embodied by the wonderfully understated DS Ed McCusker (Connor Swindells), and the earnest but often impatient FBI, led by Agent Marquise (Patrick J. Adams).

The strength of The Bombing of Pan Am 103 lies in its unflinching commitment to procedural realism. It avoids sensationalism, opting instead for a detailed, almost documentary-like approach to how evidence was painstakingly gathered and connections were painstakingly made. This dedication means that while it is rarely a "thriller" in the traditional sense, its quiet build-up to the truth was often profoundly affecting.

The series excels in showing the human impact not just on the victims' families, but on the investigators themselves, highlighting the immense toll of such a long and complex pursuit of justice.

The finale, Ep 6, ultimately delivers a comprehensively satisfying wrap-up to the central criminal investigation, leading to a legal conclusion that, while clear, also acknowledged the messy realities of justice for an event of this scale. For viewers seeking a neat, emotionally cathartic bow, it might feel a touch restrained. However, for those appreciating its respectful, forensic approach, the series ends well, providing answers without presuming to erase the enduring pain.

In sum, The Bombing of Pan Am 103 is a commendable, if deliberately paced, drama. It might not set your pulse racing with every scene, but its integrity, strong performances, and detailed exposition of an unthinkable crime make it a significant and worthwhile watch.

Overall Series Rating: 7/10 (A respectful, detailed, and ultimately compelling true-crime drama that prioritises truth over theatricality.)

Why is this filmed in the dark?

This BBC version works hard to be different from the ITV version shown 4 months earlier. This version takes a different perspective, that of the investigation, which has drawn criticism from other reviewers. This may not mean much to those not in the UK, so look for the Lockerbie drama with Colin Firth.

It's hard to not compare the two especially as they are broadcast so close together. Both highlight how poor security was and leaves questions hanging.

It's a solid docudrama, let down by poor production and awful accents by some usually great actors. And sadly that's all that really matters.

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.

Well done to the bbc, they honestly suprised me so much with how well this series was, I couldn't wait to watch the next episode and the one after that. The acting was also superb , a huge round of applause to the director and how he successfully managed the series making it more than just a tv show.