The Hunt for Raoul Moat

Why is it that true life crime is far more absorbing and watcheable than the contrived drama being turned out these days.

We have given up on three contemporary cop dramas in recent weeks, but this was far more interesting.

Watching the companion documentary that followed the conclusion of the three episodes, it is clear that the drama was very accurate. No creation of additional scenes or stories like The Gold a few weeks ago.

All those involved in the hunt never got the opportunity to find out what was really behind Moat's paranoia. It was probably embedded in his youth, but this never came out.

It was mentioned at the end that the true victims of this crime have been largely forgotten, and this is true. It should never be forgotten that this was an extremely dangerous man who felt he had nothing to lose. He was a cold blooded killer, you can't get away from that.

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.

It featured the continuous abuse of a young woman and the ignorance of police in paying scant attention to so-called "domestic situations" a demeanng term if ever there was one.

So very many women. All the time, every day ,are the victims of what I could call "domestic terrorism" by a toxic violent male.

Sam was only 16 years old when she met this monster who was 20 years older than her. A red flag of course. He behaved as if he owned her and their child and bullied her incessantly and went to prison for abusing their child. Even when he was in prison and a guard overheard him and reported it to the police the only response was *crickets*.

The manhunt itself was really well done, full marks for the tension and the pacing as it all unravels into the inevitable ending.

No holds barred on the police behaviour which was very good.

8 out of 10. Excellent for its calibre and only the British have the skill for this type of series.

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.

Raoul Moat is released from Prison, he shoots his ex partner Sam Stobbart, and shoots her new partner Christopher Brown dead, Sam has convinced Moat that her partner was a Policeman, prompting him to target The Police.

A very good three part series, it's a crime that I'm sure lives on for many, back in 2010 this story was huge, Moat was quite literally the moat wanted man in Britain.

The case highlighted several failings in the legal system, and highlighted the depths some journalists will sink to for a story.

Mark Stokoe is terrific as Moat, he looks like him, he adds a degree of menace too, he played the part well, very well supported by Lee Ingleby, Sonya Cassidy, Vineeta Rishi and several others.

Very well produced, they tied some original footage in very nicely, it looks great, the pacing is also a key success.

The one thing that I couldn't help but look at the whole way through, Sim's hair, she could well have stepped in from 1952, they could have toned it down a little.

There was one line that was white significant, people won't forget the name Raoul Moat, how true and incredibly sad is that. Learning the fate of that poor Policeman, that was upsetting to learn.

Very good series, 8/10.