The Sixth Commandment

Wow, wow and more wow.

You watch Timothy Spall in something and go...what a good performance...and then you watch this. Wow! It has award stamped all over it.

Anne Reid, who I think is one of the UK's much underrated actresses, shines like a supernova in her portrayal of Anne.

Éanna Hardwicke? Yes, I know. I haven't heard of him either. Wherever he's been hiding then this superb creepy, manipulating, hazy devil's portrayal is absolutely top notch and you should be seeing more of him no doubt.

The remainder of the cast put in fabulous performances in this four part excellently written and paced "true story".

You MUST watch this. This makes the Licence Fee top value.

A well done 4 parter, despite many omissions.

But I read that many things had to be omitted , just to fit into the allocated time. But surely even 1 line of dialogue would have sufficied instead of omission.

No mention of how the murderer got hold of psychotics, or why medics would not test for psychotics on first reports of symptoms.

The weakest part for me was the portrayal of the start of the fake relationship between the murder and first victim, quite not credible , although later parts of the script partly explain.

Unclear exactly how the murderer had some hold or influence over Martyn Smith.

One puzzling thing. What is the significance of the many shots of the clock tower, and tolling bell, in the last two episodes. Wasted moments maybe could have been used for wider dialogue about the omissions.

Strong performance by all the leads, and Éanna Hardwicke is positively creepy in this role, even down to the manufactured accent, which only slips in one few-seconds scene.

Marvellous to see Anne Reid, Timothy Spall, Sheila Hancock giving their all.

An excellent drama by the BBC. The acting was of a high standard and the script was respectful in favour of the victims. It was compelling viewing but difficult to watch at times and heartbreaking the way the victims were used and manipulated.

Although the drama does expose and show the chilling coldness and evil of the killer, it doesn't in any way glamorous him. Instead I felt it honoured the victims and gave them a voice, as well as providing an insight into how the families must have suffered. It also showed the diligence of one of the victim's families along with the police investigation to get justice.

Sadly this is based on a rather horrible case that viewers in the UK will almost certainly remember. Its written by Sarah Phelps, well known for her series of Agatha Christie adaptations on the BBC in recent years. It was made with the full permission of the victim's families.

Its a quietly effective and moving drama which is a sometimes difficult and uncomfortable watch. Very well-written and made.

The use of hand-held camera gave it a documentary feel at times. For me it was very much an actor led piece and this is its greatest strength. The three principals, Tim Spall, Anne Reid and Eanna Hardwicke all deliver big time with understated and nuanced performances.

One of the strongest UK dramas of 2023.

This is a brilliant film based on real events.

A couple of decent elderly people who are lonely are befriended by a young male who apparently uses his charms to get into their heads.

He uses his physical attributes in a way to benefit himself to the detriment of the victims.

It is a 4 part series and a excellent production and direction.

More or less every single one in this show gives a show stopping performance.

The way the story is presented is magnificent. The characters reveal their goodness, badness and evil.

Nuanced characterizations are so well done!

It is a lesson to us all about the extent to which someone can be so wicked:

9/10.