This drama is based on a true story; how Wales' first serial killer was finally identified almost 30 years later. Both of the real life detectives (Paul Bethell and Phil Rees) worked with the writers and producers of the show as did the families of the murder victims. The third detective in 2002 (Gariant Bale) is played by the nephew of the real life detective.
I wanted to see this drama for several reasons. Firstly I thought Manhunt by the same writer, Ed Whitmore handled the real life cases with considerable sensitivity. Secondly, I've enjoyed seeing Philip Glenister in various dramas. All the cast and crew are Welsh with the exception of Phil whose mother is Welsh.
The story flashes back and forth between 1973 and 2002. The 70s were very well evoked in the show. (I was a teenager then, only 1 year older than the murdered girls). A few people online complained they found the flashbacks confusing but I never did even though they aren't labelled. For the lead characters, their younger versions are very well cast and quite believable. Although the show is a bit slow moving at first, I found it drew me in.
It is not gory (the actual murders are not shown.) I thought it handled the true crime aspect with sensitivity and unlike some shows; it didn't sensationalize either the crimes or the perpetrator. To me, the care and sensitivity the writer and the producers took in bringing this story was evident.
Trigger warning: there is some discussion around the forensic evidence resulting from rape and a victim who was raped recounts her story (not in a graphic way).
The story line closely follows the real life events in both investigations. Unlike some dramas, it shows the amount of work the police do and is more realistic in how this process unfolds with the sharp contrast between 1973 and 2002. One character (Sita) is fictionalized, she represents various friends of the real life girls.
As a parent who lost a child myself, I was especially struck by the realism of its depiction of parental grief. Some of the scenes are heartbreaking but beautifully done. .
Although Philip Glenister is playing a policeman again (his most famous role being Gene Hunt, a fictional policeman), this character is very different. He effectively conveys Paul Bethell's determination and tenacity in finding the killer and his sensitivity with the families.
Recommend.
I wanted to see this drama for several reasons. Firstly I thought Manhunt by the same writer, Ed Whitmore handled the real life cases with considerable sensitivity. Secondly, I've enjoyed seeing Philip Glenister in various dramas. All the cast and crew are Welsh with the exception of Phil whose mother is Welsh.
The story flashes back and forth between 1973 and 2002. The 70s were very well evoked in the show. (I was a teenager then, only 1 year older than the murdered girls). A few people online complained they found the flashbacks confusing but I never did even though they aren't labelled. For the lead characters, their younger versions are very well cast and quite believable. Although the show is a bit slow moving at first, I found it drew me in.
It is not gory (the actual murders are not shown.) I thought it handled the true crime aspect with sensitivity and unlike some shows; it didn't sensationalize either the crimes or the perpetrator. To me, the care and sensitivity the writer and the producers took in bringing this story was evident.
Trigger warning: there is some discussion around the forensic evidence resulting from rape and a victim who was raped recounts her story (not in a graphic way).
The story line closely follows the real life events in both investigations. Unlike some dramas, it shows the amount of work the police do and is more realistic in how this process unfolds with the sharp contrast between 1973 and 2002. One character (Sita) is fictionalized, she represents various friends of the real life girls.
As a parent who lost a child myself, I was especially struck by the realism of its depiction of parental grief. Some of the scenes are heartbreaking but beautifully done. .
Although Philip Glenister is playing a policeman again (his most famous role being Gene Hunt, a fictional policeman), this character is very different. He effectively conveys Paul Bethell's determination and tenacity in finding the killer and his sensitivity with the families.
Recommend.