User Reviews

In England, an accused man of murdering someone can avail himself of a person that might help him digest the legal terms used by the police, interrogating him, of things he might not understand. Usually the role goes to a social worker who has been trained to assist in such matters.

When Fred West, a man who has come to the police wishing to confess a crime about murdering a step daughter, is provided as part of the procedure with the 'appropriate adult' to help him navigate the process. Janet Leach, a single mother, living with a bipolar lover, is called to help with the interrogation. Fred confesses to the killing, but he finds in Janet a woman he can manipulate.

Nothing prepares Janet for what she is about to embark. She has not the actual experience, but she has taken the course, and she honestly believes she is ready to do the job she has been asked to perform. Fred realizes what an impressionable person Janet must be, since she has not been in any case before. He takes her into his confidence confessing how he has killed a few women who have long been in the missing person files of the local police. His modus operandi is to dispose of the victims by cutting them up and burying them in his backyard.

"Appropriate Adult" is a tense police drama directed by Julian Jarrod and written by Neil McKay. This two part crime mini-series, was highly praised by friends, but we had missed the original presentation. Having caught with it recently as the show was repeated, we were pleasantly surprised about the tremendous contribution it made to the genre.

The appearance of Emily Watson as Janet Leach was one of the highlights of the first installment. Ms. Watson makes a wonderful contribution in a role that shows her range as she must go through emotions she finds in the police station, as well as at home. Dominic West is terrific as the sadistic criminal confessing to heinous crimes. There is another excellent performance by Monica Dolan who plays Rose West, who has a lot at stake as her husband confesses to his crimes. Sylvestra Le Touzel makes a remarkable police detective Hazel Savage.