I was really excited about this series. The cast alone was reason enough to watch it and they didn't disappoint. However, there are problems which are hard to ignore. First of all, although this is an interesting and poignant subject, I felt that the events described were a little bit forced. The beginning title gives us the information that the author was inspired by two murders in his home town. As I continued to watch the series I came to the conclusion that these murders were not enough to plot a whole six episode mystery. The fact that the mystery was not at all mysterious was not helping the matters. In the end, the conclusion of the only thing we the viewers were really curious about was handled badly and that left a bitter taste. My second reservation is about the tone. I can't possibly fault the acting of these finest of actors but the way the scenario is written was sometimes too didactic. I never mind a bit of a history lesson in fiction and I am glad that I got to learn about these events through this series but some lines spoken in some situations sounded unrealistic, at least to me. I can see what the writer was trying to achieve but they should have trusted the wonderful cast to convey their message. Lesley Manville needn't say a word to tell a thousand pages, she can just do that by giving us a look. Same with David Morrissey.
In the end, I am glad I watched it but that's mostly thanks to the cast. I heard that there will be a second season and if that's the case, I urge the production to create something hundred percent fiction instead of trying to knit real life events together with the hope of forming a coherent and interesting plot line because that strategy being successful is once in a blue moon thing, as Morrissey's character said in the series. Still I recommend it, it is not bad, just a bit disappointing.
In the end, I am glad I watched it but that's mostly thanks to the cast. I heard that there will be a second season and if that's the case, I urge the production to create something hundred percent fiction instead of trying to knit real life events together with the hope of forming a coherent and interesting plot line because that strategy being successful is once in a blue moon thing, as Morrissey's character said in the series. Still I recommend it, it is not bad, just a bit disappointing.