This drama is based on the novel by Nicci French.Having read the book i hoped that they would be true to the story,and they were. David Tennant was absolutely chilling as the creepy,but handsome and charismatic Brendan Block.A total departure from Doctor Who.There is none of his quirkiness in this drama.Brendan Block is EVIL.This i would say is one of David Tennant's best roles to date. Kate Ashfield as Miranda Cotton is brilliant too.Her portrayal as the heroine who refuses to give up,until she nails Block was fantastic. Claire Goose put in a very good performance as Kerry (miranda's sister,and one of Block's victims) Miranda meets Brendan,and after a torrid ten day relationship,finishes with him,after she catches him reading her diary,and rifling through her belongings. He can't accept this,and sets out to take revenge on her,and basically ruin her life,starting with Kerry. The drama continues to hold you,until the very end scene. Will Miranda stop him,or will Brendan ruin her life,and threaten her friendships,relationships,and very sanity. A totally absorbing drama to the end. From the same director of the recent excellent drama See No Evil.
Reviews
3 Reviews
A FIRST CLASS drama.
21 May 2006
I assumed this drama would be just another glorification of the moors murders,however i was wrong. This was portrayed in a sensitive and yet compelling way.The acting from all concerned was faultless. Maxine Peake was amazing,so different from her usual acting in shameless etc.Her portrayal of Myra Hindley was chilling. Sean Harris (creep) was fantastic as Ian Brady.His accent was rather poor,but he deserves an award for his portrayal of Brady. Joanne Frogatt (formerly in Coronation Street,Bad Girls,and most recently The Street.)simply shone as Maureen Smith (Myra's tragic innocent,and somewhat naive sister) Newcomer Michael McNulty was amazing as David Smith.He really made this role his own.He was very convincing in the part. In fact all the other actors,including George Costigan (Rita,Sue,and Bob, The Hawk) were outstanding. Thankfully we were spared the gory details of the horrific murders,but the photographs of the victims were bad enough. There will be some who will argue that this should never have been made,let alone shown,but it was made with the families' backing. This poignant,sensitive,thought provoking and well made drama truly deserves a Bafta award.A gem of a drama,in a schedule full of reality shows and rubbish.
River City
(2002– )
First Realistically portrayed Scottish Soap
9 May 2006
As a Scottish person ,I have to agree that River City has improved so much since it began.It shows us as the normal living people of Scotland,unlike a previous Scottish soap,who showed us all as haggis loving,kilt wearing highland dwellers.That is a total myth. The current story lines are brilliant,but why no mention of the gorgeous sexy lawyer Gerry McGrade in the cast list.He is very much a central character.John Paul McGilvray plays him well. The acting is good,but sometimes the Scottish dialogue can be a little rough and ready(lots of Glaswegians speak with a clear accent) I hope river city doesn't get cancelled,as it is gritty and gripping.
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