Not just a TV show... it’s families’ nightmare
WE are a nation transfixed by crime and cop dramas.
And in recent years there has been a growing frenzy for real-life crime series, often based on events from the recent past.
Shows about the abduction of Shannon Matthews, the abuse of girls in Rochdale, the shooting of little Rhys Jones have horrified and haunted in equal measure.
But as producers go in search of artistic challenges (or more likely ratings and industry awards) there now appears to be an unseemly scramble to bag a human
tragedy then turn it into telly. And, most likely, millions of us will watch this show about Milly Dowler’s killer, the vile, evil braggart Levi Bellfield.
But this is NOT “good telly”. It is an unending nightmare for the victims’ families which stalks their entire lives and will always do so. That is what Martin Clunes needs to realise.
Furthermore he needs to understand that becoming a TV star in any form is a dream come true for famehungry no-hoper Bellfield.
For this may be just another crime drama for the cast and production crew. And it may be uncomfortable yet fairly forgettable for viewers.
But none of us should ever forget that for the families of all Bellfield’s victims it is a terrible tragedy they must live with every day.