Anger over BBC’s mumbling Nazis
aFter infuriated audiences complained about actors mumbling in a string of BBC dramas, the broadcaster vowed to solve the problem.
But it seems little has changed, judging by their latest programme ss-GB.
Viewers who watched the first episode of the BBC1 history drama – which imagines Britain occupied by the Nazis if Germany had won the second World War – complained they could not understand what the characters were saying.
Many were forced to turn on the subtitles and the lead actor sam riley, who plays a scotland Yard detective, was even nicknamed the ‘hoarse whisperer’ on social media. the BBC also faced a ‘mumbling row’ over programmes including Jamaica Inn and Happy Valley.
after the first of five episodes of ss-GB on sunday, tV presenter richard Madeley wrote on twitter: ‘reallY looking forward 2 this – but can’t hear a Word of muffled dialogue! so tired of useless BBC drama sound. sort it out! It’s a combination of bad sound and breathy delivery by some of the cast.’
one viewer, louise Noble, has already given up on the show, writing on twitter: ‘Had to switch off #ssGB as sound is terrible. Couldn’t hear a word.’
another, James armstrong, wrote: ‘What we’ve learned from ss-GB is that, if the Nazis had successfully invaded Britain, everyone would whisper everything.’ and lyndon roberts said: ‘Had to put subtitles on despite it being in english. Is it the same sound person as Jamaica Inn?’
In april 2014, Jamaica Inn received nearly 2,200 complaints over mumbling, and lost two million viewers between the first and last episodes. the following month crime drama Quirke faced similar complaints.
last year viewers criticised Happy Valley, rillington Place, a drama about serial killer John Christie, and to Walk Invisible, about the Bronte sisters.
after the row over Happy Valley, BBC director-general tony Hall vowed to improve sound quality and ordered executives to ensure dialogue was clear on other shows.
reasons given by producers for the issues included suggesting modern flatscreen tVs have poor in build sound systems.
Commenting on ss-GB, the BBC said: ‘We take audibility seriously and will look at sound levels in time for the next episode.’
ss-GB, which is based on len deighton’s 1978 novel and sees the Nazi ss group controlling Britain, courted controversy even before it aired after publicity images showed swastikas hanging from Buckingham Palace.
last night the BBC said it has had fewer than 100 complaints about ss-GB.