The Sixth Commandment

I didn’t want to watch “Best Interests” because it was about parents of a seriously ill child; so many opportunities for sentimental indulgence, empty rage. But then I read the reviews, and realised this was four hours of superb drama I’d be crazy to miss.

The same applied to “The Sixth Commandment.” Serial killer who gets close to vulnerable elderly peple, and then tries to kill them? No, not my scene, thanks. But then I read the reviews.(How lucky we are to have catch-up). Of course. It’s not about what it’s about, it’s about how it’s done.

And this is done by Sara Phelps, who achieved the impossible by getting me to show an interest in something by Agatha Christie. She’s very thoughtful, very clever, and her dramas have the distinguishing mark of dramatic quality - they take each of the characters seriously, show hat’s happening and how they’re thinking and feeling, rather than focussing on the only one that counts. If you don’t believe me, fine. that’s what catch-up is for. Check it out for yourself.