The BBC crime drama The Sixth Commandment, featuring British acting legends Timothy Spall and Anne Reid, has been hailed as 'harrowing' and 'the best television drama' by critics and fans alike. The four-part series, which aired on BBC One in July 2023, is based on real events and has earned a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
True Crime Story
The drama centres on the manipulation and murder of elderly pensioner Peter Farquhar by PhD student Ben Field, and the death of Farquhar's neighbour Ann Moore-Martin, in the Buckinghamshire village of Maids Moreton. Farquhar was a novelist and English lecturer, while Moore-Martin was a retired school headteacher. Field targeted them for their money, gaslighting them to convince them they were losing their minds, hoping to benefit from their changed wills.
Cast and Crew
Timothy Spall portrays Peter Farquhar, Anne Reid plays Ann Moore-Martin, and Éanna Hardwicke takes on the role of Ben Field. The supporting cast includes Sheila Hancock, Annabel Scholey, and Ben Bailey Smith. The series was written by Sarah Phelps and directed by Saul Dibb.
Critical Acclaim
Critics have praised the drama's performances and script. One critic said: 'Despite the sadness it is also compulsively watchable. It is likely it would not reach such heights with a lesser actor than Spall in the central role of Farquhar.' Another added: 'An excellent miniseries that, in its quest to be as natural as possible when it comes to recounting somber events, manages to be even more moving than perhaps it initially intended.'
A third critic noted: 'With this calibre of stars and an exceptional supporting cast, Ben Field’s cold-hearted plots and manipulation are all the more shocking because we feel as though we know his victims so well - we’re personally involved.' A fourth wrote: 'This show is so harrowing it borders on unwatchable. It also might well be the best television drama of the year.'
Fan Reactions
Fans have also been enthusiastic. One said: 'The best thing I have watched on television. Faultless acting, perfect script and completely enthralling. What an achievement.' The Sixth Commandment is streaming now on BBC iPlayer.
