The BBC true crime drama The Sixth Commandment has been described as 'harrowing' and 'the best television drama' owing to its 'faultless acting' and 'perfect script', making it essential viewing for Broadchurch fans. The four-episode series premiered on BBC One in July 2023 and chronicles the real-life exploitation and killing of elderly pensioner Peter Farquhar by PhD student Ben Field, alongside the death of his neighbour Ann Moore-Martin, in the Buckinghamshire village of Maids Moreton.
Star-Studded Cast and Critical Acclaim
The production features Timothy Spall as Peter Farquhar, Anne Reid as Ann Moore-Martin, and Éanna Hardwicke as Ben Field. The supporting cast includes Sheila Hancock, Annabel Scholey, Ben Bailey Smith and others. Written by Sarah Phelps and directed by Saul Dibb, the series has achieved an impressive 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
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 agreed: '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.'
Audience and Critic Praise
A third critic commented: '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.' While a fourth noted: 'This show is so harrowing it borders on unwatchable. It also might well be the best television drama of the year.'
Another observed: 'This was outstanding drama on every front. Phelps set a delicate, mournful tone from the off, which the brilliant Reid and Spall built on as only they can. Best of all, the entire drama allowed the victims their dignity.' Viewers were equally enthusiastic, with one simply adding: 'The best thing I have watched on television. Faultless acting, perfect script and completely enthralling. What an achievement.'
Where to Watch
The Sixth Commandment is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
