The BBC true crime drama The Sixth Commandment has been described as 'harrowing' and 'the best television drama' due to its 'faultless acting' and 'perfect script', making it essential viewing for fans of Broadchurch. The four-part series, which premiered on BBC One in July 2023, is based on real-life events and has earned a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Story of Manipulation and Murder
The drama focuses on the manipulation and murder of elderly pensioner Peter Farquhar by PhD student Ben Field, and the death of his neighbour Ann Moore-Martin, in the Buckinghamshire village of Maids Moreton. Peter worked as a novelist and English lecturer, while Ann was a retired school headteacher. Field targeted both for their wealth, gaslighting them into believing they were losing their minds to profit from altered wills.
The series 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, and Ben Bailey Smith. Written by Sarah Phelps and directed by Saul Dibb, the drama continues to be highly regarded.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
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.' One viewer shared: 'The best thing I have watched on television. Faultless acting, perfect script and completely enthralling. What an achievement.'
Another critic remarked: 'This show is so harrowing it borders on unwatchable. It also might well be the best television drama of the year.' One wrote: '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.'
Where to Watch
The Sixth Commandment is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
