The BBC crime drama The Sixth Commandment, based on harrowing true events, has been hailed as "faultless" and "the best television drama," making it essential viewing for fans of Broadchurch. The four-part series, which aired on BBC One in July 2023, stars Timothy Spall and Anne Reid and focuses on the real-life manipulation and murder of elderly pensioner Peter Farquhar by PhD student Ben Field in the Buckinghamshire village of Maids Moreton.
True Story Behind the Drama
Peter Farquhar was a novelist and English lecturer, while his neighbor Ann Moore-Martin was a retired school headteacher. Ben Field preyed on both for their wealth, gaslighting them into believing they were losing their minds to profit from altered wills. The drama recounts these chilling events with a delicate yet gripping approach.
Written by Sarah Phelps and directed by Saul Dibb, the series features a stellar cast including 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.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
The Sixth Commandment has earned an impressive 90% on the review-aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, with both critics and audiences praising its acting, script, and emotional depth. One critic noted: "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."
Viewers have been equally enthusiastic, with one stating: "The best thing I have watched on television. Faultless acting, perfect script and completely enthralling. What an achievement." Another described it as "so harrowing it borders on unwatchable. It also might well be the best television drama of the year."
Why Broadchurch Fans Will Love It
Like Broadchurch, The Sixth Commandment delves into the psychological impact of crime on a small community, with strong performances and a gripping narrative. The series is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer, offering a perfect binge-watch for those who appreciate top-tier British crime drama.
