The BBC's new adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic, 'A Christmas Carol,' has drawn fierce criticism for its dark and explicit content, including suggestions of child sexual abuse and a scene where Scrooge appears to proposition Tiny Tim's mother for sex in exchange for money for an operation.
The three-part series, written by 'Peaky Blinders' creator Steven Knight and starring Guy Pearce as Scrooge, aired its second episode on BBC One last night. Viewers expressed horror on social media, with many accusing the broadcaster of 'butchering' the beloved story and claiming Dickens would be 'turning in his grave.'
In the episode, Scrooge's past reveals his father leaving him alone with his headmaster over Christmas in exchange for waived school fees, with the headmaster implying a sexual relationship. Another scene shows Scrooge asking Mary Cratchit what she would do in return for money for Tiny Tim's operation, saying he likes to 'experiment with virtue and vice.'
The first episode had already sparked backlash for its use of strong language, including the F-bomb, and poor sound quality. Ratings dropped from a peak of 5.2 million to 4.2 million during the opening episode. Many viewers criticised the grim tone, gratuitous swearing, and mumbling actors.
Executive producers Tom Hardy and Ridley Scott have defended the production, but the public response has been largely negative. One viewer wrote: 'Terrible version of A Christmas Carol, why on earth the BBC needs to use such bad language is beyond me.' Another called it 'a stain on Christmas.'
