Channel 4's brand new five-part suburban thriller Tip Toe has left viewers stunned with its graphic opening scene. The drama, created by It's A Sin creator and Doctor Who screenwriter Russell T Davies, stars David Morrissey and Alan Cumming.
A Disturbing Beginning
The series opens with a harrowing image of Leo's deceased body hanging from a lamppost, prompting immediate reactions on social media. One viewer described it as "beyond frightening for the opening scene," while another exclaimed, "F*** me, that's an opening scene." A third noted, "There's only one way this could begin. And that's at the end."
Plot and Performances
After 15 years of peaceful cohabitation, neighbours Clive (Morrissey), an electrician, and Leo (Cumming), a gay bar owner, become dangerous enemies when Clive's deeply ingrained prejudiced convictions emerge. Cumming described the drama as "overwhelming and brutal" during an appearance on ITV's This Morning, adding, "It's about the way that violence and hatred are sort of normalised so much in our culture nowadays. It's hopefully a wake-up call for everybody."
Audience Reactions
Despite the hard-hitting introduction, viewers expressed enthusiasm for the series. One commented, "Good start, the tension is already simmering," while another predicted, "Looks like Russell T Davies will have another hit on his hands."
Inspiration Behind the Story
Although Tip Toe is not based on actual events, Davies drew inspiration from his own experiences and those of friends. He told HuffPost UK: "Things happened both at work and at home that made me think 'that's enough'. If this anger, this violence and these lies are getting close to my life – I'm in a very privileged position – then for those who are not so well off, this must be really bad."
Davies continued: "I think it's a crisis happening day after day – and it's anyone. Everyone's being weaponised against each other. You could make a Jewish version of this drama, you could make a disabled version, women could make this drama. I see straight white men who could make this drama, feeling marginalised. It's the temperature of the dialogue and the argument – all driven by our phones – that's alarming me greatly."
Where to Watch
Tip Toe is available to watch on Channel 4.
