The series, starring Timothy Spall, is streaming free on BBC iPlayer and has been hailed as the “best thing” viewers have seen.
The series is based on a true story(Image: BBC)
A BBC true crime drama received the support of the victims’ families.
Fans of thrillers and true crime dramas are being urged to watch a gripping series currently streaming for free on BBC iPlayer.
Shot in and around Bristol, the show is based on the real-life murder of Peter Farquhar and the death of his neighbour Ann Moore-Martin.
The deeply distressing events unfolded in the Buckinghamshire village of Maids Moreton, with the series shining a light on the aftermath, including the police investigation and subsequent criminal trial.
Acclaimed acting veteran Timothy Spall takes on the role of Peter Farquhar, alongside Anne Reid as Ann Moore-Martin and Éanna Hardwicke as Ben Field.
The series in question is The Sixth Commandment, with Bristol locations including Blaise Estate, Flax Bourton Mortuary, South Bristol Crematorium, Circomedia on Portland Square – which will feature as one of the churches – and street scenes in Westbury on Trym.
Further scenes were captured in and around Bath, Clevedon and Keynsham, and the production was supported by members of both Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin’s families.
The four-part drama originally broadcast on BBC One in 2023 to “explore the death of Mr Farquhar and the gaslighting campaign of physical and mental abuse he was made to endure”, the Bucks Herald explained.
Audiences flocked to review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes to share their verdicts, with one viewer declaring it “the best thing I have watched on television”.
They added: “Faultless acting, perfect script and completely enthralling. What an achievement.” Another fan hailed it “the best drama for some time”, saying: “Wonderful acting; unbelievable directing; superb writing. For me it was faultless. I could not sleep after watching the first two episodes, I was so emotionally involved.”
They continued: “It takes quite a bit to get me like that. I often dislike things done by the BBC, but this was top drawer. Watch it!”
One enthusiast awarded the series a perfect five stars, stating: “Impossible to rate anything else. 100% A gripping plot, amazing acting and cast. Near perfect.”
The lead performances garnered particular acclaim, with one viewer commenting: “5 star acting for The Sixth Commandment, what awesome, fabulous, yet chilling acting from all actors, especially Timothy Spall.”
Another echoed the sentiment: “Fantastic acting in a show about incredible suffering and incredible evil.”
The Sixth Commandment chronicles how the encounter between inspirational teacher Peter Farquhar and charismatic student Ben Field (Éanna Hardwicke) laid the groundwork for one of the most intricate and baffling criminal cases in recent history, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
The drama also explores how concerns surrounding Field’s connection with Ann Moore-Martin, Peter’s devoutly religious neighbour, revealed a series of disturbing revelations.
The Sixth Commandment is on BBC iPlayer
