The Sixth Commandment is a four-part BBC One British true-life crime drama, written by Sarah Phelps and directed by Saul Dibb. Based on the murders of Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin, it stars Timothy Spall, Anne Reid, Sheila Hancock, Éanna Hardwicke, Annabel Scholey and Ben Bailey Smith. (Wikipedia)
S P O I L E R S
The Sixth Commandment is a thoroughly engrossing true-crime series which deserves top marks for a taut plot, sympathetic characterisations and engaging performances. Hardwicke is convincing as the sociopathic Ben Fields, a young clergyman in training who preys on the elderly. Fields meticulously plans out his gaslighting and manipulation of Peter Farquhar first, and after the death of Farquhar, moves on to Anne Moore-Martin.
Also prominent and critical to the case is Moore-Martin’s niece, Anne-Marie who is suspicious of Fields’ intention towards her aunt and is instrumental in alerting the authorities to Fields’ activities. Annabel Scholey positively imbues Anne-Marie with anxious paranoia and righteous anger, even though Field is acquitted on charges relating to Moore-Martin.
The Sixth Commandment interweaves religious beliefs and elderly abuse into the small English town setting. Over the course of the four instalments, Field is presented as an intelligent, cruel and resilient operator, a predator who exploits the loneliness of the elderly for ultimate financial gain. Field’s case is certainly a cautionary tale, not only for elders, but anyone who is gullible enough to believe in the intentions of con-men.
In the final analysis, The Sixth Commandment is worth binge-watching especially if you are a fan of true-crime drama. The premiere production quality extends pertaining to the writing and the directing. Highly recommended!
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