Each of the 4 episodes begins by telling the viewers that the Stevens were found guilty but maintain their innocence. So rather than build toward their trial's outcome--which we know in advance--the series focuses on the personalities of the Stevens and how they ended up in their situation.
It's a very interesting story but unfortunately marred by director Will Sharpe's apparent attempt to steal the show with his "creativity." The first scene of the series opens with the actors standing in place before we hear an off-screen voice cue the rain to begin falling and calling for action. It's unclear why Sharpe felt he had to demonstrate to his audience that they are watching a TV production. In a later episode, the actors--still in character--walk off a set, go past cameramen and crew, past several other backstage sets until they get to the proper set for the next scene. There are also several scenes depicting wild fantasy.
This type of storytelling might have enhanced a screwball comedy. But in a drama about a murder case, it seems grossly out of place, distracting, and serves no purpose other than to draw attention to the director.
Olivia Colman and David Thewlis are outstanding as the Stevens. They make the series well worth watching and deserving of a high rating. It's a shame Will Sharpe was so focused on forcing "style" on the production to try to steal the show from his great actors.
It's a very interesting story but unfortunately marred by director Will Sharpe's apparent attempt to steal the show with his "creativity." The first scene of the series opens with the actors standing in place before we hear an off-screen voice cue the rain to begin falling and calling for action. It's unclear why Sharpe felt he had to demonstrate to his audience that they are watching a TV production. In a later episode, the actors--still in character--walk off a set, go past cameramen and crew, past several other backstage sets until they get to the proper set for the next scene. There are also several scenes depicting wild fantasy.
This type of storytelling might have enhanced a screwball comedy. But in a drama about a murder case, it seems grossly out of place, distracting, and serves no purpose other than to draw attention to the director.
Olivia Colman and David Thewlis are outstanding as the Stevens. They make the series well worth watching and deserving of a high rating. It's a shame Will Sharpe was so focused on forcing "style" on the production to try to steal the show from his great actors.