The BBC true crime drama 'The Sixth Commandment', starring Timothy Spall, is currently streaming for free on BBC iPlayer and has been hailed by viewers as the 'best thing' they have watched on television.
Based on a Chilling True Story
Shot in and around Bristol, the series 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 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', as reported by the Bucks Herald.
Viewer Acclaim and Critical Praise
Audiences have flocked to review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes to share their verdicts. One viewer declared it 'the best thing I have watched on television', adding: 'Faultless acting, perfect script and completely enthralling. What an achievement.' Another fan hailed it 'the best drama for some time', praising the 'wonderful acting; unbelievable directing; superb writing'. 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.'
Production and Locations
Filming locations include the Blaise Estate, Flax Bourton Mortuary, South Bristol Crematorium, Circomedia on Portland Square, and street scenes in Westbury on Trym. Further scenes were captured in and around Bath, Clevedon and Keynsham. The production was supported by members of both Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin's families.
The Sixth Commandment chronicles how the encounter between inspirational teacher Peter Farquhar and charismatic student Ben Field 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 revealed a series of disturbing revelations.
