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Was I the only person who thought that Des was absolutely terrible.

31 replies

TotallyObsessed4 · 19/09/2020 05:48

Let’s me start by saying that David Tennent is probably THE best actor of current times and Jason Watkins is not far behind him so this has nothing to do with the acting (although I do debate, whether the performances where as good as everyone said it was and there is no way David deserves the BAFTA for it, as it was nowhere near his best; that is likely to always be Doctor Who ). I just thought it was in completely bad taste. They literally sensationalised the event that the characters claimed not to sensationalise.

Especially when I see on people on Twitter writing things like “#Des is getting me so excited, can’t wait for tomorrow’s episode” or “I love the cinematography of #des it’s so dark and chilling” and “ The writers have really done such a good job creating such a dark story”. 🤦🏼‍♀️ Everyone is actually aware of the fact that there are probably people still alive grieving the loss of there love ones: all because of this man. This shouldn’t be entertainment, peoples grief should not be entertainment and it definitely shouldn’t be seen as an exciting show that is fun to watch for entertainment. Can someone explain to me how this was sensitive because I really fail to see how it could be in any sense.

I would even be more forgiving if the case was actually interesting. For example White House Farm was completely tone deaf (sorry but whether you believe him or not, Jeremy Bamber still maintains his innocence and I don’t think it’s fair to paint him out to be a villain especially as there is a lot of evidence that back up his claims of innocence), but because it was an interesting case, I kind of forgave it on grounds of it being; to my shame; fascinating to watch. To me, The case of Dennis Nielsen it’s fairly straightforward, and yes of course the dog was going to be euthanised, it was (and probably still is) standard procedure for any animal involved in a situation like that for a number of reasons which I won’t go into. And of course he was going to plead not guilty as people often think that if they can get a charge of being mentally insane, they will get a lesser sentence (which is why a lot of people think that mental health should NOT Be taken into consideration in the eyes of the law). Other than that I felt it was a very straight forward case.

I can’t be the only person who thought this was absolute garbage, or am I missing something. Confused

OP posts:
Concretenotcement · 19/09/2020 05:55

I thought it was an amazing piece of television. Sensitivity done, portraying the people involved accurately..

Not sure what you wanted it to be...

Concretenotcement · 19/09/2020 05:58

‘I would be more forgiving if the case was actually interesting’

Really....

joystir59 · 19/09/2020 06:28

Interested in the reasons why it is normal to euthanise a dog in such situations

tattiehat · 19/09/2020 06:29

I really enjoyed it but I didn't know much about it beforehand

GetOffYourHighHorse · 19/09/2020 09:17

'I just thought it was in completely bad taste. They literally sensationalised the event that the characters claimed not to sensationalise.'

Totally agree op. Tennant played an uncommunicative, expressionless man. Not that much of a stretch acting wise. I didn't get past the first episode so maybe it improved, but it was dull and just focused on grim facts about what body parts were where. Gratuitous shite imo.

Kittytheteapot · 19/09/2020 09:27

Tennant played an uncommunicative, expressionless man.

I don't think he was uncommunicative, was he? Nielsen, and, through his portrayal, Tennant, I mean. From what I have read about Nielsen, he was the exact opposite of uncommunicative. He is described as a man who could spout on at irrelevant length to the point of boring people. ST portrayed that too, I thought.

That said, I agree I don't think it was DT's finest performance, but only because I have seen him in so many great roles. He was good, but I didn't quite lose sight of the fact I was watching DT, which some reviewers said they did.

And yes, OP, it did also occur to me that the whole series was a bit like reading the sensational reports in the press at the time. I was still gripped though. I guess in one respect Nielsen was correct: the public love sensationalism.

Kittytheteapot · 19/09/2020 09:28

ST should have said DT.

dayswithaY · 19/09/2020 12:31

People are fascinated by true crime so it's always going to be a ratings winner. I would prefer to watch this than some silly unrealistic pot boiler like Marcella or The Bay where you watch for six weeks and get a load of loose ends and a conclusion that doesn't match the plot line. Or no real ending at all to leave it open for a possible second series.

As for Jeremy Bamber - he has been found guilty so not sure why it's unfair to depict him as a murderer. I'm sure Bamber thinks he's innocent - most prisoners do, I'll bet Levi Bellfield also thinks he has been unfairly treated but no one complained when Martin Clunes starred in an ITV drama about him.

mum2jakie · 19/09/2020 13:16

Well, it's a drama about a real life murderer so it's going to feel pretty tasteless to those who were personally affected by the actual events.

I found it fascinating viewing and am someone who was criticised on here for saying I found the dramatisation of the Jeremy Bamber case over long.

This was interesting viewing if scary to hear how calmly 'Des' was able to recount his crimes. (And I watched part of the documentary afterwards that showed Dennis Nilson using those exact words.)

I found the acting and protrayal of DN brilliant and think any nominations or awards will be well deserved for an excellent cast.

TheFormerPorpentinaScamander · 19/09/2020 13:20

I'd give DT a BAFTA just for breathing so for that alone YABU. (And I know this isn't AIBU but whatever)

I thought it was brilliant and sensitively done. Like PPs have said there are loads of dramatisations of true crimes. Why would this be any more or less tasteless than them.

Ingridla · 19/09/2020 13:26

I disagree. I read the book as a teen when it hadn't been out long and I never forgot it.

They obviously waited until he died to serialise it as he'd have revelled in it. I think they kept very true to events. I don't understand the problem.

Redglitter · 19/09/2020 21:36

I don’t think it’s fair to paint him out to be a villain

What a weird comment

I think the fact a jury found him guilty if murdering his family means it is actually pretty fair to portray him accordingly

GetOffYourHighHorse · 20/09/2020 08:22

'PPs have said there are loads of dramatisations of true crimes. Why would this be any more or less tasteless than them.'

Yes of course however this one was just a one word Tennant and lots of talk about body parts.

I should maybe watch the other episodes tbh, maybe it moved on and how he managed to murder so many before being caught was explored.

Mrscaindingle · 20/09/2020 09:22

I think its a bit hypocritical to say that you found White House Farm "fascinating to watch" and then criticise others for thinking the same about this show.

MLMsuperfan · 22/09/2020 22:44

Loved this show

MazDazzle · 23/09/2020 23:56

I watched the series, but don’t understand the hype. Maybe it’s because I already knew about the events which it was based on. Other than growing his hair, it didn’t seem like much of a stretch for DT.

IntermittentParps · 24/09/2020 16:13

I think its a bit hypocritical to say that you found White House Farm "fascinating to watch" and then criticise others for thinking the same about this show.

Yes, I can't quite get past this either.

myhobbyisouting · 25/09/2020 16:56

"Straightforward case" Confused

It was anything but.

Kanaloa · 25/09/2020 17:26

I suppose the interesting part was how he got away with it for so long. Shows about murderers are only ever going to be so tasteful as it’s a pretty tasteless subject and there’s only so sensitive you can be.

I will say I wasn’t a fan of the actual show though. I watched the first half of episode one and just didn’t really get into it.

RuffleCrow · 25/09/2020 17:34

I don't watch anything murder related as I think someone, somewhere is probably watching it for tips and in a few years there'll be a dramatisation of their crimes. I don't think hiring an actor famous for his good looks and charisma is appropriate either - it just adds the glamour psychopaths crave.

30not13 · 25/09/2020 17:35

I felt it was a one hour programme not dragged out over 3 nights. It was rather boring sadly given it was true.

jessstan2 · 25/09/2020 17:55

I thought it was absolutely grim but the subject was grim so didn't expect it to be enjoyable. It was interesting and, as you say, well acted. Not something I would dwell on or watch again.

purplemunkey · 25/09/2020 18:03

I watched the first episode last night and couldn’t get past all the smoking. Everyone constantly had a fag in their hand. I’m now offended and I know it was normal to smoke in offices etc at the time, but it was such a conscious ‘thing’ to have them all smoking, all the time it was just odd and distracting.

purplemunkey · 25/09/2020 18:04

*not offended I meant

HollowTalk · 25/09/2020 18:06

@joystir59

Interested in the reasons why it is normal to euthanise a dog in such situations
Because it was suspected the dog had been eating human flesh.
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