UNFORGIVABLE - Thur 24/7 bbc 2 - 9pm - TV PACE NO SPOILERS

[Blondeshavemorefun]

Very weird This in on bbc 2 not one. Maybe due to sport ?

Sure many will miss it

The series, titled Unforgivable (https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/jimmy-mcgovern-bbc-drama-anna-friel-anna-maxwell-martin-newsupdate/), is said to explore the impact of grooming and sexual abuse on one family, and the images give us glimpses of stars including Anna Friel (Marcella), Anna Maxwell Martin (Line of Duty (https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/line-of-duty-cast/)), Bobby Schofield (SAS Rogue Heroes (https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/sas-rogue-heroes-season-3-release-date/)) and David Threlfall (Nightsleeper (https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/nightsleeper-season-2-release-date/)) in character.

The drama is set and filmed in Liverpool, and centres around the Mitchell family, who are dealing with the devastating aftermath of an act of abuse perpetrated by a member of their own family.

The synopsis for Unforgivable says: "Having served his prison sentence, Joe (Schofield) arrives at St Maura's, an institution which offers him a home and rehabilitation after his release.

With the support of Katherine (Martin), an ex-nun, Joe undertakes therapy sessions in the hope of understanding what led him to commit the abuse and to face up to the consequences.

Simultaneously, his sister, Anna (Friel), is dealing with the enormous impact that Joe's crime has had on her family - her sons, Tom (Austin Haynes) and Peter (Fin McParland), and her father, Brian (Threlfall).

The drama examines the extensive ripple effect of abuse from multiple perspectives and how those involved can try to move forwards in the midst of the devastation."

The series also stars Mark Womack (The Responder), Paddy Rowan (This Town) and Phina Oruche (Magpie Murders (https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/moonflower-murders-cast/)) in supporting roles.

Beyond Time, McGovern has also been known for creating shows including The Street, Moving On, Accused, Banished and Broken.

I thought the contrast between the support offered to the abuser and the victim was interesting. It’s society’s interest to try to avoid reoffending but it’s so unfair that victims are left just to suffer. I found Tom’s mum’s meeting with the Head intriguing. I work in a school and know my colleagues and I would do anything for our students but I can totally believe that some people in SLT would try to offload a student who wasn’t good for their stats. It’s a really good observation from JM and reflects the shitty state of education in 21st century Britain.

I thought it was cleverly nuanced.

Sammy pointing out to Joe that he hasn’t abused - so Joe couldn’t escape responsibility that way.
Joe playing the victim and then thinking about actually being the victim - so he seized on that as the entire reason for his actions - therefore all those months and years of therapy in prison etc were meaningless .

And the abuser getting all the therapy and the victim none.
like with DV.

and the father not getting it

I have found this really difficult but compelling to watch. My brother is in prison for sexual offences and I don’t think I will ever forgive him or speak to him again so the empathy with Anna was very strong. The ramifications for my mum and my wider family have been huge and long lasting. I love Anna Friel and think she did a fantastic job of portraying emotions many of which I share.

I don’t think Tom had compassion for Joe as a victim. I think this is another nuance - being abused by a family member doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t still love that family member - that’s why it is so complex and such a massive and huge betrayal of trust.

Down to jimmys excellent writing means we have different views of the ending