Manhunt viewers praise "sensitively portrayed" series
ITV aired its detective drama/true crime blend Manhunt on Sunday (January 6) and by and large, viewers thought it was "very sensitively done".
The three-part series retells the real-life murders committed by Levi Bellfield and how police came to arrest him for the murders of Milly Dowler and two other girls in 2004.
It stars Martin Clunes as senior investigating officer Colin Sutton and Sunday night's premiere began with the discovery of french student Amélie Delagrange's body in a park in Twickenham.
Clunes previously shared his belief with Digital Spy that the murder squad's investigation and the way it was conducted are "a story worth telling".
But, what did viewers think?
Related: Martin Clunes says ITV's controversial drama Manhunt is "a story worth telling"
Well, there were naturally some viewers who were uncomfortable with Manhunt's content and the implications that recapping the horrific true-life events may have on the family members of the victims and all those involved.
Here are a few of their views:
#Manhunt if my daughter was the victim I'd be devastated, literally heartbroken that her murder had been turned into an @ITV drama.. My thoughts are with all of the victims families.. 💔
- ✨ Roz™Thomas 🌙 🌟 (@Rozzy67) January 6, 2019
I think it's disgusting that they've made a drama program about the murders so soon. The poor families of those victims turning on the TV and seeing a trailer or something in a magazine. Far too soon. #Manhunt
- Rachel (@crazykittehcat) January 6, 2019
#Manhunt is based on a true murder story and I'm very into true crime, although have read that some family members are (understandably) upset about the story being bought to life.
- Hannah Gibbins (@bujournalist) January 6, 2019
The most sickening thing about this all is that Levi Bellfield is probably in prison watching this ... he should have no air time.
#ManHunt- Hannah (@Spampoodle) January 6, 2019
However, as a drama, there was a lot of praise for Clunes' performance, as well as the detailing of how Sutton and his fellow police team used CCTV and intricate mapping to first link the murders and then track down Bellfield (as to play out over the next two episodes) - indicating that the series in itself is worth a watch.
Indeed, viewers mostly praised the "sensitively portrayed" miniseries, adding that it was "superbly acted without feeling exploitative".
Below are just a few of the positive reactions:
Totally the wrong word but I enjoyed #Manhunt. Unnerving to revisit such local events but it was done so well and Martin Clunes was at his best ever x
- Sally Ann Matthews (@SallyAnMatthews) January 6, 2019
Well done so far ITV. Despite all the controversy this is looking to be a very good series. Clunes is particularly effective at portraying the dogged determination to track down a vile killer. The subject is treated with sensitivity. #Manhunt
- Chris Warwick (@chwarwick1) January 6, 2019
You can always tell when a drama is really good because an hour seems like ten minutes. That was compelling viewing. #Manhunt
- Fully Peng (@BobbbyPeng) January 6, 2019
Heartbreaking watching #Manhunt on @itv - I covered the murder and trial at the time for @skynews and it’s stayed with me. Excellent portrayal by @MartinClunesTV of DCI Sutton.
- Jonathan Samuels (@jonathansamuels) January 6, 2019
#Manhunt was very good. So very sad to see this story fully. an evil evil person
- Domhnall Mac (@shameonyou1990) January 6, 2019
Really enjoyed the first ep of #Manhunt tonight. Proper procedural crime story with no need for bells and whistles. Unfolding story and investigation. Brilliant performances. And so relieved the next ep is tomorrow and not next week!!
- morgan lloyd malcolm (@mogster) January 6, 2019
Oof, #manhunt on @ITV is as chilling and gripping as it should be. Superbly acted without feeling exploitative to the young women and their families.
- Megan Carver (@MeganCarver) January 6, 2019
A tragic story 💔 engrossing sensitively protrayed and Martin Clunes as @colinsutton comes across as a kind compassionate man - totally dedicated#manhunt
- LadyMinxNI 👠 👄 (@IAmTheeMinx) January 6, 2019
I thought #manhunt was very tastefully done tonight. Scary seeing areas I grew up around in such awful circumstances. @ITV have done a fab job so far and I hope the rest of the episodes follow suit. I sobbed seeing Amélie’s parents on the green. So emotional. 😔
- Cornish Butterfly (@Love_Cornwall13) January 6, 2019
Manhunt continues tomorrow night (January 7) on ITV.
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