Film Reviews & Movie Analysis

Written by Russel T Davies

Broadcast: BBC One
Concluded: 03/06/18
Synopsis: Based on unfolding true events that spun over decade, between British politician Jeremy Thorpe, and his lover Norman Scott, beginning in the early 1960’s.
Cast: Hugh Grant, Ben Whishaw, Alex Jennings
Episodes: Three

When politician Jeremy Thorpe (Hugh Grant) met Norman Scott (Ben Whishaw) in the early 1960’s, their relationship was a harmless secret. Homosexuality, illegal at the time, attributed to the secrecy of their affair – as did Thorpe’s political career.

As time went on, and Scott became less charming and more of a chore – Thorpe cut all ties. However with Thorpe’s heightening political career, came Scott’s growing resentment for his former lover. Scott happy to tell anyone who would listen about their relationship, quickly became a tightening noose for Thorpe.

From the initial adverts I thought this would be a gritty thriller surrounding political scandal and injustice of the highest order. I was wrong in the best way possible. A Very English Scandal was an incredibly light and a surprisingly good piece of television.

They did right by making this series last only three episodes. The first was very strong, and immediately got the ball rolling on the main event; the meeting of Jeremy Thorpe and Norman Scott (formerly Josiffe). Though I initially found the involvement of Thorpe’s confidant, Peter Bessel (Alex Jennings) a tad contrived, by the end it didn’t matter as I was swept up in the drama.

Whilst the first episode was distinguishable, the second let it down. Personally I felt it fell flat in comparison to its predecessor – however that being said, it acted as the necessary bridge between the introduction and the conclusion, which thankfully ended as dramatically as it began.

I rarely say such a thing, but both Grant and Whishaw should win whatever the necessary award is for their extraordinary talent in making A Very English Scandal come to life. Seriously, I have never seen either of them take up such a role, but they both executed it so convincingly.

Lastly a shout out to whoever came up with the theme for the series – it’s been stuck in my head for day!

Trailer Below…..

Last British TV Watch…. The Split