The Reckoning (TV Series) Episode #1.1 (2023) User Reviews

Harrowing

[jojo-2023 · 10/10 · 10 October 2023]

I very rarely write a review but felt compelled to write this one. I watched the first episode on BBC1 then watched the other 3 on i-Player straight away, one after the other. Everyone will already know about the case before watching Ep1, but be prepared for it to be more harrowing than expected, especially as some of the victims spoke on camera about the terror they endured. They were incredibly brave , as are the rest of the survivors, and should be applauded for speaking out. How the abuse was allowed to go on for so long is something everyone will ask after watching this.

Now onto the acting ...... Oh my word, Steve Coogan was incredible. The way he was able to transform into that monster was nothing short of amazing. If he does not receive some sort of award for his portrayal of Savile, it will be a total travesty.

This 4-part series is a hard watch but a must see.

A flawless start, twisted and stomach turning.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 10/10 · 18 October 2023]

The early years of Jimmy Savile's career, his rise to fame and stardom, his successes in The Northern dance clubs, the fame and stardom, and the disturbing and abhorrent journey of sexual abuse that began.

I wasn't sure I was going to watch it or not, I have all sorts of irritations about a drama about Savile being put out on The BBC, however I decided to give it a go, and review it based on merit.

Well, what can you say, it's tremendous, it's an incredibly good first episode. Very hard to watch, it's sickening, Savile always repulsed me even in childhood, and the incredible Steve Coogan captures that vibe to perfection, this performance has awards written all over it.

Incredibly well made, they captured the period detail to perfection, the clothes, sets and makeup are all spot on.

Hard to believe he got away with not just his sexual crimes, but others as well, a truly revolting individual.

Unnerving and sickening, but well worth seeing.

10/10.

Episode 1

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 21 October 2023]

Jimmy Savile was regarded by most people including me as some rich eccentric television and radio personality. He had lots of jewellery, a Rolls Royce and weird long blond hair.

Only in the 1980s after he was knighted by Mrs Thatcher I heard about his volunteering in hospitals as a porter. He was also a devout Tory, a keep fit fanatic who liked to run the London marathon. In the 1960s and 70s he was also a wrestler who lost most of his matches.

When Savile died in 2011 there was an outpouring of grief which soon turned to anger. There were a crescendo of claims that he had been a serial sexual abuser for decades. That he had been protected by rich and powerful people and organisations.

There was a story I heard a few years ago. A man once contacted broadcaster Terry Wogan about what Savile had done to him. Wogan was so shocked he instantly drove the man to the police station and implored him to tell the police everything. Only the police did not believe him or were just not interested. I think Wogan then realised that Savile may be untouchable. Savile was never convicted while he was still alive.

The Reckoning starring Steve Coogan as Savile is framed as a drama documentary. There is footage from real life survivors.

The first episode is a hybrid of Savile being passive/aggressive to someone who wants to write a biography about him. To his early days from nightclubs, to a DJ at Radio Luxembourg to trying to get into hospitals to cheer up patients when it was a way to abuse kids. There is also the kindling of his television career.

You also see his creepy obsession with his mother who he called Duchess and infatuation with Catholicism. It should not be forgotten he even got a papal knighthood.

Coogan started out as an impressionist, so I knew he would be able to mimic Savile. You see that 'Savile persona' when he meets the public. I don't think anyone could capture the real darker twisted side of the man. Only his victims and those who enabled him saw that part.