Firstly I must mention that while I have a vague memory of the case of Rhys Jones, I cannot recall the details as they were relayed in the press. Consequently whether or not there is any bias in "Little Boy Blue" is something upon which I cannot comment.
However, as a programme in its own right, it's excellent. The cast is wholly believable, the script top quality and the overall action well directed; the shock and horror of the murder of a child is perfectly presented. The callous and utterly uncaring attitude of the offenders is chilling, while the menacing atmosphere created by them and their supporters is frighteningly portrayed. Confronted by thugs who seemed willing to go to any lengths and a culture in which 'grassing up' the villains was simply not done, it took real bravery to stand up against them. With all this, my attention was grabbed from the start and I was kept nailed to my seat through all four episodes.
That said, there are some minor negatives. The harsh 'Scouse' accent is sometimes difficult to decipher, especially when the actors adopt the quick-fire mumble of modern drama. Also, the relationship between the senior investigator, well played by Stephen Graham, and his superior seems stilted and a little unreal. Was the suggested tension between the two actual ? Was there really such a strong desire to protect the force above all ? If the answer to both questions is "Yes", then the Merseyside police were in a pretty bad way at the time. The clinical way in which acting superintendent Kelly is shown being told that his promotion would not be confirmed seems very artificial but may also indicate problems in the upper echelons of the service.
"Little Boy Blue" is a very good drama, well worth watching and well worth a rating of 9.
However, as a programme in its own right, it's excellent. The cast is wholly believable, the script top quality and the overall action well directed; the shock and horror of the murder of a child is perfectly presented. The callous and utterly uncaring attitude of the offenders is chilling, while the menacing atmosphere created by them and their supporters is frighteningly portrayed. Confronted by thugs who seemed willing to go to any lengths and a culture in which 'grassing up' the villains was simply not done, it took real bravery to stand up against them. With all this, my attention was grabbed from the start and I was kept nailed to my seat through all four episodes.
That said, there are some minor negatives. The harsh 'Scouse' accent is sometimes difficult to decipher, especially when the actors adopt the quick-fire mumble of modern drama. Also, the relationship between the senior investigator, well played by Stephen Graham, and his superior seems stilted and a little unreal. Was the suggested tension between the two actual ? Was there really such a strong desire to protect the force above all ? If the answer to both questions is "Yes", then the Merseyside police were in a pretty bad way at the time. The clinical way in which acting superintendent Kelly is shown being told that his promotion would not be confirmed seems very artificial but may also indicate problems in the upper echelons of the service.
"Little Boy Blue" is a very good drama, well worth watching and well worth a rating of 9.