Immediately building upon the first establishing episode, tonight's really sets the standard for which the third & final outing must (somehow) exceed.
David Tennant clearly capitalises on the chance he's given to play such an irredeemable human being - embodying the cold, inhumane, self-centred ambivalence of his nature whilst striking a difficult balance so as not to become particularly interesting or remarkable as a human being, refraining from possessing any charisma - & being gifted with a script as strong as this - that so expertly epitomises Nilsen's surprising mundane monotony, David uses it to deliver one of the most layered, best performances he's ever given in his entire career, enhancing the series as a result.
Hence, just as Dennis' apparent meticulous plan shaped the events as they unfolded around him in real life (like a macabre, sadistic game), the direction of the show does seem to simultaneously bend around his character - relying heavily on Tennant to do the heavy lifting (particularly in the editing) but considering his talent as an actor, he handles the task with relative ease.
However, despite saying that, both those in front of & behind the camera have made the admirable decision to go to noticeably extreme lengths in order to pay respect to the victims of Dennis Nilsen's crimes - without glamourising the actions of this vulgar serial killer. The injustices that these poor men suffered & the catalogue of errors made by the police - which led to society failing them - are continually brought to the forefront of our attention in understandable condemnation. What's more, the loss experienced by those who knew the victims is never hidden or disregarded & thus, the consequences of their absence from people's lives are thankfully featured heavily throughout.
David Tennant clearly capitalises on the chance he's given to play such an irredeemable human being - embodying the cold, inhumane, self-centred ambivalence of his nature whilst striking a difficult balance so as not to become particularly interesting or remarkable as a human being, refraining from possessing any charisma - & being gifted with a script as strong as this - that so expertly epitomises Nilsen's surprising mundane monotony, David uses it to deliver one of the most layered, best performances he's ever given in his entire career, enhancing the series as a result.
Hence, just as Dennis' apparent meticulous plan shaped the events as they unfolded around him in real life (like a macabre, sadistic game), the direction of the show does seem to simultaneously bend around his character - relying heavily on Tennant to do the heavy lifting (particularly in the editing) but considering his talent as an actor, he handles the task with relative ease.
However, despite saying that, both those in front of & behind the camera have made the admirable decision to go to noticeably extreme lengths in order to pay respect to the victims of Dennis Nilsen's crimes - without glamourising the actions of this vulgar serial killer. The injustices that these poor men suffered & the catalogue of errors made by the police - which led to society failing them - are continually brought to the forefront of our attention in understandable condemnation. What's more, the loss experienced by those who knew the victims is never hidden or disregarded & thus, the consequences of their absence from people's lives are thankfully featured heavily throughout.
