A Confession (TV Mini Series) Episode 4 (2019) User Reviews

The devil is in the detail.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 24 November 2019]

Fulcher was determined to get to the truth, but his shortcuts have cost him dearly. The case has exposed the need for total adherence to procedural policy, and any omitance has severe ramifications.

This was a very powerful, emotive, if very frustrating episode. It shows how any breakdown in procedure can collapse a current, and possibly previous cases. It shows to make a total mockery of our whole judicial system.

Very gripping, intense drama. The acting was first rate, Imelda Staunton proving she is very much one of the best.

It is a little stretched into six parts, but good entertainment. 8/10

Episode 4

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 18 October 2019]

I was wondering why the character of John Godden, the father of murdered Becky Godden was painted as a bit of a prat.

This episode provides an answer. Godden could not respond to his ex-wife Karen Edwards questions. Members of his family had mentioned seeing Becky, when she was actually dead. It was a reason why Becky was never reported to the police as a missing person.

DI Fulcher's shortcuts comes back to haunt him. Christopher Halliwell was not immediately taken to the police station to be questioned and his rights were not properly read to him. This is important, Halliwell could now argue that his confession is non admissable. Without being properly processed he can say that it was obtained by oppression. After all it was just him in a police car made to talk. No one was recording it, no one was taking notes and he was not given an opportunity to have a lawyer.

Just imagine if this became widespread. The US drama 'When They See Us' is a good indication of what happens when police overstep their mark.

Halliwell is only charged for the murder of Sian O'Callaghan and not Becky Godden. John Godden is not happy and raises an official complaint against Fulcher.

In the early part of the episode, Fulcher is applauded by members of the public in a shop. Now he faces being vilified. Martin Freeman does well in portraying Fulcher's bewilderment and bubbling anger.