The Sixth Commandment viewers break down in tears at ‘absolutely heartbreaking’ finale
VIEWERS were left in tears last night after watching the finale of BBC drama The Sixth Commandment.
The four-part series based on the real murder of Peter Farquhar aired its final episode last night, and watchers took to social media with an outpouring of emotion.
The TV adaptation, penned by screenwriter Sarah Phelps, looks at how Peter was duped into a fake relationship by 28-year-old student Benjamin Field who hoped to benefit from his will.
Benjamin also targeted Mr Farquhar’s neighbour Ann Moore-Martin, 83, and was accused of plotting to kill her, but was found not guilty in court.
Timothy Spall plays Peter in the TV show, with Anne Reid as Ann and Èanna Hardwicke as Benjamin.
Fans found the final episode ‘brutal’ and many were left sobbing at the ending – which saw Benjamin sentenced to 36 years in prison – but also praised the writer for how sensitively the subject matter was handled.
One onlooker said: “God I struggled to hold it together when the credits rolled at the end of Episode 4.
“As well as the amazing leads, Amanda Root and Adrian Rawlings were absolutely heartbreaking to watch as Peter’s brother and sis-in-law. Incredible drama.”
Another added: “Sobbing at the cafe scene at the end of The Sixth Commandment followed by photos of Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin.
“Sarah Phelps you are a master storyteller, you honoured their memories and we won’t forget them.”
A fellow heartbroken viewer wrote: “I keep saying but that was so beautifully done.
“Such a brutal true story but sensitively handled with a layered, complex, humane script by Sarah Phelps.
“And loved the ending – it wasn’t about Ben but the victims. So beautifully done.”
Another person called the show a ‘masterpiece’, saying they thought it was the scriptwriter’s best work yet.
They tweeted: “The Sixth Commandment was a breathtaking bit of TV.
“Arguably the best thing Sarah Phelps has ever done. I’m in bits at the ending.
“A terrible story, beautifully told — putting the victims at its heart. A masterpiece.”
All four episodes are currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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