Steeltown Murders (TV Mini Series) Episode #1.3 (2023) User Reviews

Getting close to the truth.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 5 June 2023]

Through familial DNA tests, Paul has managed to windle the list of suspects down to 13. Back in 1973 the team reach a point of desperation, and bring in a Dutch psychic, who gives them a very specific profile of the killer.

It continues to be the most engrossing watch, the story of the psychic was so interesting, and the insight into the lack of funding and budget cuts, quite extraordinary.

It's so clever the way they've done it, in both time spans they're working towards a conclusion, to point zero as it were, only I'm not too sure what the conclusion from 1973 will be.

Paul is very much the focus, the case in present day, the case in the past, and his relationship with his incredibly devoted and loyal wife. Their story has been sincere and interesting, it was never overplayed or overdone, but it was in the background until this point.

Philip Glenister continues to steal the show, he's been fantastic throughout.

8/10.

Episode 3

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 1 November 2023]

The police focus on a man called Willoughby as a possible main suspect. The press think that the police are going nowhere with the investigation.

When a Dutch psychic called Croiset is brought in. They really are clutching at straws and the young Paul Bethell knows this.

In the present the team make a possible breakthrough. Something that has come up on the DNA database points at Joseph Kappen. It is son's DNA on the database for a petty theft but Joseph Kappen died in 1990. So far he had been under the radar.

The experts tell Bethell it is a 75% certainty. That is not enough for him after talking to the victim's family. He wants conclusive proof.

It is hard to believe but back in the 1970s and 80s psychics and the like always seem to be offering their services. It might be a publicity stunt and I am sure it also happens these days as well.

The one note that sticks out is the invented character of Sita Anwar. The scene where the younger Sita watches the police celebrating after the initial murder enquiry is wound down might work for dramatic effect. It did not work for me.