Broadchurch Episode Eight

And so it ends. And I hate to say it. But I TOLD YOU SO. So I was right. Right, good, on we go.
This episode was the pinnacle. It was in this episode that we are reminded just how incredible British television can be. Even the child actors, in the forms of Adam Wilson (Tom Miller) and Oskar McNamara (Danny Latimer) were very impressive. Matthew Gravelle (Joe Miller) really shows off what potential he’s been hiding through the series, and it doesn’t stop there. It is this episode that really reveals how excellent some of the previously less impressive actors are. Olivia Colman (Ellie Miller), of whom I have never been a great fan, really shone out when discovering the killer, and I was finally really emotionally invested in her to the extent that the scene with her telling Tom about what has happened became the second time I have ever cried at something on screen, albeit one measly tear. Andrew Buchan (Mark Latimer) also reveals impeccable talent when talking to Joe through the cell door, as he releases the emotions he has been bottling away along with his skill as an actor. I really believed the sorrow of the Latimer family – even Chloe (Charlotte Beaumont)! I did think Jodie Whittaker (Beth Latimer) was actually not as impressive as she has been, but put that down to her being numb after the news. This episode also managed to finally bestow on me some respect for Olly (Jonathan Bailey), and make me fully appreciate how much of an effect a score can have on the emotions. It did seem odd that Becca (Simone McAullay) was the one to light the second fire, and that Beth showed no signs of pregnancy, but nonetheless I was appropriately astounded. Chris Chibnall’s writing in this series far surpasses anything he has done for Doctor Who, and the direction is absolutely worthy of many awards, particularly highlighted by the flashback scene. I can’t deny that i do dread the upcoming second series and completely fail to see how it could work, but for now we should praise this impeccable series that really shows off what television can be.