True crime enthusiasts have a new gripping drama to watch for free on BBC iPlayer. The acclaimed four-part series, filmed across Bristol, Bath, and Somerset, is inspired by the disturbing real-life murders that shocked a quiet Buckinghamshire village.
The drama centers on the tragic death of Peter Farquhar and the suspicious passing of his neighbor, Ann Moore-Martin, in Maids Moreton. It meticulously follows the investigation and courtroom events that unfolded afterward.
Award-winning actor Timothy Spall delivers a powerful performance as Peter Farquhar, with Anne Reid portraying Ann Moore-Martin. The series, titled The Sixth Commandment, was shot at numerous local landmarks including Bristol’s Blaise Estate, Flax Bourton Mortuary, and the South Bristol Crematorium. Additional scenes were filmed in Somerset towns like Bath, Clevedon, and Keynsham. The production had the support of the victims’ families, lending authenticity to the storytelling.
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First broadcast on BBC One in 2023, The Sixth Commandment delves into Farquhar’s harrowing experience of gaslighting, physical, and mental abuse prior to his death. The series has earned widespread praise from audiences and critics alike, with fans lauding the “faultless acting,” “superb writing,” and “enthralling” plot.
Viewers on Rotten Tomatoes described it as “the best drama for some time,” applauding Timothy Spall and the cast’s chilling depictions of a complex criminal case. Many hailed the series as a “near perfect” crime drama with “amazing acting and a gripping plot” that keeps viewers emotionally engaged.
The story narrates the unsettling connection between Peter Farquhar, an inspirational teacher, and Ben Field, a charismatic student played by Éanna Hardwicke. This relationship becomes the heart of one of recent history’s most baffling criminal cases. It also explores Field’s troubling interactions with Ann Moore-Martin, revealing a deeply disturbing web of deception and abuse.
The Sixth Commandment stands out as a powerful and moving true crime drama, blending meticulous research with outstanding performances, all set against the authentic backdrops of Bristol, Bath, and Somerset. The series is available now to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.