7.846 minSeason 1 • Episode 3
LatestReeling from Des' change in plea, Jay and the police throw themselves into proving premeditation. If they can show the court that Des was undoubtedly of sound mind when he committed his crimes, he will go down and never be released.
The story of one of the most infamous cases in UK criminal history, that of serial killer Dennis Nilsen. Told through the prism of three men, the series explores the personal and professional consequences of coming into contact with a man like Nilsen.
Acting
Tennant's vocal fry and dead eyes — career-best creep.
Writing
Refuses to glorify; lets mundanity terrify.
Direction
Cramped sets force intimacy with evil.
Creators
Luke Neal, Lewis Arnold
David Tennant
Dennis Nilsen
Daniel Mays
DCI Peter Jay
Jason Watkins
Brian Masters
Ron Cook
DSI Chambers
Faye McKeever
Linda Jay
Barry Ward
DI Steve McCusker
Ben Bailey Smith
DC Brian Lodge
Jay Simpson
DS Chris Healey
Bronagh Waugh
Charlotte Proctor
Joel Morris
Tim Wells
Laurie Kynaston
Carl Stottor
Alexander Bhat
DS Jones
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Tennant wore Nilsen's actual glasses, borrowed from the real Brian Masters' archive. He found them 'queasily intimate.'
The series sparked UK debate about true ethics — why Nilsen over his victims? Co-writer Luke Neal said they deliberately gave victims' families final say on portrayal.
GB
