Published by Mason Oldridge, 26 September 2024
CONTAINS SPOILERS!
Kara Tointon, Will Mellor and Emmett J Scanlon lead on this standalone new series of Channel 5’s popular drama.
The series opens with a class going on a school trip. Teachers Dani and Jimmy leave the pupils unattended to have sex, returning to find student Zac dead in the lake. Things escalate when it is revealed Zac didn’t drown but was murdered and a photo of Dani and Jimmy is posted online.
Dani is informed by the police that she is criminally liable for Zac’s death as she was in charge of his safeguarding at the time. Instead of making the wise choice of keeping a low profile, she attempts to solve the case herself, questioning the other students and frequently visiting the school despite her suspension.
For a short four-part series, the pacing is somewhat slow. Not much is revealed in the first three episodes; it is mainly the fallout and aftermath of Zac’s death and attempts to uncover the truth, as well as suspicious behaviour from some of the characters. There seems to be a lot of adults asking children questions and frustratingly getting no response. Nevertheless, these episodes are still easy to watch as viewers will likely want to follow the progress and discover the truth.
The final episode doesn’t disappoint as discoveries and revelations lead to explanations. When Dani first discovers Sienna was pregnant by an adult, it shows the headmaster opening Sienna’s locker. This suggestion is a clever red herring as it would’ve made a good twist itself. Tointon portrays the caring nature of her character well whereas Mellor, whose roles can be hindered by him being a household name, delivers a strong performance as the unsuspecting villain.
Overall, the series is an enjoyable quick-watch mystery with a satisfying twist that ties everything up neatly by its conclusion.
7/10