Even though today he’s known as a bad person and one of the most disliked people in recent British history, there was a period when Jimmy Savile was a huge TV celebrity in Britain. He was so well-known that lots of people imitated him, and his special way of acting and unusual way of talking made him easy to spot.
Yet, these imitations have now become more sinister. So, it makes sense that Steve Coogan had to carefully consider whether to agree to play a part in the new BBC show “The Reckoning,” which tells the story of Savile’s life.
The actor, known best for playing characters like Alan Partridge and taking on real-life roles, like Stan Laurel in “Stan and Ollie,” had to carefully consider playing the role of Jimmy Savile. He said, “To portray Jimmy Savile was a decision I didn’t take lightly. Neil McKay has written a thoughtful script that deals delicately with a horrifying story that, no matter how difficult, should be shared.”
However, not everyone believes that this story should be told or that the BBC, which missed chances to hold Savile accountable when he was alive, should be the one to tell it. Coogan acknowledged these objections in an interview with Radio Times but believes that “The Reckoning” is an important show despite them.
He mentioned, “I understand it’s a controversial topic. The BBC is in a tough spot either way, and I believe they should choose to be criticized for doing something rather than doing nothing at all.”
In general, it’s better to discuss something than ignore it. The team behind the show had the right approach, and survivors were involved in its creation. I think that when it airs, it will prove its worth.”
Some viewers might find comfort in knowing that “The Reckoning” was produced by Jeff Pope, who, along with writer Neil McKay, has a track record of making considerate dramas about contentious real-life cases. Their past works include “Appropriate Adult,” which dealt with serial killer Fred West, as well as “The Moorside,” which portrayed the community affected by Shannon Matthews’ disappearance, and “Four Lives,” which shed light on the murders of four young gay men by Stephen Port.
Now, they will be narrating the story of how Savile became famous and how he used his connections in various organizations like the BBC, hospitals, prisons, and charities, as well as his friendships with influential people, to both target victims and hide his crimes.
The TV show wants to bring up significant questions about how the abuser managed to avoid punishment, even as he got older and more rumors about him circulated. It will also look at how his crimes affected the people he hurt and how helpless they felt when they tried to tell others. Four of the survivors who helped with “The Reckoning” will appear in the series and share their experiences.
In addition to this, the show features actors like Gemma Jones, Robert Emms, and Siobhan Finneran in supporting roles.
Source: News Letter
