The Pact (2021)

If you like your dramas slow, and I mean very slow, you’re in for a treat with The Pact. However, I suspect that it might have been too leisurely for many, who might not see it through to six episodes. This would be a pity because, I can tell you, it packs a cracking twist towards the end (all episodes are available on iPlayer) and deserves credit for its originality, if not its nimbleness at getting to the point.

There’s potential here, and the writing (Pete McTighe) and the cast are strong (Rakie Ayola is also excellent as the intimidating lead detective, as is Eddie Marsan as Jack’s grieving dad), but the premise does seem far-fetched.

Cosy enough to snuggle down with as the nights draw in, but not so formulaic that you might drift off on the sofa, The Pact proved eminently absorbing.

We must suspend disbelief for drama and I strongly suspect this will get better. I enjoyed the dialogue.

This is one of those dramas where the audience quickly has to make peace with the fact that every single character can and will make the worst possible decisions, or the plot would grind to a halt.

I’ve trudged through to the end of episode five (all six are available as a box set) and, stepped in so far, I suppose I need to see the far-fetched plot do its thing. But six hours is too generous a portion of thin gruel.