is a four-part British true crime drama released by the BBC in 2023. Written by Sarah Phelps and directed by Saul Dibb, the series is based on the real-life case of Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin, two elderly individuals who became the victims of a manipulative and ultimately deadly scheme carried out by churchwarden Ben Field. The drama carefully reconstructs the chilling events that took place in a quiet Buckinghamshire town, delivering not just a retelling of the crimes but a haunting meditation on loneliness, trust, and spiritual vulnerability.
At the center of the story is Peter Farquhar, a retired schoolteacher, portrayed with quiet emotional depth by Timothy Spall. Peter is a man of faith and literary passion, struggling to come to terms with his sexuality in a religious environment. When Ben Field enters his life, offering companionship and affection, Peter welcomes the connection. However, Ben's motivations are far from genuine. Over time, he isolates Peter from his friends, subtly poisons him, and manipulates him into changing his will. Peter’s mental and physical decline is gradual, and by the time he dies, those around him believe it to be a natural death.
The story then shifts its focus to Ann Moore-Martin, Peter’s elderly neighbor, played with poignant vulnerability by Anne Reid. Ann is a devout Catholic and a former teacher. Ben repeats his pattern with her, using emotional manipulation, religious language, and even faked divine visions to gain control over her life and finances. Although Ann survives his poisoning attempt and eventually raises concerns, the psychological damage she suffers is profound.
The strength of the series lies in its commitment to character-driven storytelling. Rather than sensationalizing the crimes, it honors the lives of the victims, showing them as thoughtful, kind, and deeply human individuals. Timothy Spall’s performance captures the tragic beauty of Peter’s gentle spirit, while Anne Reid’s portrayal of Ann offers a heartbreaking look at the emotional cost of betrayal in old age. Éanna Hardwicke as Ben Field delivers a performance of eerie calmness and ambiguity, never descending into caricature but instead embodying the banality of evil.
The series is slow-burning and reflective, with muted tones and careful cinematography that evoke the stifling quiet of rural life and the creeping dread of psychological manipulation. It paints a portrait not just of murder but of the way kindness, faith, and loneliness can be exploited. The detectives, led by DCI Mark Glover and portrayed with gravitas by David Threlfall, unravel the truth with a quiet persistence that mirrors the restraint of the storytelling itself.
The Sixth Commandment received widespread critical acclaim for its emotional sensitivity and powerful performances. It was praised for its respectful handling of true events and its ability to turn a real-life tragedy into a thoughtful piece of drama. More than just a crime story, it is a reflection on aging, identity, and the devastating consequences of misplaced trust. The series leaves a lasting impression, both as a cautionary tale and a tribute to those who suffered.
