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Series · 1989

A Wanted Man

A Wanted Man: Unpacking the interplay between culpability and formative trauma in the creation of a killer.

Created by Malcolm McKayMichael FitzgeraldDavid FielderRupert Holliday-Evans
A Wanted Man poster
25 Sep 1989First aired
1Season
UBBFC rating
MysteryGenre

The series

A Wanted Man is a groundbreaking three‐part British miniseries first shown on BBC2 in September 1989. Directed by Nicholas Renton and written by Malcolm McKay, it evolved from his earlier one‐off play “The Interrogation of John” into a daring trilogy. The series follows the capture, trial, and psychological unravelling of a serial killer, offering an in‐depth exploration of criminal behavior and the ethical dilemmas faced by the justice system. With deliberate pacing, stark realism, and an unflinching look at human darkness, it challenges conventional crime dramas and compels viewers to confront unsettling questions about responsibility, morality, and the nature of evil. Critically acclaimed and award‐winning, A Wanted Man remains essential viewing for anyone seeking a thought‐provoking, intense, and unforgettable drama experience that not only entertains but also forces a deep reflection on the fragility of human nature and the complexities of justice.

Episodes

Season 1 · 3 episodes · 1989

  1. Episode 125 Sep 19891h 29m

    The Interrogation of John

    This opening episode, originally a standalone play, is retroactively designated as Part One of the trilogy. It sets the stage with an intense, claustrophobic interrogation of a murder suspect. Viewers are drawn into a tightly wound narrati…

  2. Episode 227 Sep 198959m

    The Secret

    In Part Two, the story shifts to the courtroom where the truth begins to unravel. “The Secret” delves deep into the trial, revealing hidden facets of the suspect’s past and the complexities of legal ethics. This episode emphasizes the clas…

  3. Episode 32 Oct 198958m

    Shoreland

    In the aftermath of the trial. the fate of the serial killer in a psychiatric institution is explored. The episode underscores the long-term implications of the criminal justice process, both on the individual and societal levels. By offer…

Cast

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