ITV’s upcoming drama The Hunt for Raoul Moat has divided viewers, with many condemning it as being in “poor taste.” The series focuses on Britain’s largest manhunt and seeks to tell the story from the viewpoints of victims, police officers, and a local journalist.
Critics took to social media platforms like Facebook to express their anger. One user commented, “Sorry but it is an awful idea for a show and I will not be watching.” Another added, “Seriously, drop it now! This monster doesn’t deserve any more attention. It’s close to home to start with!”
The drama highlights the innocent victims of Raoul Moat’s crimes, including Christopher Brown, Samantha Stobbart, and PC David Rathband. It also portrays the courageous police officers risking their lives to apprehend him, alongside a local journalist who challenges sensationalist media coverage.
Leading the cast is Lee Ingleby as Neil Adamson, a senior officer with Northumbria Police who spearheaded the manhunt. Sonya Cassidy plays Diane Barnwell, the journalist, while Matt Stokoe takes on the role of Raoul Moat.
The story begins with Moat’s ex-partner Samantha trying to rebuild her life after his imprisonment for assault. Following his release from Durham Prison, Moat threatens Samantha and her new boyfriend Christopher Brown. When he realises he cannot win her back, Moat arms himself with a shotgun, triggering a terrifying series of events.
Produced by World Productions, known for hit shows like Line of Duty and Anne, the drama is written by acclaimed screenwriter Kevin Sampson.
Kevin Sampson said: “The hunt for Raoul Moat gripped me from the start, as it was the first such case to be covered ‘live’ by the new 24-hour news channels in the UK. Even then, it interested me that Moat was being portrayed by some as a ‘legend’ in spite of the brutality of his crimes. In 2022, violence against women remains rife and is all too often accompanied by a victim-blaming agenda. I hope this drama will go some way to condemning this narrative.”
After being released in July 2010, Moat went on a violent rampage, shooting three people within 24 hours. Despite Northumbria Police’s best efforts, he evaded capture for over a week while threatening police and civilians. Public perception twisted him into an ‘anti-hero,’ but the reality was a dangerous, armed sociopath declaring war on law enforcement.
The show has been commissioned by ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill, who will oversee its production.
Originally published by UKNIP.
