TheLittleSongbird While there are better mystery/detective shows in my opinion, 'Messiah' is incredibly well done and ceaselessly compelling. It is near blameless and definitely should have lasted longer.It is stylishly and beautifully filmed with a lot of atmosphere, while the locations are also used to great effect. The music is suitably ominous while never being too obvious.'Messiah' is very intelligently written, it is never stilted or clichéd and constantly keeps the mystery elements alive. The stories are gripping throughout with lots of twists and turns and genuinely surprising solutions. The only motive I didn't completely buy was in the first series, which felt implausible and underdeveloped, it didn't seem like a good enough reason to murder all those people in such a gruesome manner.That is my only criticism of 'Messiah' really, as well as more could have done with Frances Grey's character as well. There are some clever and very gruesome murders that never are gratuitous (especially in the first series) but are not for weak stomachs, mine is getting stronger but even it was quite disturbed by those in the first two episodes. The characters are interesting, and the series is constantly well directed and ensures that the episodes never feel rushed or plodding.Ken Stott is exceptional as the main character, and it is some of the best acting he's ever done. He is terrifically supported by Neil Dudgeon (who has never been better), Michelle Forbes, Frances Grey, Edward Woodward and especially a sinister Jamie Draven, in fact everybody is good.In summary, incredibly compelling. 9/10 Bethany Cox

jamesbloke You cannot go far wrong if your cast includes Ken Stott, Neil Dudgeon and Edward Woodward. The acting is excellent from the above, and most of the rest of the cast.The script is also pretty good - a really original story and some excellent dialogue (although one or two cliches and over-used plot devices do work themselves in).I must correct one of the previous comments - it is not Red Metcalf, nor any of the other police officers who discover the pattern to the murders. Metcalf sort of finds out by accident, and the gaps are filled in by the Reverend Stephen Hedges. It's not until a while later that Hedges spots the connection with the victims occupations, and it's not until ages after that they notice that the dates of the murders are on the relevant Saint's day! This is one of the first things to check, surely?!!?Unfortunately, upon reflection, several other holes in the plot emerge, large enough through which to drive the proverbial double-decker bus.But on the whole, whilst watching, Messiah is excellent.

scottish_fiona Messiah was compulsive viewing from start to finish. The story centred on apparently random murders of men in London in various gruesome ways. DCI Red Metcalfe (Ken Stott)has to find the truth which, to his surprise, is a little closer to home than he might think.Gripping drama and Ken Stott was brilliant. Hopefully we have not seen the last of DCI Red Metcalfe.

minnie_mie When I read the synopsis for "Messiah" in the television guide, I was not prepared for what was in store. The story follows DCI Metcalfe trying to solve a case of grisly murders being taken out across London. He soon realises a pattern, there is a serial killer on the loose, killing people with similar names and jobs to those of the 12 Apostles and their killings are identical to their matching Apostle. The two part series kept me right on the edge of my seat, with Metcalfe closely pursuing the killer, but always missing him within a couple of seconds and discovering the gruesome mess he has left behind of his ill-fated victim. "Messiah" is sure to cause a great deal of controversy, but nonetheless it is the greatest piece of drama the BBC has shown in a long time.