The Reckoning review: Steve Coogan’s chilling brilliance shines through

Review: “The Reckoning” Exposes the Chilling Brilliance of Steve Coogan as Jimmy Savile

A Harrowing Tale with Little Added Value

The recent BBC drama, “The Reckoning,” shines a chilling spotlight on the life and crimes of Jimmy Savile, excellently portrayed by Steve Coogan. Savile was known for his charismatic persona and formidable presence in the entertainment industry, but behind closed doors, he was a vile abuser. While Coogan’s performance captures the charm and creepy depravity of Savile, the question arises: does this drama add any significant value to a story that most of us are already familiar with?

Well-Crafted and Polished, but Lacking Context

“The Reckoning” takes viewers on a journey through Savile’s rise to fame as a DJ in the 1960s, his subsequent success in radio and television, and ultimately leads up to his death in 2011. The drama is meticulously constructed and skillfully executed, offering viewers a polished production. However, it is interspersed with archive footage of the real Savile, which disrupts the immersive experience. While the intention may be to remind viewers of the true extent of Savile’s actions, it hampers the narrative flow.

Evoking Terror and Depravity

The scenes depicting Savile terrorizing, assaulting, and raping his victims are undeniably well-handled. These moments capture the sense of impending danger and the realization of a terrible truth. The drama succeeds in conveying these horrifying experiences while avoiding explicit depictions. Coogan’s performance as Savile is masterful, blending his acting skill and impressions seamlessly. He effortlessly embodies Savile’s mannerisms, voice, and overall vibe, without ever veering into caricature. The layers of charm and malevolence that Coogan portrays are a testament to his exceptional talent. Coogan’s ability to portray creepy characters convincingly, from Paul Calf to Alan Partridge, shines through in his portrayal of Savile.

The Need for Added Value

However, it is essential to consider the context of “The Reckoning.” In a world already saturated with documentaries and dramas surrounding trauma, particularly those related to female victims, the question arises as to whether this drama adds any substantial value to the subject matter. Unfortunately, “The Reckoning” falls short in this regard. It offers little new information or insight into how Savile became the predator he was or how he managed to operate undetected for so long. The suggestion that his actions were rooted in a lack of love in his childhood feels like a shallow attempt to assign blame to the easiest person – his mother – without sufficient evidence.

An Unexamined Enabler

Another noticeable flaw of “The Reckoning” is the lack of scrutiny given to the BBC’s role in either enabling or protecting Savile. While the drama briefly touches on a couple of investigations into his conduct at the BBC, it dedicates more attention to the failures of NHS staff, Fleet Street editors, and other individuals and institutions who turned a blind eye to the signs of Savile’s offenses. The absence of a thorough examination of the BBC’s part in the Savile scandal is perplexing, considering the drama aired on BBC One.

Depressing, Yet Unenlightening

Upon watching “The Reckoning,” one may feel a sense of depression. The drama, accompanied by brief testimonies from real-life victims, attempts to justify its existence and distance itself from accusations of exploitation or voyeurism. However, it falls short in this aspect as well. Simply reminding us that evil exists and thrives among us is not enough. To truly examine and understand the depths of Savile’s crimes, a drama must offer fresh insights or perspectives.

“The Reckoning” aired on BBC One and is available for streaming on iPlayer.

Keywords: Actor, The Reckoning, review, Steve Coogan, chilling brilliance