TV Review: The red herrings had me hooked

Final curtain -- a scene from the TV mini-series Innocent

My interest was piqued a week ago by Innocent the British crime drama series.

This Tuesday, TV One, I was ready, seated and waiting for the final curtain.

I wasn't deeply disappointed but it didn't stun me. I think my expectations were a little high.

I had hooked on to the red herrings scattered throughout, in particular the butterfly knot on the tarpaulin that had fastened the body of Tara Collins tight and secure in the murky depths beneath the incoming tide.

The start of the series was our man David Collins who we were told had been wrongfully slammed behind bars for seven years accused of his wife's murder.

His older brother Phil was the epitome of a solidly built, gentle giant who had campaigned daily for his brother's release.

He had dropped thousands of flyers throughout the area pleading with folks to take up the cudgels, fight alongside him and get his brother David acquitted.

David was released with the delving, searching and examining of earlier evidence beginning in earnest.

No doubt about it this was a well acted drama but by the two final episodes this week I was on red alert at every tiny twist in the plot.

Of course, probably like most I thought the brother-in-law Rob (Adrian Rawlins) had dunnit.

Poor sod because in the final shattering wash-up he'd been nothing more than a mild-mannered bloke only concerned about his very British wife Alice (Hermione Norris).

Finally, after much muttering by me about what seemed like dozens of intricacies splattered during the build up, I did feel let down by the final shattering conclusion.

I didn't want to be but I was fooled that it turned out to be caring big brother Phil.
The final scene between the brothers in a shed was gritty, emotional and a fine piece of acting.

I'd had suspicions about that butterfly knot but never for the life of me thought that big bro knew about this rare knot secret and had tied it.

And it was affecting to learn how the case had been initially wrapped up with vital police evidence deliberately withheld.

This is a nasty subject because it brings up yet again the reliability of the justice system. All red herrings to the wind now. Very nasty indeed. An ill wind indeed.