Ep 1. Appropriate Adult Part 1

Appropriate Adult is a British crime drama television mini-series, shown over two episodes in 2011. It is based on the true story of the investigation into the notorious British serial killers Fred and Rosemary West, and in particular focuses on the relationship between Fred West and Janet Leach, the 'appropriate adult' appointed to sit in on his police interviews.

In the UK, the term 'appropriate adult' refers to someone who is appointed to assist a child or vulnerable adult during police interviews to ensure that they understand what is happening and that their rights are being respected.

The first episode named Appropriate Adult Part 1, sets the stage for this intense and emotionally complex story.

The episode opens with the introduction of Janet Leach (played by Emily Watson), a trainee social worker who takes on the role of appropriate adult for Fred West (played by Dominic West) during his police interviews after his arrest. Initially unaware of the gravity of the case, Janet is thrust into a bewildering police investigation that will challenge her professionally and personally.

The story unfolds as West is brought into the Gloucester police station, under suspicion of murder. The episode meticulously documents the procedural aspects of police work as detectives and officers grapple with the emerging horror of what they are discovering. The character of Fred West is introduced as a complex individual, with a charming and manipulative demeanor that conceals a disturbing and brutal nature.

Janet's character is explored through her interactions with West, depicting her conflicted state as she juggles her responsibility to the suspect with the appalling nature of his crimes. As his 'appropriate adult,' Janet has to remain impartial, a task that becomes increasingly difficult as she is exposed to the details of his offenses and the effect they have on the families of his victims.

The episode also delves into Janet's life outside of her involvement in the case. Her home life and the pressures she faces add a layer of depth to her character and show how deeply the case begins to affect her. Balancing her role as an appropriate adult with her family and studies, Janet is shown to be a woman of strong conviction, which is tested to its limits as she is drawn deeper into the world of police investigations and criminal psychology.

As detectives continue their interrogation of West, details begin to surface that hint at the scale of his crimes. The investigation leads to the West's home at 25 Cromwell Street, which becomes a focal point of the episode. Here, the viewers are introduced to the harrowing task the police face in uncovering evidence that is both physical and deeply emotional.

Throughout the episode, themes of trust, manipulation, and the psychological impact on all those involved in the case are explored. Janet is portrayed as the audience's lens to the intricacies and emotional toll of the investigation. Her character represents the moral and ethical questions that arise when dealing with heinous crimes and the people who commit them.

The cinematography and direction of Appropriate Adult Part 1 establish a tense and ominous atmosphere that lingers throughout the episode. Subdued lighting and a muted color palette reinforce the bleak and somber narrative, while the performance of the cast, particularly Emily Watson and Dominic West, captures the viewer and brings an authenticity and depth to the characters they portray.

Appropriate Adult Part 1 carefully sets up the tense relationship between Janet Leach and Fred West, leaving viewers anxious to understand how their interactions will evolve. The episode poses difficult questions about empathy, duty, and human evil, while crafting a real-life horror story that is as compelling as it is disturbing.

The writing is nuanced, never sensationalizing the crimes but rather approaching them with sensitivity towards the victims and the profound impact they had on the community. As the episode progresses, it envelops the viewer into the slow and methodical nature of the investigation, ensuring that they are as much a participant in the unravelling of the truth as the characters on screen.

In crafting a narrative around a subject matter ripe with psychological and dramatic potential, Appropriate Adult Part 1 is a weighty opener to a series that does not shy away from the darkness of its source material, while also highlighting the formidable human spirit and the complex moral web that justice weaves.

This approach sets expectations for the remaining episodes in the series, promising a deep dive into the nuances of a case that shocked and captivated the British public, while also offering a gripping study of its central figures.