Watch Honour

Honour is a gripping and emotional four-part series about the life of Banaz Mahmod, a young woman who was murdered by her own family in the name of "honour". The show is based on a true story and has been adapted from the book "Murder in the Name of Honour" by journalist Rana Husseini.

The lead character, DCI Caroline Goode, is played by Keeley Hawes. She is a detective who is investigating the disappearance of Banaz Mahmod, a Kurdish woman who has been missing for two weeks. As Caroline digs deeper into the case, she discovers that Banaz was the victim of an ancient custom called "honour killing", in which a family member is punished for bringing shame upon the family.

The show explores the complex relationships between Banaz and her family members, particularly her father and uncle, who ultimately order her murder. Banaz's story is told through flashbacks and interviews with her friends and family. Her character is portrayed as a young woman who was in love with a man her family didn't approve of, and who wanted to break free from the cultural traditions that were suffocating her.

Mark Stanley plays Banaz's boyfriend, Rahmat Sulemani. He is a Iraqi immigrant who is also struggling to fit into British society. The show is realistic in its portrayal of the challenges that immigrants face, from language barriers to cultural differences. Rahmat's character is critical to the story, as he is the one who encourages Banaz to speak out about the abuse she is suffering.

Another standout performance is given by Michael Jibson, who plays Banaz's uncle, Ari Mahmod. Jibson's performance as a complex and conflicted character adds depth and nuance to the show. Ari is portrayed as a man who grapples with the desire to protect his family's reputation and his love for his niece.

Honour is a hard-hitting and emotional show that takes on difficult themes such as domestic violence, honour killing, and cultural clashes. It explores the difficulties that second-generation immigrants face when trying to navigate their identities, as well as the tragic consequences of toxic cultural norms. The show does not shy away from showing the gruesome reality of what happened to Banaz, but it also portrays her as a strong, vibrant, and determined woman who fought to be heard.

The show is also notable for its inclusion of diverse voices, both in front of and behind the camera. The majority of the cast are actors of colour, and the show's creator and writer, Gwyneth Hughes, is a Welsh woman. The show is directed by Richard Laxton, an experienced television director who has worked on popular UK shows such as "Sherlock" and "Mum".

Honour is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in true crime stories or who wants to learn more about the lived experiences of second-generation immigrants in the UK. It offers a fresh and honest perspective on a complex and difficult issue, and it is sure to provoke thought and conversation amongst viewers. Despite its dark subject matter, it ultimately offers a message of hope and resilience, as Banaz's story inspires others to speak out and stand up against the toxic traditions that have held them back.