This three part mini-series was shown over three nights, and it knocked me for six for each of those three nights. The subject matter is grim, but it would be since it is the real-life story of the Rochdale child sex abuse ring.
There is enough impact in the stories of the three girls at the centre of it all, but the performances of those involved make sure that it smacks you between the eyes. Maxine Peake is phenomenal as the frustrated NHS sexual health worker who nobody will take seriously. Paul Kaye is superb as the helpless father of one of the girls. Lisa Riley is brilliant as the mother of the other two girls. Lesley Sharpe is fantastic as the copper struggling with her own doubts about the system. And of course the actresses playing Holly, Amber and Ruby are all unbelievable in their ability to be believable.
If you watch this and aren't emotionally drained after each episode, there is something seriously wrong with you. If you didn't watch it, find it. This really is how you do it. Awesome. Incredible. Sad. Disgusting.[Link removed - login to see]