BBC crime drama hailed a 'masterpiece' is 'the best TV has to offer'
A BBC drama has been hailed as the "Scottish version of Breaking Bad" by viewers
Fans of crime dramas are in for a real treat with a gripping series that's currently available on BBC iPlayer. TV viewers are being urged to tune in to a nail-biting thriller centred on two brothers who are embroiled in a hit-and-run incident. Guilt is a Scottish production written and created by Neil Forsyth. The debut series launched in 2019, followed by a second instalment in 2021.
A third and final series arrived in 2023, with the show going on to become a critical triumph and securing a worldwide audience. The "pitch-black, twist-filled" thriller follows two very different brothers — wealthy lawyer Max (Mark Bonnar) and unassuming record shop owner Jake (Jamie Sives). While driving home from a wedding, the pair accidentally run over and kill an elderly man in Edinburgh. Rather than alerting the police, they choose to conceal their crime, reports Glasgow Live.
"After convincing Jake to help him conceal the fatal hit-and-run, Max attempts to make the death look like it happened from natural causes. However, the brothers' lives quickly begin to unravel when the deceased man's relatives and suspicious neighbours start asking questions," reads the official synopsis.
"As they try to stay one step ahead of the law and local gangsters, the duo is forced to navigate shifting loyalties and betrayals, proving they can trust no one - not even each other."
The stellar ensemble cast also features Emun Elliott, Ruth Bradley, Bill Paterson, Stuart Bowman, Phyllis Logan, Ellie Haddington, Sara Vickers, Greg McHugh, Henry Pettigrew, Stewart Porter, Sian Brooke, and Angus Miller.
While Guilt is primarily set in Edinburgh's Leith district, the majority of filming actually occurred in Glasgow and East Kilbride. Key filming locations include Charlotte Square and the Clydebank Docks. All 12 episodes are presently available to stream free of charge on BBC iPlayer — making the drama an ideal heatwave antidote.
The series currently holds an outstanding 93% rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, with one critic branding the drama "simply unmissable". Another reviewer hailed it as "a gift to Scottish drama", while The Guardian praised the plot as a "rare thrill".
Viewers appear to agree, with one IMDb user commenting: "I knew it would be good when I saw the cast, but it excelled at every viewer touchpoint. Over the 12 episodes it grew and grew and the characters just exploded with acting professionalism. The cast melded the story into one intensely watchable series that is up there with the best that TV has to offer."
Another viewer remarked: "This mini-series is stellar perfection. Without a doubt one of the best I've seen in a long time. It's clever, witty, dark and heartwarming, all in one neat package. Bravo to BBC Scotland on this one. Such a shame that it's so underrated."
A third said: "Great dark humour, starts off quite amusing and gets darker. Phenomenal show, sinister and well acted," while another added: "Like a Scottish version of Breaking Bad! Dark, intriguing, compelling, brilliantly acted. You never know where it's going till it's got there. Love it!"
A fifth viewer concurred, commenting: "Absolute masterclass. A superior and dark gem," with yet another posting: "Masterpiece. Best crime show I've seen."
Guilt is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
