Peaky Blinders

This series has never before been seen but out of curiosity it was sampled over a Bank Holiday weekend. A horse execution by handgun-shot was shown - in slow motion to savour the scene - and was very real. It appeared to be a genuine killing. This was unexpected, unnecessary and very upsetting. In all its reality.

Perhaps the scene was cleverly staged. If a horse is seriously injured in the disgraceful Grand National, basic decency is for a curtain to be placed around the execution preventing the crowd witnessing proceedings. Odd really because enjoyment for that crowd is offered by having the race in the first place. To trick a horse into jumping over a hedge that has the deep drop on the other side not in view. Jump... too late. Dreadful. Rather like battle tunics being red so royalty is not offended by the sight of blood.

The language was excessively poor with the use of expletives for several minutes from more than one character. To place in character, profanity can be acceptable if kept to a minimum. Beyond this it becomes gratuitous (f***, f***ing). It defines poor writing as there appears no other creative way to show anger/rage. No character is worthy of empathy or any emotion. What happens to a character? Couldn't care. No interest in any of them. The writing has failed.

A complaint was sent to the BBC. This program was broadcast at peak viewing time on a Sunday evening over a Bank Holiday weekend.

A reply was received but was formulaic and extremely patronising. It would appear that complaining is very odd behaviour. To be outraged by something the BBC deems acceptable is actually unusual. The program was shown after the 'watershed' and viewers were warned that it contained upsetting scenes and offensive language. Clearly the BBC understands where the line is drawn though makes no attempt to stop at it. But to jump over it.

Probably, if it was 'legal', hard-porn would be introduced as long as the viewer is warned beforehand.

The fact that the template answer was issued (earlier series, BAFTA awards and carefully considered content) implies other complaints had been received.

The question was raised about a real scene or just cleverly executed (the unnecessary horse death in slow motion). An answer was completely missing. Ignored. The conclusion here is that it was real since no written denial was forthcoming.

The BBC must be condemned for this broadcast and the entire series. Box sets are probably available to see it all over again. This suggests an indictment against viewers who relish this sort of program. Impressionable young minds can be corrupted. Those watching after the 'watershed' - a cynical device to allow such productions to be screened.