There are Four Lives
BBC 1, last night
Rating: 
Stephen Merchant does not make a good comic actor. The beanpole sidekick Ricky Gervais, in Extras, proves to be chillingly great in a role of true crime.
His performance as serial killer Stephen Port in Four Lives (BBC1) has strong echoes of David Tennant’s superb portrayal two years ago of another monster who preyed on young gay men – Dennis Nilsen, in ITV’s Des.
It is a much better drama than Merchant’s last-year comic thriller The Outlaws.
His comedy skills are limited. He relies on charm and a desire to please. This irritating personality is a problem on any chat program or sitcom.
It’s creepily mesmerizing as an isolated loner, whose social awkwardness hides his psychoopathic tendencies.
Stephen Merchant’s (pictured centre) performance as serial killer Stephen Port in Four Lives (BBC1) has strong echoes of David Tennant’s superb portrayal two years ago of another monster who preyed on young gay men – Dennis Nilsen, in ITV’s Des
Merchant portrays an unassuming man with his tiny eyes that rest heavily on his sockets. His slurred, tentative speech reveals a man who is often unable to concentrate.
The performance is not flamboyant. Crucially, he doesn’t try for laughs, even when he’s indulging in his other obsession – buying children’s toys through eBay.
He shows us how the murderer’s brain works, and a level of cunning the police couldn’t comprehend. He is seen as harmless and quirky by his neighbour Ryan (Samuel Barnett).
Port, a late-thirties chef, lured males to Barking via sex sites and dating apps. Port drugged and raped victims before disposing of their bodies.
As Nilsen said, he was equally incompetent and as blind as Nilsen. In 2014, the body of Anthony Walgate (23-year-old fashion student) was found outside Port’s flat. It was reported by the victim in an anonymous 999 call. The police were unable to consider him a suspect. Four Lives, the first episode of the three-part series this week, reveals that homophobia at The Met is largely responsible.
After realizing that Walgate had been a part time sex worker at the time, detectives started to treat his death as a sordid misadventure.
Walgate’s mum Sarah Sak (pictured), is devastated by the death of her son Sheridan Smith.
Similar to Anne on Hillsborough, the story here is mostly seen through the eyes and anger of an angry, grieving mother.
Walgate’s mother Sarah Sak was devastated when her son died.
Because they reflect each other, it’s strange that the two dramas are being aired simultaneously, on opposing channels.
The authorities have dismissed Sarah Sak and Anne Williams, played by Maxine Peake. The authorities dismiss Sarah Sak (played here by Maxine Peake) and Anne Williams (played in part by Anne Wilkins).
Port was an artist in his late 30s who lured men through dating websites and sex apps to his Barking flat. Port raped and drugged his victims before disposing of their bodies.
True crime drama treads a difficult line. You run the risk of exploiting victims and their families or glorifying the criminal.
By concentrating on Sarah’s fight for justice, Four Lives avoids these pitfalls – though many viewers will find the implied emphasis on promiscuous sex difficult to watch.
Port and Ryan playing with toy cars while they talk about their affection for gay men who look just like teens is particularly disturbing.
Smith’s natural state is that of a woman determined to uncover the truth. She fears she will blame her husband for his death and continue to be afraid.
Although she tries to keep her emotions under control, her heartbreak can’t be stopped from leaking into her eyes and crackling voice.
It is impossible to stop emotion when it is directed into a cause or campaign. It will be an educational experience to see Sarah Sak make the Met care for her son.