Appropriate Adult
The Wests' former house at 25 Cromwell Street in Gloucester, England, was demolished in 1996, two years after the Wests were arrested. The exterior of the Cromwell Street house was recreated using an abandoned building in Cardiff Street, itself on an abandoned street slated for demolition at the time, in Higher Broughton, a suburb of Salford, part of the Greater Manchester metropolitan area. A second house that looms large in the Wests' story, 25 Midland Road, still stands, and its exterior is featured in the mini-series.,Disclaimer in opening titles: "This is a true story. What follows is based on extensive research, interviews and published accounts. Some scenes have been created for the purposes of dramatisation.",Featured in The Wright Stuff: Episode #16.15 (2011),A lesser production about the West's story would have probably gone for Se7en style moods and grisly gory details. A horror.

Fortunately, and far more rewardingly for any engaged viewer, the story focuses on a human relationship story whilst allowing the imagination to piece together events in the background.

The dynamics of the relationship are fascinating, more-so because they are true. In the final analysis, that Janet (the appropriate adult) allowed herself to be manipulated and seduced by Fred West is a chilling illustration of the true nature of what we are dealing with here. The thought that this same psychological treatment would have led countless others into his trust, and ultimately their deaths, is far more terrifying in its cold reality than any conscious attempts at "horror" could have been.

Janet doesn't only represent the victims but also the vast majority of normal human beings - vulnerable to emotional needs, a willing and optimistic mindset, and the inability to always separate imagination from reality.

A very fascinating angle on a difficult subject.,