the programme was well received. it was nominated for a bafta award in the best single drama category, and won the 1990 award in that category from both the royal television society and the broadcasting press guild. the "sunday times" critic patrick stoddart described it as kosminsky's "first and massively impressive drama". chris dunkely of the "financial times" said it was "the sort of programme that makes me want to stand up and cheer", calling it "admirable" and "remarkably even handed", with "splendid performances... and very superior camerawork and editing. given that kosminsky has never made a drama before it is an astonishing achievement. but above all a heartening one".