Steeltown Murders

7.1
2023

Production

Logo for Severn Screen

The hunt to catch the killer of three young women in the Port Talbot area in 1973 and the remarkable story of how - in the first case of its kind - the mystery was solved almost 30 years later using pioneering DNA evidence. Contrasting the policing methods of the 1970s with the forensic breakthroughs of the early 2000s, the series portrays a town dealing with the repercussions of an unsolved case three decades on, and asks if justice can ever truly be found.

Trailers & Videos

Thumbnail for video: Steeltown Murders - Trailer | BBC

Steeltown Murders - Trailer | BBC

Seasons

4 Episodes • Premiered 2023

Still image for Steeltown Murders season 1 episode 1: Episode 1

1. Episode 1

7.3

As the CID reopen an investigation into three murders from 1973, DCI Paul Bethell tries to piece together a past that has haunted both him and a community for almost 30 years.

Still image for Steeltown Murders season 1 episode 2: Episode 2

2. Episode 2

7.3

With the swabbing operation set in motion, Paul looks to not only find his killer, but to eliminate individuals whose past has been defined by false accusations and rumours.

Still image for Steeltown Murders season 1 episode 3: Episode 3

3. Episode 3

7.3

Through groundbreaking, familial DNA technology, the team in ‘02 manage to locate the killer. However, without 100 per cent certainty, Paul may have to rethink his approach.

Still image for Steeltown Murders season 1 episode 4: Episode 4

4. Episode 4

7.7

As Paul searches for higher approval to proceed with Kappen’s exhumation, the team are concerned that his tunnel vision could leave them in a worse situation than they once were.

Cast

Photo of Scott Arthur

Scott Arthur

Young DC Paul Bethel

Photo of Sion Alun Davies

Sion Alun Davies

Young Phil 'Bach' Rees

Photo of Keith Allen

Keith Allen

Dai Williams

Photo of Gareth John Bale

Gareth John Bale

DC Geraint Bale

Photo of Aneurin Barnard

Aneurin Barnard

Joseph Kappen

Photo of Kriss Dosanjh

Kriss Dosanjh

Young Rowan Anwar

Photo of Philip Glenister

Philip Glenister

DCI Paul Bethell

Photo of Richard Corgan

Richard Corgan

DS Chris Wynne

Photo of Steffan Rhodri

Steffan Rhodri

Phil 'Bach' Rees

Photo of Oliver Ryan

Oliver Ryan

DCS Ray Allen

Photo of Steve Nicolson

Steve Nicolson

DI Tony Warren

Photo of Nia Roberts

Nia Roberts

Karina Bethell

Photo of Matthew Aubrey

Matthew Aubrey

Phil Blunt

Photo of Richard Elfyn

Richard Elfyn

DS Vic Jenkins

Photo of Walter van Dyk

Walter van Dyk

Mr. Croiset

Photo of Elinor Crawley

Elinor Crawley

Young Karina Bethell

Photo of Jade Croot

Jade Croot

Pauline Floyd

Photo of Dyfan Dwyfor

Dyfan Dwyfor

DS Vic Jenkins

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Reviews

N

Peter McGinn

8/10

Yet another British mini-series based on actual events. This follows a cold case that is taken up again due to advances in DNA technology and science. The small team is run by DCI Paul Bethel, who worked on the case the first time around.

I confess I was a little confused at first, not immediately realizing that we were watching DCI Bethel in both time frames, past and present. It seems that had a third murder to add to the suspect.Somehow I started out thinking there were two separate investigations, one of which was looking at just the third murder. But once I realized my error I kept up with events just fine. If you watch a lot of British tv as we do you will recognize. Few good supporting actors in the cast.

Since this is based on real events, it is funny to see some common police show cliches showing up, such as the detective so dedicated to his job that his marriage suffers. I guess chiches are overused because they are often accurate. Still the wrong and the acting were strong.

As a side note, there is an accompanying documentary about the case that I expect to watch soon.

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