The Silence (2010) User Reviews (73)

Outstanding... until the end

[mattbg · 8/10 · 15 August 2010]

For three out of four episodes, this is outstanding TV that packs so much into one episode without feeling rushed that you've thoroughly enjoyed something in a short amount of time while perceiving it to have been much longer. To me, this is a feature of great writing.

But all the way through the fourth episode, it falls apart. The tight storytelling is gone from the very beginning of the final part. It meanders along without seeming to know where it's going and, to be honest, gets rather boring. It really does come across as if they ran out of money or the writer quit and walked off the project after part 3 and they decided to give the ending a go anyway and eventually just gave up.

I am tired of reading pretentious comments about the ending. It is not a misunderstood ending or an anti-Hollywood ending -- there simply is no ending and the story is terminated prematurely. This isn't a clever but unsettling ending that in the end makes you smile like the one in Sean Penn's "The Pledge". It simply stops before it finishes, which is why so many people are wondering about a fifth part or a 2nd series (which the BBC have said will not occur).

Even with all of that said, I still want to give it a high rating because the first three parts are so good. If I get the chance, I may go back and rewatch the final part to see if it gets better with age. But I don't think it will -- as I said, the problem isn't that the ending is unconventional or ambiguous but that the ending simply isn't there.

With a better ending, I would have given this a 10.

The British drama that had a shot at being great...then failed

[suzyq1068 · 7/10 · 10 June 2013]

I found the ensemble cast inspired when I decided to stream this British drama...so many familiar faces :). The storyline was intriguing and fresh, which is what got me to watch it in the first place. Going through the episodes, I found a lot to love, even the circuitous route the plot was taking. However, once you get into the final episode, you are left with the decided impression you have been set up, and not in a good way.

I appreciate good storytelling, in fact I prefer it to insipid and cliché meanderings that are rampant and clog up the tele on both sides of the pond. I do not however, appreciate the multitude of hanging threads that are in dire need of snipping in the end. Whether this was the intent, laziness, or simply a segway to inspire a further episodic endeavor (never to ultimately materialize), the end, which is not an end, leaves you with something of a bitter taste and feeling a bit betrayed. I guess there are suckers born every minute and this serves as a rather unsubtle reminder. It ruins what could otherwise make it a great series, hence my 7 rating.

There are a multitude of twists and interesting plot points throughout, hinting at the serpentine conspiracy to cover up corruption and murder. So many guilty parties outside the primary two that sit at its heart...but each tantalizing tidbit that hints at other key players is sadly left to dangle. I am fabulous at whodunits....but just because I can see the angles and conspirators, doesn't mean they shouldn't be explored...in fact the story demands it. DI Edwards is awash in a sea of conspirators in his own department, in superiors, in the drug squad...but the writers never take the time to fully develop them. There is a great story here dying to be spun out...a conspiracy of corruption so serpentine it aches to be explored...but it seems the interest was not there or it wouldn't have been quashed at four episodes. What a waste, a sad, sad waste of a talented cast and potential at great drama.

Tense thriller

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 16 July 2010]

This gripping drama which aired over four nights kept my attention through out, as each episode ended I was left enthusiastic to see the next. Set in Bristol the series follows the life of a deaf girl who witnesses the murder of a policewoman while out walking the dog for her uncle's family, being frightened she doesn't say anything when she gets home. Her uncle is a policeman who is investigating the murder and when she sees some CCTV footage he is reviewing she lip reads what the people are saying and it becomes apparent that the Bristol Drug Squad are involved. When he learns that he niece is a witness he should take her to the police station to take a formal statement but not knowing know can be trusted there he investigates alone. When the drug squad learn that there is a witness and who she is the policeman must struggle to keep her safe and bring them to justice before they can get to her.

Genevieve Barr was fantastic in the roll of Amelia the deaf girl and Douglas Henshall put in a fine performance as her policeman uncle DCI Jim Edwards. They were ably supported by a cast of TV regulars. Once the characters had been introduced and the story proper had started there was an almost constant sense of threat as the drug squad menace DCI Edwards and his family. As the story approaches its conclusion the tension gets even higher and until the last scene I wasn't sure if the case would be solved or not.

No season 2 ?? Come on! You're killing me here😫😫

[nadinesedat · 10/10 · 31 July 2019]

I love it. And I'm absolutely glad I watched it. I nearly didn't because of the horrible reviews it's gotten but then I thought "what the heck, why not?". Maybe I wasn't expecting anything and was pleasantly surprised or it was just a great mini series, no idea, but I genuinely thought it had all a great show should have to keep you in your seat, good acting, a good amount of suspense and a great story line! So all in all, 2 thumbs up, but come on.... you can NOT let it end like this SMH!!! that's just not ok, Mini series or not. Ughhh...

What a Shame!

[jeanjeannie38 · 15 July 2010]

I watched this, potentially brilliant, mini serial for each of its four days. Each day I really looked forward to the next episode. However, having now watched the whole series, I have reached the conclusion that the drama should have continued for five days instead of four. The fourth episode could very easily have concluded with a cliffhanger concerning the main character. This would have enabled the drama to end in a much more satisfying way. Instead, after watching four days of a truly gripping thriller, the ending was very disappointing. I don't think merely leaving your audience with a good idea of the probably outcome of a drama is a patch on concluding with a fully rounded ending. Instead of the series concluding in a way that left me pleased I have invested my time and energy in it, I was left feeling it had been cut short because the writer (or director) had simply run out of steam. On the plus side the acting, especially of those playing the two leading characters, was first class.

Writers...what were you thinking with that ending????

[alicevilla · 6/10 · 16 February 2020]

I enjoy Douglas Henshall in Shetland so I thought I'd give The Silence a go. Although the characters were hard to be empathetic for, especially the whiny pip-squeak older son, I gradually got into the storyline of the 4 episodes about a young deaf girl that witnesses a woman getting killed by 2 corrupt cops and her Uncle, Henshall, trying to bring them to justice. BUT then I had to endure one of the worst and most poorly written endings of a multi episode show that I've seen in a long time. A middle schooler in creative writing class could have written a better, more complete and satisfying ending than the writers of The Silence. If you start, know what you're getting yourselves in for!

No Second Season?

[lmpcoronado · 8/10 · 7 May 2019]

I really enjoyed the series just released on Netflix. The main character being deaf and able to lip read was interesting. I can't believe the ending....it left me wanting and waiting for more. A Season 2 would really help the curt ending. So much more to explore ... A courtroom drama should ensue wrapping it all up but we need twists.

Some Parts Hard to Watch

[Cilica · 6/10 · 13 August 2021]

I liked the show but was challenged with the uncle, the police investigator's behaviour towards his children and the niece - what a right ass. Why is she lying, why accuse her, yell at her and treat her badly? He being a witness was all about him. Otherwise was suspenseful.

Didn't feel like it ended

[mkirby-03752 · 9/10 · 28 April 2020]

Great acting. Great suspense but I felt like there's no ending.

Yep

[Headturner1 · 6/10 · 20 June 2020]

I watched this last night after wanting to see it for a while. Has a good cast, good acting and I've only read 2 reviews but this was definitely not finished. Usually UK series are 3 or 6. I think this was a intended 6. There's definitely footage laying around somewhere. While I was watching I had to google ( because I just finished 3) to see exactly how many episodes in total. I mean SPOILERS

So he gets drugged and attacked by these corrupt coppers and then they only find him in the last few minutes and you see Amelia still at the boxing hall where Frankie is seen walking out of his fight and says" I'm going to try to make things right". So I'm thinking everything will take place off camera and they will show him talking with AC and them arresting the 2 and then cut to the family surrounding Jim in the hospital the end. But that wasn't even the case. It wasn't that great any ways. The story was weak and all that with the cohlear implant did nothing for the plot and even that like the rest was done half a####. Any ways if you want to watch an ok UK series with zero closure then this is it.

Where is rest.....Rest of stars come when rest of show turns up

[dlc1952 · 4/10 · 5 February 2020]

4 stars for 4 episodes. Wish I had come here and read the reviews about the show first I would've never started it. I absolutely hate shows that do this leave all these loose ends hanging with an ending where you're supposed to try to figure out what "you think" happens. This show was really good- tense, interesting unusual story line, some great acting. I was enjoying watching it and then I pause it for a minute during the last episode to see that there was only four minutes left and knew immediately this is going to be one of "those shows". A show with no real ending. I am really angry right now.

What kind of ending was that?

[dacrows · 8/10 · 4 May 2020]

We loved all four episodes even though they were completely stressful and tense, then it ends with the main character fighting for his life and the bad guys not apprehended?????!!!!!

Waste of talented actors.

[ronaldalamascus-90506 · 6/10 · 28 January 2020]

The basic premise of the story is very good but is so disjointed and wavering that it makes one wonder what was accomplished in the end. Some of the most dysfunctional, irresponsible characters ever assembled and their interpersonal relationships are a disaster. There isn't a single like able character in the entire story including the principal. It had so much more potential.

Would Have Been 8 Stars Until That Horrible Ending

[lornak-18008 · 5/10 · 3 April 2021]

All I can ask is Why? I spent all of last night watching 4 episodes back to back. I endured the horrible character that the writers gave the deaf girl and the ridiculously spoiled older brother character. The deaf girl's uncle was the draw for me on this one. Douglas Henshall is just stunning as an actor in everything I've watched him star in and this was no exception. The first three of these episodes were perfect for a police drama aficionado, but by the time episode 4 is over you will be ready to throw your television out the window. The build up to that ending was spot on as far as level of tension only to have it yanked away. As in, there is no end. No plot line is tied up, no bad guy arrested, just nothing. You'd be better off watching or rewatching Shetland. Now that's a perfect series!

Well, the trailer looked alright....

[PippinInOz · 13 October 2011]

Reviewers have already done an excellent job of giving you some idea of the storyline so I'll cut to the chase......as I said: 'Well, the trailer looked alright.....'

and yes, edchin2006 from Canada - I agree with everything you have written here.

When you, me watch a detective drama and actually like this genre, then you already know a certain amount of suspension of belief is often - well nearly always - required, but really.....this one just takes the p***

Look at all the acting chops listed there......think about that - then wonder what on earth was going on to make this so plain irritating. This is not a criticism of the acting, Douglas Henshal (a much underused actor on film and television), Gina McKee (one of the most beautifully subtle actors), Hugh Bonneville (excellent) Dirvla Kirwan and the young Genevieve Barr as Amelia - all do their best here.

I only made it half way through the second episode and just could not stand anymore.

Again, there is horrible reliable cliché and stereotype, for example:

The 'we're all mad!' family home of Jim and Maggie, with Maggie being made to behave for all the world like the mum in 'Bless this House' - I don't know how or why this image of family life is so prevalent at the moment, but someone just stop it. Most of us were lucky enough to grow up in a family home, we also probably visited lots of our mates' homes - so why this 'Bless this House' (hyper- rushing around put upon mum, frankly stupid teenagers.....) nonsense all the time? Why is it on 'TV World' that anyone over the age of 40 acts as if they are ready for the retirement village while anyone younger than 25 is a burke?

The deaf young woman: I am not deaf, but if I was, would probably be ready to throw a brick at the screen if made to watch just one more representation of a deaf person which equates hearing difficulties with being a bit stupid and promiscuous to boot. Come on! As if she would not tell someone what she had seen? As if she would go in the loo at the pub and give a stranger a blow job? As if she would not be encouraged to WRITE DOWN precisely what she remembered (not of the blow job you understand, the murder....) to help the investigation while the memory was fresh. Just not buying it at all.

People who speak in a way that people in day to day life just don't speak. Suspension of disbelief is a lot easier when the characters behave and speak in a believable way. It helps if we like a few of them as well.

This is the second awful police drama I have watched on Foxtel Australia's Crime Month - the other one was 'Case Sensitive' - if you go and read my review of that - then disagree with both my reviews - chances are you will enjoy this. Good luck to you.

.....and judging by some reviews here, if they thought the final episode was a let down, so pleased I pressed STOP as early as I did. Clearly, it just wasn't going to get any better.

Good & Bad

[timschatten · 10/10 · 29 March 2011]

Speaking on the behalf of a few people here... We all very much loved this TV series and couldn't wait until the next episode would come on as the story was so incredible; full of suspense and drama. The acting was fantastic and we all were really attached to each character quite fondly. It was great to see a profoundly deaf actress take a lead roll in such a unique story and not just because she's deaf, but more so on her "other" skills that she has. The only thing that could possibly be said that is remotely negative about this series is that... "FOUR EPISODES?" - There are so many unanswered questions that are not portrayed here, so many things that have not been finalized, so many other possibilities that "could" happen! To just end it like that, just wow... We here who have enjoyed these episodes very much and expected another episode to air are quite upset and shocked, to be honest; that there's only four episodes. This could have been just so much better if it was, at least 5 episodes. To anyone who does watch this show... You'll be drawn in like crazy and then let go, at only four episodes deep of this bizarre TV series. My advice? Don't bother to waste your time.

Frantic, chaos and then a poor ending

[guy-summerton · 7/10 · 9 June 2021]

Never have I been so frustrated by a bunch of characters who are clueless. Still worth a watch I would say but a disappointing ending. Could have been so much better.

Intriguing

[joyfullivingdrm · 8/10 · 7 January 2021]

This was a very intriguing suspenseful show; however, the ending was terrible. There should have been at least one more episode to tie up all the loose ends. The last episode also had very poor picture quality: the storyline was, however, fabulous.

Terrible ending

[vzzkpbv · 7/10 · 27 May 2023]

I know this is an old series but I started watching it and got totally gripped! Some fabulous actors in this series , especially the Genevieve Barr who took and played a great part, I really wanted to see the corrupt police officers from the the drugs squad get their comeuppance but sadly that didn't happen, it was a very poor ending that left you wondering the outcome , they were pointers but nothing definite as to how it would all end, very shoddy work from the writers , a real disappointing ending, too many series ending that way at the moment I'm sad to say , they could have easily added more to finish it properly!

It's a ride. Let me explain the ending.

[neroli_w · 8/10 · 19 June 2021]

All of the reviews that say it doesn't have an ending are right and wrong. It is actually all wrapped up but not overtly. You have to think it through which is a shame because five more minutes would have been plenty of denouement.

The cast is spectacular, the story is no more convoluted than a lot of murder mysteries these days and the deaf character Amelia's ability to read lips and sign are integral to the plot. People behave badly and make unwise choices, they argue in really stupid ways, not unlike life. There is Amelia's silence and everyone else has things they're not saying or keeping quiet about.

The implant therapy receptionist is some of the hammiest back acting I've ever heard.

Spoilers. Massive Spoilers. Do not pass here if you don't want spoilers.

So the ending *is* wrapped up.

Rocky is going to come clean and tell the police the Drug Squad is corrupt. Now that Amelia has confirmed that she saw them killing his fiance, Rocky will dob in Mac and Lee for killing Jane Shilliday.

Tom will have his charges dropped and be ok.

Ely is going to come clean for Amelia, Tom and Sophie. He'll get in trouble for dealing but he'll be able to make a deal for a short sentence and he'll be out in a year. He will corroborate the true story.

Jim's police 2IC, Terry, is going to come clean to Police Professional Standards (Internal Affairs) group and that will back up Jims's story.

Frank Evans, the police chief, hid the lip reading evidence tapes because he's in on the corruption. He's been saving for his retirement in Hawaii - now he'll spend retirement in prison with the drug squad.

This all corroborates what Jim and Amelia have been saying and Mac and Lee will go down for corruption, for fitting up Tom, for murdering Jane, the attempted murder of Jim and drugs.

Jim will still be in trouble for hiding a witness and running a rogue investigation. He might lose his job but his family are safe. Terry might be in trouble for helping Jim, but he will be able to sleep at night knowing he did the right thing.

Amelia has convinced her mother she can be independent, she's convinced herself she can be independent, forged strong relationships with her cousins and realised she does like having the implant and that sound can be handy.

Jim and Maggie are reunited in their family love. They've kissed and made up. The kids have realised their parents love them and care about them.

Anne and Chris have aired their secret resentments, (you let her go to Bristol / you wanted the implant), apologised and kissed and made up.

Amelia knows her parents love her and they are a happier family.

Despite what Tom says to Maggie, we do have a happy ending. Mostly.

You want a scene?

EXT. BRISTOL CRIMINAL COURT - DAY

Mac, Lee, Frank and the other drug squad officers are being marched to the prison transport van in cuffs. Jim glares at Mac and Mac looks defeated as he's bundled into the van.

Jim turns to his family who are walking out of the court arm in arm. They look quietly satisfied. Tom hugs Jim and Maggie has her arm around Sophie and the little brother.

Ely watches from one side and Sophie gives him a tiny nod of acknowledgement. He starts to walk towards her but Sophie holds up a hand and shakes her head, no. Ely is crushed. Maggie approves.

Terry strides up to Jim. They shake hands earnestly with shared understanding. Terry is in uniform: Jim is not.

Amelia, Anne and Chris walk down the stairs smiling and chatting. Amelia runs to hug Jim and the others hug each other in relief that it's all over.

They set off down the street leaving the court behind them.

END.

A tale of two parts (and seemingly missing the finale)

[zebo-194-116019 · 6/10 · 13 May 2021]

The first two episodes seemed quite good. But the 3rd and 4th felt like a different writer? It descended into more of a Sccooby Doo adventure than a gritty police drama. And clumsy insertion of "deaf related" issues throughout. And I agree that the ending seemed rushed...ok, we can assume what happened quite comfortably...but it felt like they'd had a fire at the studio and needed to finish it pronto. I'd be interested to find out if the writing team changed for the past two eps.

Faulty premise with NO ending executed poorly and tediously

[michaelr-07217 · 4/10 · 13 June 2021]

This was another stunning example of 90 minutes of content stuffed into four hours. The deaf girl element was so poorly related to the premise that it was utterly superfluous. It was also incredibly unclear why everyone was on the verge of a psychotic meltdown in every scene. I've never seen a show with so much unnecessary shouting. Further, why would our heroine not immediately report her observations to her policeman uncle? And the girl with "common sense" runs away from a killer but stays on the road with a hit and run cop behind her? I almost quit after episode three. Just exasperatingly illogical, melodramatic, and often just stupid. It appears the producers expected to be renewed for a second season, so there was absolutely no ending either. What a complete disappointment.

Very Entertaining

[ilcooney · 8/10 · 11 May 2021]

Great show up until the last episode. Genevieve Barr (Amanda) is so watchable & expressive. She made the series terrific.

Unfinished ending

[IrishInDetroit · 7/10 · 18 April 2022]

Was loving it up until the end - seems like there should be at least one more episode to tie things up. I was disappointed we didn't get to see situations resolved - not sure I like to assume everyone was caught and punished.

Most irritating TV family ever

[emuir-1 · 5/10 · 24 May 2020]

After two hours of the Fighting O'Hooligans in their messy house, I gave up and went to bed but I was too tensed up by the drama to sleep. Next morning I decided to finish watching, and they were at it again. Most annoying was the Scotsman, Jim, with the explosive temper who really needed anger management, followed by Amelia the deaf niece who was difficult, to put it mildly. I was quite glad to see her mother give her a good slap. She asked for it. I am deaf myself, having only 30% hearing in one ear and about 2% in the other, so I understand the denial and reluctance to use hearing aids. We have learned to live with the silence and enjoy it, compensating for the lack of hearing in many other ways. Unfortunately, we are often assumed to be standoffish because we don't answer when spoken to, rude, and stupid. It can lead to a withdrawal so I can understand Amelia keeping quiet about the murder. I object to the inclusion of the oral sex in the lavatory as another inclusion which today's filmmakers seem to feel is required, however, they spared us the lesbian policewoman and the gay friend and I did not notice too many F__ words so I should be grateful. Thank heaven for small mercies.

My take on the unsatisfactory ending is that ambiguous endings are suddenly in vogue and 'trendy', although it is possible that the producers expected to be picked up for a second season and had not thought to hedge their bets with a satisfactory conclusion just in case. I am not one to subscribe to the American demand that the bad guys get what is coming. Life doesn't always go the way we want and some times the bad guys get away with it, but to leave the fate of Jim in the balance, and not to know if the killers were brought to justice, and whether Rocky and/or Eli turned them in, and would Maggie finally file for divorce, is just plain shoddy and shortchanging the viewer. I for one feel I wasted my time watching it. Yes, another episode was definitely needed.