TV Critics: Damilola; Rich Hall’s Presidential Grudge Match; Dark Angel

“It was appropriate that Damilola, Our Loved Boy, an often intensely moving film written by Levi David Addai, operated as an examination of family life, rather than as some facile Crimewatch-style re-creation.”
James Jackson, The Times

“Levi David Addai’s quietly powerful, affecting drama doesn’t dwell on Damilola’s death. It’s desperately, desperately sad, of course. I was choked up pretty much throughout.”
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian

“Of course, it was deeply moving, yet Damilola, Our Loved Boy was also inspiring as Richard conquered his anger at the injustice of it all and found his campaigning spirit. This terrific piece of TV was a fitting tribute to them all.”
Michael Hogan, The Telegraph

“Everything in this 90-minute drama was shown from the point of view of his parents and siblings. It was a brave approach, and I wish I could say it was completely successful. Unfortunately, it demonstrated why TV needs the detectives and the trail of clues.”
Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail

“With the looks of a seen-it-all cowboy, Hall has a satirical thrust that can show how, say, a Michael Dukakis gaffe led to the rise of the Kardashians. Even if his discursiveness lapsed into indulgence (90 minutes felt a touch epic), much of this rich overview was Hall at his pessimistic best.”
James Jackson, The Times

“In his trademark felt fedora, Hall turned the savagery of US politics in on itself. The results, while funny, were nothing to laugh about. At least not until all the votes are counted.”
Matt Baylis, Daily Express

“The sheer speed of her slaughter was almost comical. The only character who survived long enough to matter was her soft old stepdad, played by Alun Armstrong. We might have worried for him, except that a pointless flashback at the start had already reassured us he would survive. Which left no reason to keep watching at all.”
Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail