The Hack Reviews: Critics Are Split On David Tennant's New ITV Drama

David Tennant with Mr Bates vs. The Post Office star Toby Jones in The HackAfter the success of Mr Bates vs The Post Office, ITV has another drama about another major British scandal.The new seven-part drama The Hack was penned by Adolescence writer Jack Thorne, and is set amid the phone hacking scandal involving Rupert Murdoch’s News International. Nick’s work in 2008 led to seven major police investigations, nearly 40 convictions and the closure of News Of The World. Led by David Tennant and co-starring Robert Carlyle and Toby Jones, The Hack follows sides of the scandal. As well as following The Guardian journalist Nick Davies’ investigation into the phone hacking, the show also hones in on the detective uncovering the Metropolitan police’s connection to the scandal.However, despite its impressive cast, gripping subject matter about widespread corruption and the fact that it’s from the teams behind hit shows like Adolescence, Toxic Town and Mr Bates vs The Post Office, critics aren’t entirely convinced by The Hack.Described as “indulgent”, many have said they felt the show failed to balance the many plots, while questioning whether its humorous tone is always appropriate. It’s not all bad news, though, as the show’s leading performances have been almost universally praised. Here’s what the critics are saying about The Hack so far…The Guardian (2/5)“The air of smug righteousness that suffuses the drama (apparently unironically, for those who are about to write in saying there could be no better commentary on the leftwing media) is deeply unendearing.”The Telegraph 2/5“It is written by Jack Thorne, fresh from his success with Adolescence, but he has failed to work the same magic. Essentially it’s The Guardian: The Movie, and it’s cringeworthy.”The Independent (3/5)“The balance between making the story of the investigation digestible and exposing the human toll is hard to strike, and while the chiaroscuro is occasionally effective, it’s all too often jarring.”The Irish Independent (3/5)“Anyone expecting The Hack to be a straightforward story of dogged, honest, old-school journalism in the manner of All The President’s Men or Spotlight is in for a surprise, and maybe a fair bit of disappointment with it. Thorne and director Lewis Arnold resort to all sorts of stylistic tricks and gimmicks. Davies frequently breaks the fourth wall, Fleabag-style, to deliver asides that range from wry to annoyingly smartarse.”Yahoo!“Played as a straightforward police procedural, with Carlyle as the lead detective, Dave Cook, the Morgan side of The Hack is vastly superior to the phone hacking episodes. The latter are let down by some rather incongruous bouts of giddiness, not to mention some frankly bizarre celebrity cameos from the likes of Harry Hill, Gabby Logan and Jonathan Ross.”The Standard (4/5)“It’s a welcome refresher on one of the biggest abuses of power of our time – and a reminder of lessons that seem to be forgotten already.”The i Paper (5/5)“The Hack is a complicated story, brilliantly told by a group of creatives at the very peak of their powers and Thorne manages to weave the many strands into a galloping narrative spiked with wit and bold emotional flourishes.”The Hack is available to stream in full now on ITVX, while also airing weekly on ITV1 at 9pm on Wednesdays.MORE TV NEWS:Slow Horses Is Back – But Critics Can't Agree Whether Season 5 Is The 'Best' Or 'Worst' YetCritics Are Saying This 'Delicious' New Netflix Drama Is Your Next Binge-WatchHere's Why The White Lotus Fans Are Convinced This Cast Member Will Return For Season 4

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