It is one of the strangest, most chilling stories ever told. It is also dumbfounding.
One approaches this very thorough, meticulous production not with the vague sense of dread that accompanies watching other true-crime docu-series. Instead, you come to it already unsettled by knowledge of the sheer scope of his crimes, and with knowledge of his fame and reputation in Britain. He was knighted for his charitable work, for heaven’s sake. He was a friend to prime ministers and Prince Charles often sought his advice and counsel.
The first part of the series chronicles Savile’s life and career. In hindsight, it seems surreal that this clearly outlandish, outré figure ever rose to such prominence. Reasons emerge, mind you. Savile began as a radio DJ, good with the patter and prattle about pop music that made DJs into stars in the 1960′s. He worked very hard at it and was a gifted broadcaster who easily made the transition to TV. What he had, and he knew it, was an authenticity that the BBC needed at that time.
What was unsettlingly bizarre about him was taken as merely zany. He looked a preposterous figure, with his garish outfits, hair and ever-present cigar. But somehow this was interpreted as lovable. What’s beyond chilling is how easily he connected with children and how TV programs he did with children became the hallmark of his success. The program he hosted, , in which he made a child’s wish come true, had 20 million viewers and, unknowingly, the BBC surrounded this beast with children.
Comedian Zelensky is only a sword away.