The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies is a 2014 British mini-series, which aired on ITV. The television series, which aired in two parts, first introduces the viewer to a retired professor and landlord, Christopher Jefferies (Jason Watkins). Two of his tenants, Joanna Yeates (Carla Turner) and her boyfriend, Greg Reardon (Matthew Barker), become a vital part of the story. Another tenant, Vincent Tabak (Joe Sims), proves to be helpful to both Christopher and Greg, during their times of need.
When Joanna goes missing, the town, police and media quickly formulate their own theories. The mass majority, with the media leading the way, place the blame squarely on Christopher Jefferies and ridicule his strange appearance. Although Jefferies continues to maintain his innocence, his name is repeatedly tarnished on television and in the newspapers. With blinders in place, police quickly rush to his home and eventually arrest him on suspicion of murder.
While forensic investigators scour through Jefferies’s house, he is repeatedly questioned by authorities. On the outside, the media continues their barrage of attacks and defamatory comments. With the help of a former pupil, Charles Chapman (Ben Caplan), Christopher receives legal representation in Paul Okebu (Shaun Parkes). Working together, Jefferies is eventually released, due to lack of evidence, but the ride is far from over.
Once released on bail, Christopher begins living with Charles and starts to learn about the personal attacks in the media. He discovers that old comrades and co-workers have turned their backs, while many have also defamed his character. After several calls to the police station from Vincent Tabak, things take a U-turn. Still, Christopher’s honor will not be restored so easily. Suffice to say, some damage is irreparable.
With that, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies is an emotional thrill ride with tons of heart. In a society, where the media holds more power than the legal system, innocent lives can easily be destroyed, in order to capitalize on captivating headlines. And so the beat goes on all around the globe. As long as sensationalized gossip sells and the public demands to be spoon fed, media corporations will continue their ridiculous behavior, while reaping the enormous benefits.
The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies may only be one man’s tale, but it is a communality for many. Even today, media outlets pull the strings and devalue the lives of many, without knowing the true facts. The Baltimore 6, Brandon Bostian, and countless others. At least there are some tales with honorable ends, Richard Jewell and Christopher Jefferies are among those that prove lost honor can be restored. The story certainly need to be told and the mini-series did so perfectly. An awe inspiring performance from Jason Watkins helped to elevated The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies from a good story to something great and forever memorable.
For that, the show deserves a 9 out of 10.
Jay Skelton is a fan of all television shows and movies. He tries his best to keep up with the latest foreign television shows and movies. Jay loves skinny dipping in the dark too.
