Yahoo Movies Des viewers praise "incredible" cast as last episode of David Tennant's true-crime series airs
ITV aired the final instalment of three-part true-crime drama Des on Wednesday evening (September 16).
The series, which stars David Tennant as serial killer Dennis 'Des' Nilsen, has been praised by fans all week and become ITV's biggest drama launch of the year.
The final episode focused on Nilsen's trial, after he shockingly pleaded not guilty to the murders, despite previously confessing to police that he had killed up to 16 men.
Related: Des on ITV: Who was Kenneth Ockenden, victim of Dennis Nilsen?
During the trial, where Nilsen was charged with six counts of murder, the defence set out to prove Nilsen was not of sound mind at the time and had diminished responsibility, making him instead guilty of manslaughter.
It was up to the prosecution to prove that there was premeditation and Nilsen knew exactly what he was doing.
During the trial, the prosecution's case suffered two major setbacks when two of their witnesses, Douglas Stewart and Carl Stotter, had their stories taken apart.
Related: Dennis Nilsen details that weren't included in ITV's drama Des
But despite many viewers already knowing that Nilsen was convicted, they were still gripped as they waited for the jury to return their verdict.
Watch: HBO’s latest docuseries details writer Michelle McNamara’s obsession with the infamous Golden State Killer
In the end, Nilsen was convicted of six counts of murder and one of attempted murder, and sentenced to life in prison.
On Twitter, viewers were full of praise for star Tennant, as well as Daniel Mays who played DCI Peter Jay and Jason Watkins as Brian Masters.
Best drama this year, brilliant performance from all the cast especially #davidtennent , chilling! #Des
— Diane (@stefficats) September 16, 2020
Give David Tennant all the awards. Skin crawlingly superb #Des
— tweetiepie (@tweetiepie_1978) September 16, 2020
#Des was the most chilling TV I've seen in a long time. Stellar cast of Tennant, Watkins and Mays was always going to be unmissable.
— Simone (@SimoneC) September 16, 2020
#Des - What an incredible drama. Epic performances from #DavidTennant, @DanielMays9 and @Jason__Watkins. Give them all awards! pic.twitter.com/zAN6ymtT0Q
— Sarah Swan ~ Book Blogger @ Sarah’s Vignettes 📚😊 (@Sarah_Swan2) September 16, 2020
Phenomenal acting by all in #des #DennisNilsen #DavidTennant @DanielMays9 @ITV
— Samantha EMMERSON (@Samanthaemmerso) September 16, 2020
#Des Amazing factual Drama, #Bafta next year pic.twitter.com/dUy5kUtns7
— Warwick Proud Welfare Homeless & Elderly (@WarwickProud) September 16, 2020
#BAFTA #Des In the bag for @DanielMays9 Effing marvellous. His intensity is off the scale. The pain and hope in his face is too much.
— Abbi (@profmyster21) September 16, 2020
I wish Des was an ongoing weekly drama, this is gripping. David Tennant and Daniel Mays 👏🏻 #Des
— Bradley (@BradClough10) September 16, 2020
Des aired on ITV.
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