Drama Stephen began on ITV last night and provoked split opinion, with some viewers struggling to take Steve Coogan “seriously” during the first episode.
The crime drama told an important and harrowing story last night (Monday August 30) and attention focused on Steve’s performance as a detective intent on finding out the truth about what happened to murdered teenager.
But some viewers, used to seeing Steve in comedy roles, struggled to get over that hurdle.
Who did Steve play in Stephen on ITV?
Steve, 55, played DCI Clive Driscoll, who voluntarily started to look into the Stephen Lawrence murder case 18 years after his death.
During the original investigation, terrible mistakes were made and the gang of suspects walked away Scot-free.
However, thanks to Stephen’s parents Doreen and Neville, the case never left the nation’s conscience.
Read more: Is Steve Coogan married? Who are his famous exes? And what is his net worth?
And thanks to Clive, new forensic evidence was found that could bring the suspects to justice.
The drama was poignant, moving and highlighted police failures.
But some viewers found it tricky to get over Steve’s gravelly London accent and take him seriously.
Watching #Stephen.
Sorry, but I just can't take Steve Coogan seriously.— 4 Chords No Net (@4ChordsNoNet) August 30, 2021
https://twitter.com/xxanonxx00/status/1432436135624597507
I’m sorry but Coogan was totally miscast, his attempted London accent is so bad it distracts from every scene. #Stephen
— Paul Gibbons (@funkygibbons) August 30, 2021
Are we going to talk about how horrendous Steve Coogan’s London accent is in #Stephen ?
Sounds like he’s doing his Michael Caine impression.— Anna Michaux (@anna_michaux) August 30, 2021
Viewers’ reaction to Steve in Stephen
Taking to Twitter, one said: “Watching #Stephen. Sorry, but I just can’t take Steve Coogan seriously.”
Another wrote: “Is it just me who can’t take Steve Coogan seriously in this?! #Stephen #itv.”
Focusing on Steve’s accent, another commented: “I’m sorry but Coogan was totally miscast, his attempted London accent is so bad it distracts from every scene. #Stephen.”
A fourth wrote: “Are we going to talk about how horrendous Steve Coogan’s London accent is in #Stephen?
“Sounds like he’s doing his Michael Caine impression.”
Some positives from viewers
However, it wasn’t all negative from viewers of Stephen on ITV.
One wrote: “Reminder how brilliant and versatile an actor Steve Coogan is. RIP Stephen Lawrence #Stephen.”
Read more: What happened to the killers of Stephen Lawrence? Where are they now?
Another exclaimed: “#Stephen Steve Coogan really is brilliant.”
“#Stephen on ITV a must watch. Steve Coogan a revelation,” a third said.
https://youtu.be/9ynZf3P-Ui8
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