Synopsis
The Secret is a 2016 British true crime drama television miniseries based on the book Let This Be Our Secret by Deric Henderson. It tells the story of Colin Howell, a respected dentist and pillar of the community in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, who murders his wife Lesley and her lover Trevor Buchanan in 1991. He then persuades his lover Hazel Buchanan to help him stage the murders as a suicide pact. The series stars James Nesbitt as Colin Howell, Genevieve O’Reilly as Hazel Buchanan, Laura Pyper as Lesley Howell, Glen Wallace as Trevor Buchanan, and Jason Watkins as Pastor John.
Cast and Director
- James Nesbitt as Colin Howell
- Genevieve O’Reilly as Hazel Buchanan
- Laura Pyper as Lesley Howell
- Glen Wallace as Trevor Buchanan
- Jason Watkins as Pastor John
- Nick Murphy as Director
Premiere Date
The Secret premiered on ITV on April 29, 2016. It is now available to stream on Acorn TV.
Story Plot
The Secret is a dark and twisted tale of love, betrayal, and murder. Colin Howell is a successful dentist and married father of two. He is also a pillar of the community and a devout Christian. But behind closed doors, Colin is leading a double life. He is having an affair with Hazel Buchanan, a married Sunday school teacher. When Colin’s wife Lesley discovers the affair, she threatens to tell Hazel’s husband Trevor. In a panic, Colin hatches a plan to murder Lesley and Trevor. He persuades Hazel to help him stage the murders as a suicide pact. The plan works, and Colin and Hazel are able to get away with murder for many years. But eventually, the truth comes out, and Colin and Hazel are brought to justice.
Critical Response
The Secret was met with critical acclaim. The series was praised for its suspenseful plot, strong performances, and sensitive handling of a difficult subject matter. The Guardian called it “a gripping and disturbing drama” and The Telegraph said it was “a powerful and heartbreaking story.”
Life Lessons
The Secret is a cautionary tale about the dangers of secrets. When we keep secrets, they can eat away at us and eventually destroy us. The series also shows the importance of honesty and communication in relationships. If Colin and Hazel had been honest with each other, they might have been able to avoid tragedy.
Conclusion
The Secret is a powerful and disturbing drama that will stay with you long after you watch it. It is a reminder that even the most respectable people are capable of great evil. The series also offers some important life lessons about the dangers of secrets and the importance of honesty and communication in relationships.
