Code Of A Killer: A Mini-series To Discover On Arte
Attention fans of crime series and viewers passionate about criminology and forensic science techniques! On Thursday, November 21, Arte will air Code of a Killer, a British mini-series that traces the early use of DNA in criminal investigations. Here are 3 things to know about this exciting fiction.
1- It is inspired by a true story.
The mini-series Code of a Killer takes place in the 1980s and follows Detective Chief Superintendent David Baker's investigation into the murder of two schoolgirls, Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth.
The first victim was found dead 400 meters from her home in November 1983, in a small town in central England. The 15-year-old teenager had been raped and strangled, making her murder a priority for the police.
However, despite all of Detective Baker's efforts, the investigation stalled. When a second murder with the same characteristics occurred three years later, David Baker decided to collaborate with Alec Jeffreys, a geneticist from the University of Leicester who was obsessed with identifying DNA sequences unique to each individual.
If you think this synopsis sounds like a good story, know that it is not a work of fiction and that the plot of this British mini-series is inspired by a true story! British geneticist Alec Jeffreys, now retired, is recognized as the pioneer of DNA profiling. His discovery led to a first conviction in 1988 and revolutionized forensic police investigation techniques.
2- It traces one of the greatest advances in criminology.
Through Commissioner David Baker's investigation, the series Code of a Killer tells the story of one of the greatest advancements in forensic science and criminology: the invention of DNA testing.
Today, the use of genetic fingerprinting in criminal cases has become commonplace. Many of us are fascinated by crime investigation shows and police series where DNA traces are a key element in solving the case. But few of us know how and by whom this investigative technique was developed.
This 2015 British miniseries, to be discovered on Arte on Thursday, November 21 at 8:55 PM, is particularly informative. It pedagogically reconstructs a revolutionary discovery that has transformed everyday police work.
3- It is carried by a terrific duo of actors.
If you fear that this British mini-series lacks suspense and fails to hold your attention over the three 45-minute episodes, you can be reassured. Although it is built around a scientific discovery, the series Code of a Killer brings together all the ingredients of an exciting thriller, at the crossroads of science and a sordid news story.
This story is all the more fascinating because it is inspired by reality. To portray these real people, the series called upon formidable actors: David Threlfall in the role of Commissioner David Baker and John Simm as the geneticist Alec Jeffreys. This acting duo works wonderfully and helps make this series a success.
This mini-series with very understated direction tells how these two men managed to identify a serial killer thanks to his genetic fingerprints, for the very first time in the history of criminology. A thrilling human and scientific adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the evening! The channel Arte has indeed decided to broadcast the mini-series in its entirety by scheduling all three episodes on the same night.
