A Very English Scandal Christian Review
Where does one begin with A Very English Scandal? It’s a miniseries that defies simple categorization, fusing drama, dark comedy, and the twisted intricacies of a political thriller all in three compact episodes. It’s the sort of show that seems quaint at first glance—a historical account set against the backdrop of 1970s British politics—but the moment it starts to unravel, you realize just how tangled the web is. You’d think the plot itself, centering around a closeted politician, an illicit affair, and a ludicrous murder conspiracy, would be gripping enough on its own. But what really anchors it is the unnerving question it forces upon us: How far are we willing to go to hide our sins? How much of ourselves are we willing to destroy just to preserve an image?
The Perils of a Double Life
Jeremy Thorpe’s story, portrayed so masterfully by Hugh Grant, is not just a political scandal. It’s a tragedy—one that shows the price of living a lie. From the moment we meet Thorpe, there’s this almost Shakespearean quality to his descent. He’s charismatic, quick-witted, and ambitious, a man who knows how to maneuver through the maze of public life with skill and charm. But beneath that polished surface is a simmering desperation—a desperation to keep his private life, particularly his relationship with Norman Scott, a former lover, buried under layers of lies and deceit.
The Bible talks a lot about the dangers of hiding sin. Luke 8:17 says, “For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.” Thorpe’s story is a chilling illustration of that truth. As he spins lie after lie to protect his carefully curated public image, you see the noose tightening around him. The façade begins to crack, and with each new layer of deceit, he becomes more ensnared, more frantic, until he’s willing to commit the unthinkable—plotting to have Norman Scott killed.
The Consequences of Sin
There’s a moment in the series where Thorpe is sitting across from his co-conspirators, discussing the logistics of murder with a casualness that’s both horrifying and absurd. You find yourself caught between laughter and disbelief. It’s almost surreal, the way he rationalizes it. But then you realize—that’s what sin does. It starts with small compromises, minor transgressions that seem harmless at first. But before you know it, you’re so deep in the muck that something as monstrous as murder becomes just another box to tick off in your attempt to keep up appearances.
Grant’s portrayal is key here. He doesn’t let Thorpe off the hook, but he doesn’t turn him into a villainous caricature either. You see the flickers of fear, the flashes of remorse, and, more disturbingly, the moments of pure arrogance. It’s a stark reminder of Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Thorpe’s downfall isn’t just because he’s a sinner—it’s because he’s proud. Proud of his power, proud of his ability to manipulate others, and proud of the control he thinks he has over his life. His pride blinds him to the reality that no matter how tightly he clings to his secrets, they will eventually destroy him.
A Study in Contrast
But it’s not just Grant who shines in this dark tale. Ben Whishaw’s portrayal of Norman Scott is equally compelling. In some ways, Scott is everything Thorpe despises—unrefined, outspoken, and unashamed of who he is. While Thorpe is obsessed with preserving his reputation, Scott couldn’t care less. He’s been discarded, marginalized, and humiliated, yet he refuses to disappear. There’s a resilience in him that’s both admirable and tragic.
Whishaw brings out a complexity in Scott that prevents him from being just a victim. Yes, he’s the wronged party, the one who suffers the most from Thorpe’s machinations. But he’s not without flaws. He’s manipulative at times, prone to bouts of recklessness, and his refusal to let go of Thorpe isn’t just about justice—it’s also about validation. He wants to be seen, to be acknowledged, and that desire, that insistence on being heard, is what ultimately unravels Thorpe’s life.
It’s almost ironic, isn’t it? The powerful politician brought down not by some grand political scandal or a rival’s scheming, but by the tenacity of a man society had written off as insignificant. It’s a testament to the truth that God often uses the least likely people to accomplish His purposes. 1 Corinthians 1:27 puts it this way: “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”
A Morality Play in Disguise
And that’s what makes A Very English Scandal so riveting. It’s not just about Thorpe’s sin or Scott’s suffering. It’s about power—who has it, who wants it, and what they’re willing to do to keep it. There’s a certain grim satisfaction in watching Thorpe squirm, in seeing the mighty brought low. But at the same time, the series doesn’t let us revel in his downfall. Because even as Thorpe’s world crumbles, there’s a lingering sense of sorrow.
It would be easy to paint Thorpe as a monster, to turn him into a symbol of everything wrong with the world. But the series refuses to take the easy way out. It shows us the full picture—the charm, the talent, the potential that was wasted. And that’s what makes it truly tragic. Thorpe isn’t just a villain—he’s a man who could have been great, a man who could have made a positive impact, but who chose instead to sacrifice his soul for the sake of his image.
When Justice Fails
By the end of the series, you’re left with a bitter taste in your mouth. Thorpe is acquitted, despite the overwhelming evidence against him. Norman Scott is denied justice, yet again. It’s a stark reminder that in this world, justice is often imperfect. But as Christians, we know that human courts aren’t the final authority. There’s a greater Judge, one who sees all and will hold everyone accountable for their actions (2 Corinthians 5:10).
And that’s perhaps the most sobering lesson of A Very English Scandal. It’s not just about a man who tried to hide his sin. It’s about the reality that no matter how powerful you are, no matter how clever or charming, you can’t outrun God’s justice. Thorpe may have escaped punishment in this life, but he won’t escape it in the next.
Final Verdict: 8/10
This miniseries is a masterclass in storytelling, blending humor and horror, tragedy and absurdity in a way that few shows manage. It’s not easy viewing, and it’s definitely not for everyone. But if you’re willing to grapple with its moral complexity, it’s a show that will leave you with much to think about. Ultimately, A Very English Scandal isn’t just about what happened—it’s about what it means. And in today’s world, where image so often takes precedence over integrity, it’s a story that needs to be told.
