Channel 5 viewers slam ‘unnecessary’ scene in ‘incredible’ Huw Edwards drama: ‘I feel sick’
Did it go too far?
Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards has been widely praised, particularly for Martin Clunes’ “brilliant” performance. However, one scene in the drama was “too much” for some viewers.
As the title suggests, the Channel 5 drama chronicles the ex-BBC news presenter’s scandal; specifically, the events that led to his conviction for making indecent images of children.
Portrayed by Clunes, it follows Huw Edwards’ relationship with Ryan (played by Osian Morgan), a young man whom he allegedly groomed. His name was changed for the drama, but the opening disclaimer notes that it was based on “extensive interviews” with the victim, his family, and the journalists who reported on the story.
At first, it’s just text messages and the odd video call, with PayPal payments in between. However, their relationship becomes more sexual (and transactional) in nature as the drama progresses, leading to one especially uncomfortable scene.
Channel 5’s Huw Edwards drama has a graphic scene
The drama shows Ryan undressing for Edwards on camera, with Edwards telling him things like, “Slowly, baby”, and sending substantial payments.
Around halfway through the show, the sequence culminates in Edwards masturbating and cleaning himself up. “How was that?” Ryan asks, and Edwards says, “Barely adequate.”
Edwards also tells him to “sort himself out” and get in better shape.
While it’s certainly the most graphic moment in the drama, there are other uncomfortable moments. For example, Edwards snaps at Ryan several times, and when Ryan complains about wanting to get away, Edwards tells him, “Leave it with me, baby. A happy Ryan equals a happy Huw.”
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“Far too much”
Despite initial apprehension and arguments of it being made “too soon”, The Downfall of Huw Edwards has been commended for “pulling no punches”.
However, the masturbation scene has been singled out as particularly difficult to watch.
“Omg. Martin Clunes portraying Huw Edwards masturbating is a double horror show I was not ready for,” one user wrote.
“That scene was intense! Was it too much for a mainstream audience? Did it add to the drama, or did it cross a line?” another commented.
“I thought that scene was unnecessary, we all knew what he was up to,” a third added. “My dad was all set to watch the show then turned it off… said [it] was far too much,” another commented.
“I found it hard to watch so we turned over,” a fifth complained. “I love Martin Clunes, but after watching the first 30 minutes of this drama, I feel sick… can’t watch the rest of it,” another viewer wrote.
Read more: Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards is this year’s Adolescence and here’s why
