This 2009 BBC Mockumentary TV film explores the consequences of capital punishment being brought back to Great Britain.
Disgraced pop star Gary Glitter is put on trial for his sex crimes in Vietnam and the program investigates on how the public would handle the new set of laws. Upon arrest, Glitter is informed he could face life in prison, but was later told on how long that would be when his lawyer, John Carter, tells him about the new laws. Glitter maintains his innocence to the end, while the public becomes split on whenever or not killing him would be the right thing for Britain.
Contains examples of:
- Anti-Villain: The film leaves no interpretation open that Glitter is a rapist and deserves punishment, but at the same time portrays him as a frightened old man mourning over his past fame and fearing over his grim fate.
- Asshole Victim: The film portrays Glitter as this.
- As Himself: Garry Bushell, Miranda Sawyer, and Ann Widdecombe.
- Friend to All Children: The people behind the law that brought back the death sentence did so to protect the public, especially children. Crane fits this the most since protecting children is his job.
- Grey-and-Gray Morality: The proponents of the death sentence argue that it is appropriate to punish someone who sexually exploits and abuses minors with death, as it supplies the appropriate satisfaction from his victims, helps to bring home the gravity of the crime and its effects, proves that nobody's life is above the law, and effectively deters others from such behaviour. The opponents argue that it is hardly more moral to put anyone to death over such a crime than the crime itself, that everyone should have a right to life, betterment, deserves a chance to redeem and reform, and that it is in spite of several international humanitarian agreements. Neither side is portrayed as right or wrong.
- Laser-Guided Karma: Glitter’s fate.
- Mama Bear: Mrs. Tran, whose daughter was molested by Glitter.
- Mass "Oh, Crap!": The jury has this reaction when show evidence of Glitter’s crime and again at the end when Glitter’s punishment is carried out.
- No Celebrities Were Harmed: Since it’s a mockumentary, one would obviously know who was who in real life at least.
- Rape Is a Special Kind of Evil: Glitter's crime, committed against children.
- Reasonable Authority Figure: Ann Widdecombe, Valerie Clark, the Judge, Dr Jones, DCI Andrew Crane and Prosecution Counsel... when you think about the situation, they do have a point when bringing back the death sentence.
- Villain Protagonist: Glitter, who is a child molester, though the film does portray him somewhat sympathetically.
- Would Hurt a Child: Glitter, since he was accused for sexual assault on children. Mrs. Tran’s daughter was among them.
- You Called Me "X"; It Must Be Serious: Glitter being called Paul, his real name. He knew straight up that the new set of laws passed in England means business.
- You Do Not Have to Say Anything: Andrew Crane was mindful of having Glitter read his rights while he questioned him.
