‘Des’ Recap: ‘Episode 1’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Des’.
​
It is definitely safe to say, that our perception of the serial killer has changed greatly throughout the years. For we no longer quite fear them or lament them the way that we used to and that is largely due to their evolution in popular culture. For characters such as Hannibal ‘The Cannibal’ Lecter and Patrick Bateman, more or less helped to make the serial killer… cool. And now they are completely accessible emotionally and they are humanized and we tend to view them as nothing more than a stylistic villain, one that is more intriguing than dangerous and well, while that has definitely allowed for some incredibly unique stories to come to life, this shift in how they are perceived does come with an unfortunate caveat.

In that, it has more or less normalized the serial killer and removed some of the gravity and concern we should express toward a killer that outright hunts human beings as prey, and that is why stories that don’t shy away from their cold and cruel nature should be celebrated when we stumble upon them. Which is why the Sundance Now mini-series, Des, is of note, since it is grounded in the cold reality of the serial killer. A feat that this story accomplishes by taking us back in time to 1983, so that we can experience one devastating discovery. For one fine day, Detective Chief Inspector Peter Jay is called out to investigate what might be human remains in a drainpipe. Something Peter is skeptical of, until forensics informs him that the remains in question, do indeed belong to a person and that means… the occupant of the apartment from where this surprise came from needs to be spoken to post haste. 

Which is where this story takes quite the incredible and dark turn. For the introduction of one Dennis ‘Des’ Nilsen brings forth a horrifying truth. In that, Nilsen admits to the fact that he is responsible for those remains being in a drain since he killed the owner of those body parts, and that he’s also killed a great deal of other people over the past five years. An admission that immediately puts Dennis into custody so that Peter can learn more about these crimes. But Des’ strange desire to be honest and open about the fifteen people he’s supposedly murdered, leaves DCI Jay and his team curious as to whether or not he’s telling the truth or if he’s simply a twisted individual that is eager to screw with the police. But forensic evidence that turns in a match for one of the victims, informs Peter that he’s stumbled upon a powerful and intelligent serial killer, one that knows full well that being honest, will give him the greatest gift of all… attention. 

If anything, this is a chilling opening chapter to this particular mini-series and really what makes it so terrifying… is actor David Tennant. For he plays Dennis Nilsen in a manner that quite frankly, sends chills down your spine. For his portrayal of Nilsen is cold and calculated, and devoid of any inkling of humanity. Instead, there is nothing more than a twisted persona that is eager to celebrate its twisted accomplishments by showing them to the world and every single second that Tennant’s Nilsen speaks you are simply captivated by his performance in a morbidly curious way, as you wait to hear what horrific act from the past is nonchalantly going to come out of Des' mouth and well, offering up a fairly accurate re-telling of Nielsen’s admissions from 1983, and having Tennant play it straight is why this particular premiere is so incredibly brilliant through and through.

Because this is an opening chapter that makes it clear that serial killers aren’t kitschy characters designed to spout off one liners and entertain viewers and readers in between their bloodlust. No instead, this serves to remind us that they are soulless monsters that only find solace in horrific acts and attention, and care little for human life and that will be hammered home further in the next couple of episodes. As since, there is a now a writer interested in telling Des’ tale, which will further expose the special brand of evil that only a serial killer can exhibit and of course… the investigation is underway. Which will also unravel the twisted web that Des created to ensnare his victims and truly, this is a journey that is worth continuing, regardless of how ugly it is going to get. All so that we can watch a true monster pay for its crimes and be robbed of the recognition that it so utterly craves. Until next time. 

‘Des’ is available to stream on Sundance Now.

---