Jimmy McGovern Discusses Inspiration Behind 'Unforgivable' Drama

In a recent interview, acclaimed screenwriter Jimmy McGovern unveiled the profound inspiration behind his latest television drama, 'Unforgivable.' Set to air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on July 24, 2023, the narrative delves into the harrowing realities of child abuse and its aftermath within a family context. McGovern, known for his compelling storytelling in previous works such as 'Cracker' and 'The Street,' shared insights into how a personal letter from a psychologist sparked the creation of this emotive drama.

The genesis of 'Unforgivable' began when McGovern received a letter from a woman who worked closely with sex offenders. Intrigued by her experiences, he arranged a meeting with a psychologist who recounted a troubling story about a young man who, after realizing he had been abused as a child, sought justice against his abuser. This conversation deeply resonated with McGovern, prompting him to explore the complexities of trauma and retribution through the lens of the Mitchell family, who are grappling with the fallout of sexual abuse perpetrated by a family member.

McGovern emphasized his approach to storytelling, stating, "I don’t try to be controversial. I go along and talk to people, and I think these people will be very interesting and I get sucked in." His commitment to addressing challenging subjects has become a hallmark of his career, with 'Unforgivable' continuing this trend. The narrative aims not only to portray the harsh realities of abuse but also to invoke a sense of understanding and compassion, even towards perpetrators of such heinous crimes.

Set against the backdrop of Liverpool, McGovern’s hometown, the drama showcases the city’s beauty while tackling heavy themes. The cast features notable actors including Bobby Schofield, Anna Maxwell Martin, and Anna Friel. McGovern, reflecting on his writing process, expressed the challenges of securing the right talent for his projects, humorously noting, "I’ve just been turned down by an actor we wanted, so it doesn’t always work that way."

In discussing his most meaningful work, McGovern cited 'Hillsborough,' a drama that resonated deeply with the people of Liverpool, stating, "It’s definitely not the best thing I’ve ever written, but I always say when I die, I’ll have that tucked under my arm and go up and say, ‘okay I was drunk too much, but I made this.’"

As the premiere of 'Unforgivable' approaches, McGovern expressed hope that audiences will gain new perspectives on the complexities of child abuse, asserting that while punishment and justice are essential, there is also a need for compassion: "These are enormous crimes, they must be punished, you must go to prison. But alongside all that, an element of compassion. To understand a bit more and equally condemn."

With its exploration of emotional and societal ramifications of abuse, 'Unforgivable' promises to be a thought-provoking addition to McGovern's repertoire, challenging viewers to engage with difficult truths about human behavior and morality.