Broadchurch viewers shocked as rapist is finally unmasked in ‘emotional’ final episode

After an eight-week saga the villains were finally revealed in last ever episode - spoilers below 
'In shock': Viewers left reeling about emotional Broadchurch finale
ITV
Jennifer Ruby18 April 2017

Viewers were left ‘in shock’ and ‘emotionally exhausted’ as Trish Winterman’s rapist was finally unmasked in the last ever episode of Broadchurch.

After eight weeks of red herrings and Twitter theories, many fans were left reeling by the bombshell that concluded ITV’s harrowing series.

While some viewers were left unsatisfied by the end of the second series, it seems that the third series finale was a hit with fans, with many praising the rape plot treatment and the final shock twist.

Monday night’s final episode ended with the revelation that schoolboy Michael Lucas, the son of cab driver Clive, raped local resident Trish.

In a series of flashbacks, it was revealed that the 16-year-old had been forced to commit the rape by Leo Humphries, who plied him with alcohol and filmed the assault on his phone.

Confessing the crime to detectives Miller (Olivia Colman) and Hardy (David Tennant), Leo showed no remorse, saying: “They had all had sex before, why does one more time make a difference?”

He went on to say that he had forced Michael to commit the rape as he wanted to feel “in control.”

Broadchurch, Series 3 - in pictures

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Viewers were quick to react on Twitter, with many admitting that they hadn’t seen the twist coming.

“#Broadchurch I'm in complete shock. was not expecting that to be honest. What an awful man to peer pressure the young boy and feel happy,” wrote one person,

Another wrote: “But that plot twist at the end though I mean I REALLY didn't expect that to happen I'm still in shock #broadchurch.”

Others voiced their sadness at the fact that the series had come to an end, with many calling for the return of the detective duo.

“#broadchurch what a twist, I'm still a little in shock, will definitely miss Olivia Coleman and David Tennant playing my 2 fav detectives,” wrote one viewer.

Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support, a charity that advised on the series, said the show performed “excellent work” in portraying the reality of rape.

Avon and Somerset Police deputy chief constable Gareth Morgan said: “That was harrowing viewing but vital message landed. Rape is not sex. It’s about power and control.”

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