Viewers hit out at ITV drama Grace as it returned on Sunday night, claiming there were scenes 'too graphic' for its 8pm time slot, as a warning was placed on the episode on ITVHub.
With Grace series one having just one episode and plenty of viewers assuming it was just a one-off, there was some surprise when it was announced that the crime drama, starring John Simm in the title role was returning for another run. Given that the title of Sunday's series opener was Looking Good Dead, those who tuned in would have been wise to expect some rather sinister goings on, but many took exception to something that happened before the first ad break and well before the 9pm watershed.
A teaser for the feature length episode on ITV read: "With two seemingly unconnected deaths on their hands, Grace finds himself tested to the limit when it becomes apparent both incidents may be the work of a serial killer." The synopsis for Grace barely scratched the surface on just how dark and twisted things got in the plot, with the scene that disturbed many viewers seeing a character watching what turned out to be a snuff video of a woman sat blindfolded on a bed, before the masked person so was with brandished a knife and screams were heard.
READ MORE : What happened in Grace series one? ITV viewers confused as John Simm drama returns
While the violent act itself wasn't seen on screen, the man watching the clip's face gave it away as he looked horrified by what he'd just witnessed. And people watching at home shared in his shock and disgust. One took to Twitter to rant: "An episode of ‘Grace’ was shown on ITV tonight at 8pm. It was about an evil gang making snuff movies with lots of graphic scenes of violence: What happened to the watershed?" In agreement, another viewer replied: "I agree. I was shocked by the graphic content at 8pm."
Equally taken back by the grisly scenes on ITV, another tweeted: "This is dark stuff before the watershed @ITV gimp masks, stabbings, dark web… think you might get a few complaints over this one!" Twitter was awash with complaints about Grace on Sunday night. Also distinctly unimpressed by what they saw, another critic posted: "Yeah this definitely shouldn't be on before the watershed @ITV. Warnings or no warnings"
People who head to ITVHub to catch up with Sunday night's episode are greeted with the warning ' Guidance : With scenes of violence and images some viewers may find upsetting.'
The 8pm Sunday night slot has traditionally been occupied by much less darker dramas. Back in the 90s and 00s, millions ended their weekend by watching Heartbeat and Where The Heart Is, while more recently, the 8-10pm time slot has been occupied by The Good Karma Hospital and, of course, Vera.
