The BBC’s new five-part drama series, The Rapture, has drawn criticism for its portrayal of Christianity and its overall narrative coherence. Set in England, the show centers on Leonard Krall, an American evangelist played by Sam Hazeldine, who gains followers by encouraging prayer and hope while expressing skepticism about climate change. His character dismisses the climate crisis as a manufactured fear, positioning himself in opposition to mainstream environmental concerns.
The story also follows Bethany, Krall’s teenage daughter portrayed by India Ria Amarteifio, who is confined to a psychiatric hospital after allegedly killing her mother with a screwdriver. Bethany insists on her innocence but complicates her situation with erratic behavior. Ruth Madeley appears as Dr. Gabrielle Fox, a clinical psychologist and paraplegic who returns to work following a car accident that claimed her husband’s life. She becomes involved in Bethany’s case, seeking to uncover evidence that might support the girl’s claims.
Critics have noted gaps in the series’ plot realism, citing, for example, the hospital’s poor security that allows Bethany to assault the doctor, seize a weapon, and eventually escape from the facility while staff are distracted. There are also reported inconsistencies in production details, such as a journalist character portrayed by Iwan Rheon who is seen handling different props inconsistently across scenes.
The series has sparked debate about the BBC’s representation of Christianity, with some viewing the depiction of Krall as a caricature of religious fundamentalism that may alienate a sizeable portion of the British population who identify as Christian. Others argue the show attempts to explore complex themes such as faith, science, and mental health through its characters, albeit with varying degrees of success.
The Rapture highlights tensions around contemporary religious and scientific discourse, though reception suggests it struggles to balance dramatic storytelling with accurate or nuanced character portrayals. The series adds to ongoing conversations about representation and narrative quality in religious-themed television dramas.