Few scandals in modern British journalism have caused as much outrage as the News of the World phone-hacking scandal, a controversy that exposed the invasive tactics of tabloid media and ultimately led to the newspaper’s downfall in 2011.
In his Irish Times review, critic Ed Power praises The Hack as a thoughtful, socially charged retelling of an important real-world event, though he argues that its creative choices sometimes undermine the power of its message.
The show, he writes, is both fascinating and frustrating — a mixture of meticulous journalism drama and eccentric visual flair that doesn’t always gel.
Public Service Drama at Its Best- or Almost
The UK has a long-standing reputation for producing world-class public service dramas — shows that combine entertainment with social commentary.
Power begins his review by situating The Hack within this tradition, comparing it to earlier successes like Mr Bates vs the Post Office, which shed light on institutional injustice against sub-postmasters, and Adolescence, Thorne’s Netflix project that explored how toxic online masculinity shapes young men.
The Hack (Credit: YouTube)
Just like those dramas, The Hack aims to do more than tell a story.
It seeks to hold power to account, exploring how corporate greed, political influence, and press corruption can collude to exploit ordinary citizens.
For Power, this ambition is commendable- a reminder that British television still dares to tackle difficult truths.
David Tennant’s Riveting Portrayal of Nick Davies
At the heart of The Hack lies a commanding performance from David Tennant, who brings intensity and empathy to the role of Nick Davies, the real-life Guardian journalist who uncovered the systemic phone hacking by News of the World reporters.
Tennant’s connection to the subject matter runs deeper than the script. He was himself a victim of phone hacking, one of several celebrities and public figures targeted by tabloids.
This personal history adds weight to his performance- an authenticity that manifests in every scene.
According to Power, Tennant’s Davies is “world-weary yet relentless,” a man driven by moral conviction and haunted by the enormity of what he discovers.
His portrayal captures both the exhaustion of investigative journalism and the righteous fury of a man standing up against corruption in his own industry.
A Strong Supporting Cast: Toby Jones and Robert Carlyle
Tennant’s portrayal is grounded by equally strong supporting performances. Toby Jones plays Alan Rusbridger, The Guardian’s editor at the time, providing a measured counterbalance to Tennant’s intensity.
Jones, known for his understated intelligence, brings warmth and quiet authority to the role, reflecting Rusbridger’s reputation as a steady hand guiding the paper through its most explosive story.
In a later episode, Robert Carlyle joins the cast as a police constable investigating the disappearance of a private detective.
His subplot eventually intertwines with Davies’s investigation, broadening the scope of the drama and showing how the tentacles of corruption reached beyond the newsroom.
Power notes that this narrative thread adds texture to the story, giving it a detective-like momentum that keeps the audience engaged.
A Story Worth Telling- But Weighed Down by “Wackiness”
While The Hack is praised for its storytelling ambition, Power is less impressed by some of its stylistic experiments.
Much like Thorne’s previous show Adolescence, which filmed each episode in a single take, The Hack introduces a layer of surrealism that he finds distracting.
While these flourishes aim to externalize the psychological toll of the investigation, Power argues they instead create an atmosphere of “wackiness” that detracts from the gravity of the story.
“The tale is strong enough to stand on its own feet,” he writes, suggesting that the surrealism dilutes rather than enhances the tension.
Ambition vs. Authenticity
Power acknowledges that Thorne’s creative risks stem from a desire to make journalism exciting and cinematic.
After all, investigative reporting doesn’t naturally lend itself to thrilling visuals- it’s long, repetitive, and cerebral work.
However, by layering The Hack with overt artistic metaphors, the series sometimes sacrifices realism for spectacle.
Despite this, Thorne’s script remains sharp and intelligent.
It explores not only the mechanics of the phone-hacking scandal but also the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists- the blurred line between exposure and exploitation, public interest and privacy invasion.
The drama’s moral complexity makes it compelling, even when its execution falters.
The Guardian as the Hero: A Love Letter to Journalism
Unsurprisingly, Power notes, journalists are drawn to stories that portray their profession heroically.
The Hack fits that mold, casting The Guardian and its staff as truth-seekers fighting against powerful enemies.
Yet, the show’s reverence for its protagonists doesn’t feel self-congratulatory. Instead, it highlights the immense pressure and isolation that come with holding the powerful to account.
Tennant’s Nick Davies is not presented as infallible- he’s exhausted, conflicted, and sometimes unsure whether the public will even care about the corruption he’s exposing.
This vulnerability makes him a more human and relatable figure, deepening the emotional impact of the series.
A Flawed but Fearless Retelling
Ultimately, The Hack succeeds as a bold and thought-provoking exploration of one of Britain’s most consequential media scandals.
Ed Power’s review captures both its strengths and weaknesses: a remarkable story told with passion, slightly undermined by stylistic indulgence.
The series reaffirms David Tennant’s status as one of Britain’s finest television actors, while cementing Jack Thorne’s reputation as a writer unafraid to tackle uncomfortable truths.
Even if its experimental visuals don’t always land, The Hack reminds viewers why the press matters- and what happens when it loses its moral compass.
For all its imperfections, The Hack stands as a timely reflection on power, accountability, and truth in the age of media manipulation, proving that sometimes the biggest stories are the ones about those who tell them.
The CBS legal drama ‘Matlock’ has been thrust into controversy following allegations of sexual assault against actor David Del Rio.
The situation has quickly escalated, involving social media drama, strong public reactions, and the actor’s wife, Katherine Del Rio, publicly responding to the allegations in an unexpected way.
The Allegations and Immediate Action
On October 2, 2025, CBS received a report concerning an incident that allegedly occurred on September 26 involving David Del Rio and his co-star Leah Lewis.
Del Rio, who plays first-year associate lawyer Billy Martinez, was fired and escorted off the set the same day the incident was reported, according to Deadline.
This swift action by CBS reflects the serious nature of the allegations, as no actor is typically removed from a television set without substantial reason.
Matlock has continued filming its second season, with plans to write Del Rio’s character out of the storyline.
David Del Rio and Leah Lewis (Credit: YouTube)
Leah Lewis Speaks Out
Leah Lewis, who portrays Sarah Franklin, another first-year associate, broke her silence through social media on the day of Del Rio’s departure.
She posted a photo hugging her mother, accompanied by a message emphasizing strength and support:
“Mom is here. We’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands… Key word, strength. Please, let that be the takeaway.”
Her post was met with public support, highlighting the importance of believing survivors and the cultural shift in handling workplace misconduct allegations.
David Del Rio’s Wife Reacts Publicly
In an unexpected turn, Del Rio’s wife, Katherine Del Rio, publicly criticized Leah Lewis. She posted and deleted Instagram Stories, including a close-up photo of Lewis with the caption:
“This is the most disturbing human being I have ever met.”
Katherine also shared another Story depicting herself with her mother, implying they were moving forward in love and strength after the alleged incident.
These posts were widely perceived as victim-blaming, sparking criticism from fans and social media users.
Many believe her reaction frames the incident as a personal attack on her family rather than addressing the alleged sexual assault itself.
Public Reaction and Forum Discussions
On online forums, discussions about the incident were heated:
- Criticism of the wife: Many commenters called Katherine Del Rio’s response delusional and petty, suggesting she was defending her husband instead of supporting the victim.
- Support for Leah Lewis: Forum users praised CBS for taking swift action and allowing the victim to be heard, contrasting it with historical instances where perpetrators were protected.
- Discussion of David Del Rio’s behavior: Many noted that Del Rio’s actions likely had strong evidence behind them, given the immediacy of his dismissal. Users speculated on the impact on his career and family.
Background on David and Katherine Del Rio
David and Katherine Del Rio have a long history together:
- They met in 2010 and reconnected later in Los Angeles.
- Married in April 2018 in Mexico.
- They have two children: Lilia, born in July 2023, and Coco, born in January 2025.
Their public family life, including posts celebrating their children, contrasts sharply with the ongoing allegations and the controversy surrounding Katherine’s social media posts.
Impact on ‘Matlock’ Production
Following Del Rio’s firing:
- His character is being written off the show.
- The show will go on hiatus for the second half of the season before resuming after Thanksgiving 2025.
- Fans anticipate adjustments in storylines and potential casting changes.
- CBS has been praised for its swift handling of the situation, highlighting progress in addressing sexual misconduct allegations in the entertainment industry.
The David Del Rio case underscores the complex dynamics of workplace sexual assault allegations, public perception, and social media responses.
While CBS acted promptly, Katherine Del Rio’s posts sparked further controversy by shifting blame onto the victim, demonstrating how family loyalty can clash with public accountability.
Leah Lewis’s calm, strength-focused response has earned widespread support, highlighting the growing expectation that victims’ voices are validated and protected.
