Violent cases
Master review
Production company – Tortoise Media
Rating – 
Originally, I had a different review planned for publication today. As usually happens, a new show pops up in my feed that is so compelling I “stop press” and jump into another hastily written piece that falls out of my head, almost as a stream of consciousness. I like it when that happens.
Now, I don’t live in a cave. I follow Tortoise Media on Twitter, and so I was aware of the impending release of this show. It was also the only mention in the media I had heard of this case. So enough of my waffle, let’s have a look at Master.
So what’s it about?
This 6 part series is an investigation into the recent allegations of sexual misconduct by the author Neil Gaiman. Presented by Tortoise stalwart Paul Caruana Galizia, and LBC presenter Rachel Johnson. Between them they present the compelling, if somewhat ambiguous evidence in this case.
These allegations date back over 20 years, and involve a number of different women. The allegations are all of a similar nature. Seemingly flying in the face of Gaiman’s public opinions on sexual abuse, rape support and feminism. One of the strangest facts of the case, is that he is married to (but separated from) his wife, who is a very outspoken feminist. She seemed to be aware of the complaints made against him, yet stayed quiet.
Be warned, the series takes a sometimes graphic look at these claims of sexual abuse. The women interviewed pull no punches in their descriptions. As uncomfortable as that is, I feel it is absolutely necessary not to gloss over details. This is a serious case indeed, and one that is complicated with conflicting evidence and NDA’s.
Is it any good?
The story at first seems rather cut and dried. A woman comes forward with very serious and graphic allegations, which are then followed by a number of other women also making claims. What muddies the waters somewhat are the messages sent between Gaiman and the women, that seems to paint a very different story.
As I said earlier, the descriptions by the victims of their encounters with Gaiman are awful, albeit starting out in some cases seemingly quite innocently. Isn’t that always the way though? Galizia and Johnson talk to psychologists about the methods used by abusers and con men to control their victims.
As you would expect from a company like Tortoise, it is exceptionally well researched, and expertly put together. In cases like this, you have to be watertight in your reporting. So both Galizia and Johnson go to great pains to remind the listener that these are still only allegations, albeit very compelling ones. What also address some contradiction, is that some women have come forward saying that their relationships with Gaiman were wonderful, and consensual.
Final thoughts
The main thing to take away from this series, is that there is an obvious abuse of power at play. Also evidence of gaslighting and grooming. Neil Gaiman preyed on younger fans, sometimes 40 years his junior. He also has a taste for very rough sex, which he has allegedly forced on these young women.
For every argument for his innocence, there is an equally compelling counter argument, which is why this case is so hard to judge. It’s obviously appalling what he’s done, but you are ultimately left with more questions than answers.
Neil Gaiman as an author is someone I have no great feelings towards. The first time I heard of him was when my parents bought Good Omens (I never read that because I don’t like Terry Prachett). I then rediscovered him when I read American Gods, and the graphic novels Violent Cases, Signal to Noise and Mr Punch made me love the artist Dave McKean more than him.
Having said that, his influence in the literary field in general, and pop culture in particular, make this a very interesting story indeed. There is a part of me that hoped this isn’t true, although as the clichéd saying goes “his silence speaks volumes”.
You can get Master here:
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