The State branded television's "most brutal" series
Tonight (August 23) saw the conclusion of Channel 4's four-part controversial drama The State in an eye-opening and powerful ending.
The series followed four Britons who were indoctrinated into the dangerous world of ISIS and explored how they reacted as the reality of the situation unfolded around them.
Viewers praised Channel 4 for being "brave" enough to make the programme and said that although it was a very tough watch at times, it was important for everyone to see.
oh God, #TheState is a grim, grim but so important drama
- Kate Bevan (@katebevan) August 23, 2017
#thestate stunning tv drama. Gripping storyline. Non bias. Likeable character. Raw emotions. Well done #c4 #channel4
- Shaz (@x_JustShaz_x) August 23, 2017
What a programme The State is. Shouldn't be slammed for showing what ISIS is really like. #thestate
- marc carrington (@mcarro80) August 23, 2017
Seriously @Channel4 The State has been one of the best mini-series this decade! Well done! #TheState
- Scotty W (@Scottishwoody) August 23, 2017
Absolutely gripped by this..even though I find it shocking horrific..and also so so sad... #thestate
- Jennie Powell (@jenniemay6) August 23, 2017
Watching the last episode of #TheState it has been an amazing programme. A real eye-opener.
- Philip Evans (@fredspoon) August 23, 2017
Channel 4's #thestate is very painful to watch, but it's bloody fascinating and essential viewing
- Richy Polson (@RichardPolson) August 23, 2017
The most brutal tv I have ever seen, handled as sensitively as I can imagine it could be - congrats @kosmoSFL and @Channel4 #thestate
- Emma Stephen (@emmacstephen) August 23, 2017
Also, the show didn't set out to "glamourise" ISIS – far from it – and people over on Twitter were keen to make that point very clear to those who were not supportive of The State.
How anyone could claim that #TheState glamourises Isis would indicate they have not watched beyond opening credits. Powerful stuff.
- Sally (@SallyTrousers) August 23, 2017
Anyone who still thinks #thestate glamourises or glorifies IS are crazy, especially after that scene.
- [ • • ] Jacquie (@JCH999) August 23, 2017
Are we absolutely clear now that @Channel4 #thestate in no way glorifies ISIS? Powerful, compelling, disturbing.
- Colin Jackson (@wacko_50) August 23, 2017
Screaming out in pain watching #TheState Only an uneducated idiot would say it glorifies #ISIS Tears just watching it #inhumane
- AndyWildPhoto (@wildandy67) August 23, 2017
The programme was so harrowing in fact, not everyone could face watching it.
OK everyone own up - how many people are watching #thestate from behind the sofa?
- keith jewitt (@NorthEastScreen) August 23, 2017
Watching #thestate from the hall. Can't cope. pic.twitter.com/TFnvvKRRDH
- Danny (@treeseyy) August 23, 2017
Then, around halfway through tonight's episode, former EastEnders actor Nitin Ganatra (aka Masood Ahmed) showed up and viewers just couldn't believe it.
THAT GUY WAS IN EASTENDERS!!!😂 #thestate
- Monique Lucas (@MoniqueJLucas) August 23, 2017
Whats Masood doing in #thestate
- aileen jones (@molsmum) August 23, 2017
#TheState hey, it's Masood from eastenders.
- NaimahNotNeymar (@NaimahNotNeymar) August 23, 2017
aye why is Massod in The State, thought he was traveling with Kamil 😂 #thestate
- Jess Sayers (@JessicaSayerss) August 23, 2017
Now, that's where he's gone! Look it's MASOOD from Albert Square. #TheState #EastEnders
- Liam Ellis (@liamtellis) August 23, 2017
I've never been so happy to see a friendly face ... masood 😥#thestate
- laura78 (@lauramac1978) August 23, 2017
However, some struggled a little with the storyline and would have liked a bit more background on why the characters turned to ISIS.
So if Channel 4 is looking for prequel ideas, look no further.
Hey @kosmoSFL any chance we can have a prequel to #thestate so we can see why these people wanted to join ISIS? Backgrounds needed!
- Sehar Graham (@SeharGraham) August 23, 2017
Major problem with #TheState @Channel4 ..no real background or motivation of why the charactrs went there or brought children Major flaw
- Cycling_mad (@Cycling_mad1) August 23, 2017
An interesting follow on from this series would be a prequel showing how young Brits are recruited into joining ISIS #thestate
- Gordon Kidd (@gkidd49) August 23, 2017
The State aired on Channel 4.
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