The Saint

The Unkind Philanthropist is a one‑off TV drama that aired as part of the anthology series True Stories. It stars Simon (played by Ben Chaplin) as a gritty investigative journalist who finds himself on a sun‑baked sugarcane farm in rural Puerto Rico. There he meets Carlos, a stubborn farmer who’s convinced a local “philanthropist” is nothing more than a con artist. The episode leans heavily on the clash between Simon’s cynical, city‑slicker instincts and Carlos’s earthy, stubborn pride. The story unfolds as Simon helps Carlos dig through paperwork, interview villagers and set a trap for the supposed benefactor. Along the way we get a decent look at the island’s landscape – the mango trees, the humid heat and the occasional rum‑filled fiesta. The tension builds when the philanthropist’s charity event is scheduled, and the duo must decide whether to expose him publicly or protect the community’s fragile hope. It’s essentially a modern‑day “The Sting” meets “Erin Brockovich”, but set against a Caribbean backdrop. Honestly, the episode is surprisingly good for a TV hour. The chemistry between Chaplin and the newcomer playing Carlos feels genuine, and the script avoids the usual “saviour‑complex” tropes. It’s not groundbreaking, and the pacing drags a touch in the middle, but the modest production values and the occasional dash of humour make it worth a watch. If you liked the investigative vibe of The Wire or the moral grey of Breaking Bad’s early episodes, you’ll find something to enjoy here. Rated TV‑14. There’s mild language, a few scenes of implied violence and some unsettling images of poverty that might be tough for younger viewers. First terrestrial broadcast was on BBC One in 2022, and it hasn’t been remade since – a solid, if slightly dated, entry in the “journalist‑takes‑on‑corruption” genre.