The disappearance of a young boy some decades previously is the scene setter for a complex mystery drama from the pen of Harlan Coben. When the child's DNA appears at a crime scene, the four friends charged with his care must confront the ghosts of their past and resolve the mystery and conflicting hopes of their present life. The plot successfully weaves in and out between mystery thriller, police procedural and personal drama. The four lead characters are well written and, crucially, well contrasted. Each actor can hold the screen in progressing the narrative and the different personal narratives dovetail very well. are The casting of their younger selves is excellent. Good supporting cast too, with back stories complimenting the central narrative. Tight direction keeps us apace with the many twists and turns in the plot. The end is both surprising and convincing. Really superior drama. Strangely, considering the addiction to series these days, the story is so self-contained that it's hardly likely to spawn a sequel. Nevertheless, writing and direction and acting of such high calibre that some future collaboration would be welcome.
173 Reviews
Great...but one piercing problem
dcyo29 August 2018
I love this show. Great cast, scripts, directing, the whole ball of w. All the twists and turns and things you expect.
My one and only problem is the sound editing and music. I guess that's really two problems. The music is...well, it's just bad. But it's also really loud. This is a perennial joke in the music business: "How was the band?" "They were awful. But at least they were really loud!"
But that's bearable. What is unbearable is the recurring, ear-splitting 2.7Khz tone that keeps floating in and out. If you have tinnitus, be wary when watching this show. Watch it! But watch out. Especially with headphones. That tone is goddawful. I can still hear it shrieking around in my head.
Otherwise, fantastic.
My one and only problem is the sound editing and music. I guess that's really two problems. The music is...well, it's just bad. But it's also really loud. This is a perennial joke in the music business: "How was the band?" "They were awful. But at least they were really loud!"
But that's bearable. What is unbearable is the recurring, ear-splitting 2.7Khz tone that keeps floating in and out. If you have tinnitus, be wary when watching this show. Watch it! But watch out. Especially with headphones. That tone is goddawful. I can still hear it shrieking around in my head.
Otherwise, fantastic.
Engaging, overly manipulative - MAJOR SPOILERS
jsrtheta2 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
All drama is manipulative. Everything, from who we cheer for and who we boo, to where the story takes us, is the result of the creator's construction of the dramatic machinery. Nothing new at all in this, of course: It's how any storytelling works.
Harlan Coben is a pretty good engineer. He knows the tropes we fall for. He knows what kind of situations will garner our empathy, our anger, and our thirst to learn more.
He's also American, and despite the British setting and characters, The Five is really an American series. The accents may be different, but the buttons he pushes were all installed in the U.S. There is no reason this show had to be set where it is: It could be set anywhere in American suburbia, Coben's usual haunt, without changing a damned thing.
MAJOR SPOILERS
The Five relies on some of the most incredible coincidences you will see. And it asks us to accept things that are simply beyond the pale. As for coincidences, we are asked to accept that a young boy, abducted and raised by someone from his neighborhood, just happens to get a job working in the very same police station as one of the boys he was with when he disappeared, whose own father JUST HAPPENS TO BE the cop who investigated the original "kidnapping". And it asks us to believe that the cop's son is not only a cop himself now, but is the detective who leads the investigation of the case, 20 years later, despite being with the missing boy on the day he vanished, and clearly a material witness to the crime. And everyone know this, yet no one really questions whether he should be working the case. This would never happen in a U.S. police department, and I don't believe it would happen in a British one either.
Other elements are troubling, too. The missing boy's brother is supposed to be a successful lawyer, yet he never does any actual legal work, and rarely even turns up in his office. The detective operates with very little supervision, and often takes huge blocks of time off to deal with personal matters. (I'd have liked to have that job!) The primary woman in the story is a physician who walks away from a successful practice to work pro bono at a runaway shelter while suffering no adverse economic effects and appearing to be able to do anything she wants whenever she wants, and pay for it. This does not happen in real life (most bosses expect you to, you know, show up for work and DO something for your pay). Every character in this show exists in a world that is utterly unlike ours, where anyone can just disappear from their offices and homes willy-nilly to launch whatever personal crusade they feel like. (There is also a subplot which, while gritty and violent, is entirely irrelevant to the story. By the end of the series this subplot has simply been dropped, with no one impolite enough to ask why.)
The cast is very strong, especially Lee Ingleby, an actor who has yet to disappoint in anything. Ingleby succeeds in distracting us from his character's violence and homicidal solutions. However, the ineffable Honeysuckle Weeks is wasted: Her character could have been played by a doorstop. Tom Cullen largely carries the show, and he is up to it, with a convincing, never over-the-top portrayal of a man obsessed yet consistently rational. Sarah Solemani also manages to make her character credible even when doing things we would expect no mother to do. Like abandoning her own husband and daughter.
As with Coben's novels, it is best not to ask too many questions. Because if you do, you'll see the gears and pulleys that propel this plot for the contrivances they are. And, as with many of these extended series, the whole thing could have been done in, at most, five episodes. It is way too long for a story like this.
Harlan Coben is a pretty good engineer. He knows the tropes we fall for. He knows what kind of situations will garner our empathy, our anger, and our thirst to learn more.
He's also American, and despite the British setting and characters, The Five is really an American series. The accents may be different, but the buttons he pushes were all installed in the U.S. There is no reason this show had to be set where it is: It could be set anywhere in American suburbia, Coben's usual haunt, without changing a damned thing.
MAJOR SPOILERS
The Five relies on some of the most incredible coincidences you will see. And it asks us to accept things that are simply beyond the pale. As for coincidences, we are asked to accept that a young boy, abducted and raised by someone from his neighborhood, just happens to get a job working in the very same police station as one of the boys he was with when he disappeared, whose own father JUST HAPPENS TO BE the cop who investigated the original "kidnapping". And it asks us to believe that the cop's son is not only a cop himself now, but is the detective who leads the investigation of the case, 20 years later, despite being with the missing boy on the day he vanished, and clearly a material witness to the crime. And everyone know this, yet no one really questions whether he should be working the case. This would never happen in a U.S. police department, and I don't believe it would happen in a British one either.
Other elements are troubling, too. The missing boy's brother is supposed to be a successful lawyer, yet he never does any actual legal work, and rarely even turns up in his office. The detective operates with very little supervision, and often takes huge blocks of time off to deal with personal matters. (I'd have liked to have that job!) The primary woman in the story is a physician who walks away from a successful practice to work pro bono at a runaway shelter while suffering no adverse economic effects and appearing to be able to do anything she wants whenever she wants, and pay for it. This does not happen in real life (most bosses expect you to, you know, show up for work and DO something for your pay). Every character in this show exists in a world that is utterly unlike ours, where anyone can just disappear from their offices and homes willy-nilly to launch whatever personal crusade they feel like. (There is also a subplot which, while gritty and violent, is entirely irrelevant to the story. By the end of the series this subplot has simply been dropped, with no one impolite enough to ask why.)
The cast is very strong, especially Lee Ingleby, an actor who has yet to disappoint in anything. Ingleby succeeds in distracting us from his character's violence and homicidal solutions. However, the ineffable Honeysuckle Weeks is wasted: Her character could have been played by a doorstop. Tom Cullen largely carries the show, and he is up to it, with a convincing, never over-the-top portrayal of a man obsessed yet consistently rational. Sarah Solemani also manages to make her character credible even when doing things we would expect no mother to do. Like abandoning her own husband and daughter.
As with Coben's novels, it is best not to ask too many questions. Because if you do, you'll see the gears and pulleys that propel this plot for the contrivances they are. And, as with many of these extended series, the whole thing could have been done in, at most, five episodes. It is way too long for a story like this.
The absolute BEST mystery TV show I have ever seen!!!! A MUST WATCH!
eviemaesutcliffe15 May 2016
My dad and I binge-watched this on a Sunday, after finding nothing else to watch. The picture looked interesting, the premise looked typical- all in all, I didn't go in with high expectations, simply something I could waste a day watching. Boy, was I wrong. My mind has been absolutely blown!! I was worried, that, like other British TV dramas (Marcella and Broadchurch in particular), this series would become overwhelmed by the introduction of unnecessary characters with their own subplots that held no real relevance or interest and only acted as a distraction to draw out the main storyline. This, thankfully, didn't happen! Every subplot that was introduced had a direct and crucial link to the story, and were interesting and not horribly complex so that the audience could see the relevance and not lose interest. They also didn't last the entire series, unlike Broadchurch, where nothing seemed to be revealed (AT ALL) until the very final moments, and by then, the influx of information was just confusing and frankly, underwhelming. In The Five, the subplots are resolved at the right time, giving chance for the main story to be explored properly. The characters were beautifully human, making you feel for them and made you really invested in their situation, and the acting was superb!!! THE TWIST! MY GOD! I have never been more in awe of a story! It was brilliant!!! I did NOT see it coming but when I saw it all come together, it actually made sense and was satisfying... Which is what I think to be the most important thing when dealing with mysteries. There were no questions left unanswered, no what if's or feelings that this revelation was subpar. And the direction was stunning. The way the ending was done made me sob like a baby, mainly because I'm an older sibling myself and I honestly don't know what I would do in Mark's situation. It's a series that I recommend with all my heart. If you like mysteries, plot-twists, surprises, suspense, family and friendship, crime then this is for you!! And if you don't, then I'd still say watch it regardless. I have never been moved as much by a TV show. Just wow!
Sound good British DRAMA
rodrigo-0478614 May 2016
I have read other reviews and I can only conclude they did not take this TV series seriously. If you stick with the plot and pay attention you will find a very good story with complicated characters (which is life) trying to move forward from an event that marked their lives collectively. Tragedy brought them together and one can feel the complicity amongst them... good actors on the whole.
An unexpected ending and that is refreshing... being surprised with TV series is not easy these days.
I strongly recommend this TV series, but you need to put the social media aside and pay attention. If you are looking to pop your eyes at the TV whilst you are reading the paper, this series is not for you...
An unexpected ending and that is refreshing... being surprised with TV series is not easy these days.
I strongly recommend this TV series, but you need to put the social media aside and pay attention. If you are looking to pop your eyes at the TV whilst you are reading the paper, this series is not for you...
Entertaining but ridiculous
dwankan5 March 2020
This is an entertaining murder mystery/crime type of thriller. The acting is mostly good, and it's well made. The writing gets just downright silly sometimes, though, so don't expect a believable story. The music and sound are grating and annoying: imagine the most annoying pop songs you can think of, and The Five makes painfully long scenes as music videos for them, and the director had a thing for high pitched feedback noises, which are used infuriatingly often. The show was enjoyable enough for me to turn down the sound when these squeaks and horrible, horrible music came on. I'll likely forget it a few days after I've finished it though because it's little more than a hodge podge of crime, old secrets, friends-since-childhood drama, and mystery.
Absolutely Gripping - Superb!
daveym-649-4449623 June 2016
Not sure what others were watching when writing some of the reviews on here, other than they can't have watched it properly - it did need to be watched closely.
It was like a bizarre cross between The Famous Five and some Scandinavian "Mystery Noir", except it was completely gripping and well worth a binge watch.
Flicking between childhood stories / memories and the current day, marital infidelities and hard luck stories, along with a wonderful slowly unfolding solution, which makes it a must watch
I will definitely be seeking out more of Mr Coben's work as it takes a particularly inventive mind to come up with a story-line like this
Don't believe the miseries on here - get stuck into it!
It was like a bizarre cross between The Famous Five and some Scandinavian "Mystery Noir", except it was completely gripping and well worth a binge watch.
Flicking between childhood stories / memories and the current day, marital infidelities and hard luck stories, along with a wonderful slowly unfolding solution, which makes it a must watch
I will definitely be seeking out more of Mr Coben's work as it takes a particularly inventive mind to come up with a story-line like this
Don't believe the miseries on here - get stuck into it!
Another example of an excellent British drama which American box sets could learn from
ellscashncarry1 July 2016
Finally finished watching this with my partner and what a superb ending (don't worry, no spoilers!). With the exception of the nonsensical notion that the main characters, despite not being policeman and worse, being witness to the crime in question, are constantly allowed to be involved in the investigation, this series was perfect...
An excellent story (I shall have to pick up a couple of Harlan Coben novels I think), incredible acting across the whole cast, a great soundtrack, well-rounded characters, superb casting (especially where different actors were required for the same characters 20 years apart). I could go on, but in short, if you haven't started this already, do! It's still available on Sky/Now TV Box Sets at the time of writing.
It's shows like this and Utopia which so many US TV shows (which seem to get all the plaudits) really should take note of. No dragging out of episodes where you wait 6 episodes just to get 1 new piece of information. No leaving cliffhangers at the end of the 1st series to leave it open for a 2nd. None of this 'oh well you've got to get through the first 2 seasons, but then it gets good, honestly'. Just a perfect one off series which is rounded off properly and if anything moves a little too quickly. Seriously, each episode contains the equivalent of around 3 'US season finale' type moments, you'll find yourself rewinding just to make sure you'd seen things right.
An excellent story (I shall have to pick up a couple of Harlan Coben novels I think), incredible acting across the whole cast, a great soundtrack, well-rounded characters, superb casting (especially where different actors were required for the same characters 20 years apart). I could go on, but in short, if you haven't started this already, do! It's still available on Sky/Now TV Box Sets at the time of writing.
It's shows like this and Utopia which so many US TV shows (which seem to get all the plaudits) really should take note of. No dragging out of episodes where you wait 6 episodes just to get 1 new piece of information. No leaving cliffhangers at the end of the 1st series to leave it open for a 2nd. None of this 'oh well you've got to get through the first 2 seasons, but then it gets good, honestly'. Just a perfect one off series which is rounded off properly and if anything moves a little too quickly. Seriously, each episode contains the equivalent of around 3 'US season finale' type moments, you'll find yourself rewinding just to make sure you'd seen things right.
Poor writing and I lose interest.
mmcgovern913 September 2018
It started off so good and had so much potential. I wish crime series would take the time to think through realistic events as best they can. This Series has many things that detectives simply would never do. As an example there's a series of three tapes for each murder and they come to the conclusion that a person's been killed even before they watch a specific set of tapes. Stupid. There are many events like this. Just very poor writing. It loses my interest when it becomes stupid like this.
Pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this!
emmawarden22 July 2016
I absolutely loved this show. I watch a lot of different types of series but I only came across this one as I had heard a girl from my school had a small part in it. I didn't have any expectations that I would enjoy it but I was very wrong! I was gripped from the first episode, I binge watched the whole series it was so good. I am surprised it doesn't have a higher rating, I can only assume people did not continue watching until the end. There is nothing I can criticise this series for, other than that I didn't want it to end! I really hope it gets renewed for a new series! I can't really see how they could continue this particular storyline, however if they wrote a new mystery I am sure they could make it just as gripping as this one.
good stuff
wrightsonarts15 May 2016
I enjoyed this drama, its not usually my kind of thing,but I liked the cast ,especially Sarah Solemani and O.T. Fagbenle who played Danny Kenwood they did a good job in this series. I felt sorry for Danny as his dad was a bit of a trouble maker! Overall the story was good but it did get a bit confusing in the middle with what slade had done in my opinion.
The last two episodes were real eye openers,and i loved the ending !
I really didn't suspect who the missing boy actually was......
What I can't believe is that when there were 6 reviews on here for this series, 5 were bad !!
i'm glad there's now some more positive reviews me being one ! so overall a good series, with a great cast and mystery being solved.
The last two episodes were real eye openers,and i loved the ending !
I really didn't suspect who the missing boy actually was......
What I can't believe is that when there were 6 reviews on here for this series, 5 were bad !!
i'm glad there's now some more positive reviews me being one ! so overall a good series, with a great cast and mystery being solved.
Decent Drama -- Sound person should be fired
webrover-3140022 September 2017
This was a non-exceptional mystery drama with UK accents. The sound creation team should be shot. At least 2 times per episode during some dramatic scene they play this awful, piercing noise. It's like a clue that something is serious and you need to be annoyed to make sure you notice.
Almost unwatchable, shrieking sound
wkcrunch28 October 2019
Watched a few episodes, and would give it a 6 or 7. Severe devaluation, though, for permanent, unbearable noise.
Almost unwatchable due to the constant shrieking and extremely loud high-frequency noise every 5-10 minutes or so, a "sound effect" that was originally used to simulate the effect of flash-bang grenades, and which has been increasingly abused for years in many series and even movies, for any conceivable situation.
In THIS series they put it to the extreme, though, using it in every situation that might even slightly suggest the actor is experiencing confusion or whatever. Extremely loud volume and annoying pitch that can induce sudden hearing loss. Beware!
Gripping, absolutely amazing!
medusapain6913 May 2016
This is my first IMDb review, which i have felt compelled to write, as the other five reviews of this title are less than complimentary. Reading them almost made me stop watching this series, but i was hooked, so didn't. And boy oh boy, am I glad I didn't cave to the poor opinions of others. The story is a tangled web, absolutely gripping and memorable! This series is excellent, absolutely brilliant! No spoilers in here, as I want you, the reader, to experience it for yourself! Only thing I am disappointed with, is that I have watched it now, I wish I could go back in time and experience for the first time again!
The acting was flawless, you could really relate to each of the characters, their background, their own personal stories and their motivations. Looking back now, the story is so convoluted, it could easily have become confusing, but, even though you had just as little idea about what had happened as the main four, the story was not lost amongst all the different story lines. The story kept you guessing, from the very first episode, to the very end of the last episode. Absolutely riveting!
The acting was flawless, you could really relate to each of the characters, their background, their own personal stories and their motivations. Looking back now, the story is so convoluted, it could easily have become confusing, but, even though you had just as little idea about what had happened as the main four, the story was not lost amongst all the different story lines. The story kept you guessing, from the very first episode, to the very end of the last episode. Absolutely riveting!
Another fine British accomplishment with solid cast
BeneCumb6 July 2016
I regard myself as an exacting and selective viewer of crime series/dramas - although I have seen hundreds of them, both "old" ones with a crime per episode, and "modern" ones where cases and participants intertwine and 1-2 cases dominate the whole series.
Following the Scandinavians, the Brits have found the latter's perks as well, and when based on a solid author's works (here: Harlan Coben), the result is versatile and pleasing. References to the past, mysterious events then and now, plot of several levels, realistic characters and - last but not least - performed by a cast as a team (still, I would spotlight Tom Cullen, Lee Ingleby, Michael Maloney, Geraldine James) makes The Five one of the most captivating crime series in recent years. As the scenes passed smoothly and mysteries were logically substantiated, then even the "sweet", "non-British" ending did not impair my general opinion of this series.
And as I did not guess the real thing behind this DNA issue, I can easily give my 8 strong points and recommend it to all those fond of mystery thrill without the helping hand of a vigilante or superhero.
Following the Scandinavians, the Brits have found the latter's perks as well, and when based on a solid author's works (here: Harlan Coben), the result is versatile and pleasing. References to the past, mysterious events then and now, plot of several levels, realistic characters and - last but not least - performed by a cast as a team (still, I would spotlight Tom Cullen, Lee Ingleby, Michael Maloney, Geraldine James) makes The Five one of the most captivating crime series in recent years. As the scenes passed smoothly and mysteries were logically substantiated, then even the "sweet", "non-British" ending did not impair my general opinion of this series.
And as I did not guess the real thing behind this DNA issue, I can easily give my 8 strong points and recommend it to all those fond of mystery thrill without the helping hand of a vigilante or superhero.
back-grind muzak
robertbrown4326 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Again the show itself seems basically workable but here we go again, really terrible sounds as if the scenes and the action don't have enough integrity to stand alone. And even if they do.....they are damaged by the drumming, thumping and distracting "music" that clouds the presentation.
Sound effects
maryannwilson-7191021 December 2017
The ending is the payoff
gqcpa17 December 2018
I watched this well-done series based upon the reviews I read. I tought is was a well thought-out thriller/whodunnit that definitely is worth watching. Red herrings appear strategically to keep the viewers guessing. Please watch the 10 episodes to the awesome ending. It is a wonderful conclusion to emotional rollercoaster ride. Bravo 🤗
Forced distractions disguised as plot
michgardiner27 June 2020
The Five keeps you interested right from the start, even if it's only in the hopes of discovering the reason for the title. (Spoiler... that info is never revealed.)
The entire show leaves you feeling conned and the most deceptive aspect of the series is that you keep trying to figure out the importance of the subplots. Eventually, you discover that unlike other mystery thrillers, these subplots end up being nothing but smoke and mirrors. It seems their only purpose is to tease the viewer into thinking there's more to the story than what's on the surface. You keep expecting the side stories to reveal their connections with explosive twists but they don't... ever. It's almost like they were added as an afterthought in order to create the illusion of an impending "oooh, I didn't see that coming" moment. This poor attempt to throw a gotcha curve at viewers not only insults the audience but wastes everyone's time. More importantly, it distracts, creating massive disappointment for what could have been a classic whodunit series.
One of best drama thriller series of all time
joesgot29 September 2017
This series is incredible,great writing,action,acting ,plot,twist and turns, mystery,suspense, and filming! This series can't be beat! It's just superb! I'm sitting here speechless after finishing the last episode! AMAZING! The Five is well worth your time! I can't boast about Enough to do it justice!
Frustrating and not worth watching
cadumbrill7 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
So the idea behind the story is a good one, a young boy, Jesse, has gone missing and 20 years later his DNA is found at a crime scene. My original review after watching 8 episodes was pretty scathing. There are still some massive plot holes and just ridiculous notions. The only episodes I enjoyed were 1, 9 and 10. The characters have gone on the most ridiculous escapades in the other episodes which have very little to do with the end result - finding Jesse. The copper Danny would NEVER be allowed to lead the case since he was a childhood friend when Jesse disappeared. Even after he tells everyone everything about the investigation he isn't pulled off the case and sacked for gross misconduct. Slade gets things done but his whole side story it completely irrelevant. Mark, the brother, wants to be the hero in every situation but doesn't ever seem to get much done. The female lead Pru is the most irritating of all, somehow being the worst mother and wife and yet everyone pawns over her.
*Since watching the completion* So, we do actually find out what happened to Jesse and it actually was a pretty good twist. I didn't see it coming and I enjoyed it. All in all this had the potential to be a really really good show, it could have been great as 2 or 3 episodes. A lot of what the characters get up to is absolutely pointless to the over arcing story. *SPOILERS AHEAD* They get involved in a scam ring, kidnapping, get away with murder (which everyone seems to have brushed off), lie to the police, break in to many homes and it's all pretty pointless. Unfortunately you have to watch all 10 episodes for everything to make complete sense but I think the ending is quite good. (Although everyone gets over 20 years of heartache within about 5 minutes). Originally rated 2 stars but probably give it a 6 now.
*Since watching the completion* So, we do actually find out what happened to Jesse and it actually was a pretty good twist. I didn't see it coming and I enjoyed it. All in all this had the potential to be a really really good show, it could have been great as 2 or 3 episodes. A lot of what the characters get up to is absolutely pointless to the over arcing story. *SPOILERS AHEAD* They get involved in a scam ring, kidnapping, get away with murder (which everyone seems to have brushed off), lie to the police, break in to many homes and it's all pretty pointless. Unfortunately you have to watch all 10 episodes for everything to make complete sense but I think the ending is quite good. (Although everyone gets over 20 years of heartache within about 5 minutes). Originally rated 2 stars but probably give it a 6 now.
Solid mystery. No plot holes. Satisfying ending.
reb-warrior24 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The premise intrigued me. A little boy, Jesse, that went missing 20 years earlier and is presumed dead, but then his DNA turns up at a murder scene 20 years later. The story mainly surrounds Jesse's brother, Mark, and three other friends, Slade, Danny, and Pru, that were there that day when he went missing. They are trying to figure what is going on, and if Jesse really is alive.
Solid acting by the cast. Really nice cinematography. Good use of flashbacks to flesh out the story. For 10 episodes the character development is impressive. I really feel like I got to know everyone well. It got a little soapy at times with relationships stuff. There are at least a couple of annoying characters.
The mystery was completely wrapped up. I hate shows that are milked to death and filled with new questions that will never be answered just so they can keep a series going. I hate plot holes. Pay attention writers, this series right here is how you do it.
The viewers are able to put the pieces together along with the characters at the same time. Chances are you'll figure out parts of this early on. Though you may question your theory later as I did. The "how" is nicely filled in as the show carries on.
There's some dark subject matter and violence, but nothing overly visually disturbing. If you like Shetland, True Detective(season one), you may enjoy this.
Solid acting by the cast. Really nice cinematography. Good use of flashbacks to flesh out the story. For 10 episodes the character development is impressive. I really feel like I got to know everyone well. It got a little soapy at times with relationships stuff. There are at least a couple of annoying characters.
The mystery was completely wrapped up. I hate shows that are milked to death and filled with new questions that will never be answered just so they can keep a series going. I hate plot holes. Pay attention writers, this series right here is how you do it.
The viewers are able to put the pieces together along with the characters at the same time. Chances are you'll figure out parts of this early on. Though you may question your theory later as I did. The "how" is nicely filled in as the show carries on.
There's some dark subject matter and violence, but nothing overly visually disturbing. If you like Shetland, True Detective(season one), you may enjoy this.
Bingewatchable
fiona_r_lamb18 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this on Netflix over two days. Thoroughly enjoyed it even if some of it most of it) was far-fetched and highly improbable. But if you can get past those things it was good TV.
Here are my main beefs: The oft-repeated high-pitched sound that would pierce my ears in every episode made me put my remote on mute at crucial points.
Karl a.k.a. Jesse was at the fundraiser disco when he was also running away from Mark at a derelict building. Serious plot hole I am afraid.
Slade is a bit of a maverick with a very diverse skill set it seems. Where he learned it from who knows? Also where he got his northern accent I also do not know esp. considering his childhood friends all sound southern. Hmmm. AND where did he get his gun(s) from? I realize this book is written by an American and guns are easy to get hold of in America, but in England not so much.
Apart from Danny the police man, the others - a doctor, manager of a runaway shelter and a lawyer never seemed to actually do any work; they were off gallivanting somewhere else trying to find Jesse or being embroiled in the side plots. Insanity.
BUT the ending was a goodie and made me cry. Nice to see a happy ending for once.
Here are my main beefs: The oft-repeated high-pitched sound that would pierce my ears in every episode made me put my remote on mute at crucial points.
Karl a.k.a. Jesse was at the fundraiser disco when he was also running away from Mark at a derelict building. Serious plot hole I am afraid.
Slade is a bit of a maverick with a very diverse skill set it seems. Where he learned it from who knows? Also where he got his northern accent I also do not know esp. considering his childhood friends all sound southern. Hmmm. AND where did he get his gun(s) from? I realize this book is written by an American and guns are easy to get hold of in America, but in England not so much.
Apart from Danny the police man, the others - a doctor, manager of a runaway shelter and a lawyer never seemed to actually do any work; they were off gallivanting somewhere else trying to find Jesse or being embroiled in the side plots. Insanity.
BUT the ending was a goodie and made me cry. Nice to see a happy ending for once.
Illogical, ridiculously unrealistic, and slow
krisboogie23 December 2020
I wanted to like this, and even though I was pretty confused throughout I watched the whole thing just to see if or how it all came together... and it didnt. The acting was good but the plot made no sense at all, the subplots were completely unrelated to anything at all (they could almost be completely different shows) and the characters were ridiculously reckless and dumb. There were so many holes, so many parts of the subplot that had no conclusion, it was just massively disappointing.
It was also just so unrealistic it was hard to even believe or feel invested for most of it. Like the friend that was on his own little killing spree, considering most of it was unplanned and random, there's no way he didnt leave dna or other forensic evidence pointing to him. The guy finds out who he is, and thinks it makes more sense to break into houses and burn pictures than to just have a conversation and ask questions? There's just a lot to unpack, very little of which makes sense. And the ending just makes it all feel like you really just waisted hours of your life for it to be a totally left field "plot twist" out of no where.
It was also just so unrealistic it was hard to even believe or feel invested for most of it. Like the friend that was on his own little killing spree, considering most of it was unplanned and random, there's no way he didnt leave dna or other forensic evidence pointing to him. The guy finds out who he is, and thinks it makes more sense to break into houses and burn pictures than to just have a conversation and ask questions? There's just a lot to unpack, very little of which makes sense. And the ending just makes it all feel like you really just waisted hours of your life for it to be a totally left field "plot twist" out of no where.
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