It was OK, sort of a Gaslight type of thriller but I was under thrilled. I don't feel my time was wasted. Good, not great. It could have been way creepier!
75 Reviews
Could Have Been Better
Phantom_Duck19 August 2020
Intriguing
gallagherkellie7 August 2020
Hokum but good hokum
Pairic12 September 2020
The Deceived: Melodramatic but in a good way as it provides hooks to grab your attention. fires, murders, missing people, dastardly dons (from Cambridge for a change). Emily Reid is good as an infatuated but resilient student with Emmett Scanlan going all out sociopathic as the lecherous lecturer. Hokum but good hokum. Four episodes. 7/10.
Annoying Main Character
rosemaryandthyme5 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I'm only two episodes in but the attitude of the main female lead bugs me already - pushy, nosy, insensitive and selfish. Hard to believe Michael is even attracted to and puts up with her, but then his character is such a drip perhaps he deserves her. There is enough mystery in the story to keep one interested, but zero empathy for any of the characters from me. The scenery is beautiful though.
Intuiging but the ending fell flat
aimylouise9 July 2021
Honestly it's only 4 parts and I don't regret watching it. I found it very intriguing and I never felt bored. I think some bits didn't exactly make sense and the ending fell a little flat on me but I wouldn't say it was bad. I enjoyed the tone and the acting. If your looking for something to pass a couple hours give it a go.
Nice beard
tonyandsilvia199410 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
So I watched this having read some interesting reviews online - not on IMDB I hasten to add.
It has to be one of the most preposterous things I've seen in ages. Completely unlikeable characters with no redeeming features. A narcissistic professor. A stupid young girl who goes after as married man. A mother-in-law who played by an actress with the gravitas of a stuffed sofa. And the lad from Normal People channeling his Father Dougal Maguire from Father Ted.
The 'twist' you could see coming from a mile away; it's so signposted it's probably on a roadmap of Ireland.
3 starts for the main actor's beard.
It has to be one of the most preposterous things I've seen in ages. Completely unlikeable characters with no redeeming features. A narcissistic professor. A stupid young girl who goes after as married man. A mother-in-law who played by an actress with the gravitas of a stuffed sofa. And the lad from Normal People channeling his Father Dougal Maguire from Father Ted.
The 'twist' you could see coming from a mile away; it's so signposted it's probably on a roadmap of Ireland.
3 starts for the main actor's beard.
Not bad but.....
iris-451568 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Scanlan should try opening his mouth when he speaks rather than burying words in his beard. I found him creepy not charismatic.
We have a dead body what shall we do? I know, put it in the car drive from Cambridge to the ferry to Ireland, pass the million places to dispose of it en route, unload it at home then set fire to the room, pretend the body is somebody else who then has to spend the rest of her life in hiding. Great!
We have a dead body what shall we do? I know, put it in the car drive from Cambridge to the ferry to Ireland, pass the million places to dispose of it en route, unload it at home then set fire to the room, pretend the body is somebody else who then has to spend the rest of her life in hiding. Great!
Deceived or ???
flkenngott16 August 2021
Don't quit your day job
Nicolaiox31 July 2022
The story was ok but the lead actors were terrible. I honestly can't remember the last time I saw such bad acting. These actors aren't convincing at all and if I ever see their names on any other shows I will avoid it. What a waste of money and time for channel 5.
Fun
francesaggarwal7 August 2020
This is a spooky thriller with obvious references to Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. I loved it. I don't get the negative reviews. It had good twists and turns. I thought the acting was very good. I looked forward to each episode. It was rather unsettling at times, best watched in the company of someone else, not by yourself. If you like Rebecca you'll love this. Loved the ending.
Not a classic, but enjoyable nonetheless
BaronVonKolisch9 August 2020
The four-part format feels about right and overall, it's a very watchable, and conceptually appealing, 'spooky thriller'. Moreover, the tension builds nicely and the script stumps up cliffhanger moments at timely intervals.
Of course, the writer's and production team's job was also to make the implausible, believable. Sadly, this was not always the case. Cast members were occasionally forced to act 'out of character' and choose paths that did not ring true.
Roisin (Catherine Walker) is one minute the bristling, successful woman who would wear the trousers in any relationship ... and next minute a quivering, manipulated wreck. Ophelia (Emily Reid) has opportunity enough to escape her ordeal, but instead, chooses to poke around in a chamber of horrors while pregnant. Michael's best friend (played by Paul Mescal) is unquestionably an upstanding, dependable sort who initially fancies Ophelia and promises to be her support ... yet he ridiculously brushes aside her alarming cry for help.
Emmett J Scanlan, playing the part of Michael, is probably the pick of the acting performances.
Finally, it should be noted that the (tagged on?) end sequence felt oddly contrived, like it's sole purpose was to accommodate a second season. 7.4/10
Of course, the writer's and production team's job was also to make the implausible, believable. Sadly, this was not always the case. Cast members were occasionally forced to act 'out of character' and choose paths that did not ring true.
Roisin (Catherine Walker) is one minute the bristling, successful woman who would wear the trousers in any relationship ... and next minute a quivering, manipulated wreck. Ophelia (Emily Reid) has opportunity enough to escape her ordeal, but instead, chooses to poke around in a chamber of horrors while pregnant. Michael's best friend (played by Paul Mescal) is unquestionably an upstanding, dependable sort who initially fancies Ophelia and promises to be her support ... yet he ridiculously brushes aside her alarming cry for help.
Emmett J Scanlan, playing the part of Michael, is probably the pick of the acting performances.
Finally, it should be noted that the (tagged on?) end sequence felt oddly contrived, like it's sole purpose was to accommodate a second season. 7.4/10
Meh
RachelMary26 September 2021
Did not think this was good. The main flaw I felt was the characters, none of them likable and none with any common sense in their thoughts or realistic logic to their actions. It lacked tension or suspense and I wasn't really bothered when it tried. I kept watching because it seemed to have potential to get better... but no.
Kept me interested
TeayaTeaya28 August 2020
It's ok
Sophie_KN_6661518 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Its not as bad people who have rated it 1 star are saying. The story, though a little bit predictable, was interesting. They did try to throw some red herrings in with the whole supernatural element.
They really should have cast a better lead actress as the student who falls in love with her professor because my God was she bland and a bad actress!
Other than that, it was ok entertainment. There is definitely worse out there!
They really should have cast a better lead actress as the student who falls in love with her professor because my God was she bland and a bad actress!
Other than that, it was ok entertainment. There is definitely worse out there!
Not bad
Headturner17 August 2020
I found this last night and was excited (something new) since I've seen every UK series. From the opening it looked really old and low budget and my first impression was " Lifetime" UK movie... But by the second episode on I must of been enjoying it because I had to keep going to different places for the following episodes to stream. I've watched all but the last episode and like how weird it is. Yes the lead actress is young looking, isn't the most skilled actress. The lead male( whatever reviewer wrote he took this for exposure, well he's been in enough large budget series etc and is good in them, so. I like it so far but I see there is this supernatural or cult like thing ( I keep thinking Heredity which I hated) I hope it doesn't end really ridiculous like I think it may and ruin all my previous viewing but I will see when I can view the last episode and revise my review if necessary. Oh and to add. Nice seeing the gentleman from " Ordinary People". again. He's a good actor.
The Deceived
studioAT7 August 2020
People knock this, but surely C5 deserve some credit for attempting to entertain rather than resort to just showing double bills of Downton at prime time like a certain other network.
I thought this was decent if unspectacular stuff.
I thought this was decent if unspectacular stuff.
Not Rebecca...
mdhugs21 July 2021
Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again. Anything to get this garbage out of my mind.
Potentially an interesting series spoiled by the lead actress (apparently aged about 12) who is incapable of acting. Seriously. There are a million careers she should think of swapping to that she would be better at. Her entire delivery is in a drab, expressionless monotone presumably read direct from cue cards. Badly.
However a year and a bit into Covid and we will watch anything I guess. Please let it end soon...
Potentially an interesting series spoiled by the lead actress (apparently aged about 12) who is incapable of acting. Seriously. There are a million careers she should think of swapping to that she would be better at. Her entire delivery is in a drab, expressionless monotone presumably read direct from cue cards. Badly.
However a year and a bit into Covid and we will watch anything I guess. Please let it end soon...
Excellent psychological thriller
s-755507 August 2020
I really enjoyed this. It kept me guessing throughout and I thought the mind games played by Michael on his young student were carefuly crafted, skillful and sinister. I thought this was a great short series and would watch again to catch more of the early clues and connections. Ending was brilliant. Ep 3 and 4 were best but all high standard.
Story was complex but came together at the end. Acting good from everyone especially the actress playing the student Ophelia and wife Roisin. Great dynamic between them. Binge-worthy for sure.
Terrible acting, bad casting.
michelleseashell-9865221 July 2021
I was dubious about trying this one, when I saw Emily Reid was the lead actress. Her acting had previously spoiled a couple of shows for me, so I wasn't thrilled to see her again. But the story sounded intriguing enough, so I thought I'd give it a go.
Once again, her terrible acting let the whole thing down. Who the hell does she know in the business to keep landing these roles? She cannot act to save her life, she doesn't have that special something that makes a good actress, has zero charm or appeal and is just in totally the wrong career. I don't know if it was just the bland, boring and wooden performance she was giving that made the whole thing so unwatchable (I had to quit about 15 mins into episode 2 - I did try, I swear) but it certainly didn't help. It's impossible to get gripped by a "Thriller" if the acting is less than thrilling.
Please, stop casting this woman in roles that are way beyond her skill set. I'm sure she'd make a wonderful extra, but that's about it.
Once again, her terrible acting let the whole thing down. Who the hell does she know in the business to keep landing these roles? She cannot act to save her life, she doesn't have that special something that makes a good actress, has zero charm or appeal and is just in totally the wrong career. I don't know if it was just the bland, boring and wooden performance she was giving that made the whole thing so unwatchable (I had to quit about 15 mins into episode 2 - I did try, I swear) but it certainly didn't help. It's impossible to get gripped by a "Thriller" if the acting is less than thrilling.
Please, stop casting this woman in roles that are way beyond her skill set. I'm sure she'd make a wonderful extra, but that's about it.
Terrible acting
tomweir-855996 August 2020
Was struggling to find something to watch after binging most series during Lockdown . I usually really like 'spooky' thrillers and often give them the benefit of the doubt; suspending belief to enjoy the programme. I know C5 have a bit of a reputation for below quality dramas but I went into this with an open mind. I was disappointed. The Irish countryside, as a setting, is perfect to draw the viewer in and ratchet up suspense. It can't compensate for the poor acting for the lead characters. The writing is ok. Nothing special. The male lead is trying but I get the distinct felling that he's working on exposure and taking it as a 'gig'. The female lead is terrible! She can't act. I've seen amateur dramatics productions with more competent actresses. No chemistry between characters. No range. Poor delivery of the lines. The female lead made me cringe. It's also a bit creepy. She looks 14-15 years old, having an affair with a 30-40year old man! I know she purportedly at university making her 18 but honestly it made me uncomfortable to watch a child acting out sex scenes with an adult man. All in all terrible.
The bad outweighed the good
linda-plant216 February 2022
Aside from the lack of acting skills of the lead actress (or do we say 'actor' these days?), there was also the frustrating lack of belief that anyone attending Cambridge would be so utterly stupid ! Just because a professor goes off for a few days, she HAS to track him down - like catching a flight to Ireland. Then acts like a simpering kid who can't let anything be for the rest of the time.
In essence be thankful its only 4 episodes.
In essence be thankful its only 4 episodes.
Not sure if the script or the cast is worse
christopherjturner25 July 2021
As many people have already said in their reviews, the lead actress's performance in this is atrocious. She belongs in bad horror sequels. However, she is far from the only problem - there is also a plot completely full of holes and a script that surely no one thought would make for good TV. It is not even worth going into detail on either, simply do not watch this.
A thoroughly enjoyable thriller.
Sleepin_Dragon6 September 2020
Over the years it's been easy to laugh at the dramatic content given to us by Channel five, but things are changing, we've had Blood, and now this.
This was a truly excellent four part drama, The Deceived is a smart, creepy, sinister series, which will have you gripped until its conclusion.
I would agree with the comments about this having more than a hint of Rebecca about it, very much so, and despite being set in modern day, the story has a wonderful vintage feel to it, it could have been written in 1946.
Very nicely produced, well made, very well acted indeed, Emmett J Scanlan gives a very good, captivating performance throughout. You'll be asking yourself is he a good guy or not the whole way through.
The finale leaves us with the possibility of a second series, I'm not sure it's necessary, four episodes of high quality drama, 8/10.
This was a truly excellent four part drama, The Deceived is a smart, creepy, sinister series, which will have you gripped until its conclusion.
I would agree with the comments about this having more than a hint of Rebecca about it, very much so, and despite being set in modern day, the story has a wonderful vintage feel to it, it could have been written in 1946.
Very nicely produced, well made, very well acted indeed, Emmett J Scanlan gives a very good, captivating performance throughout. You'll be asking yourself is he a good guy or not the whole way through.
The finale leaves us with the possibility of a second series, I'm not sure it's necessary, four episodes of high quality drama, 8/10.
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