If you can imagine a Harlen Coben novel filmed by the same people that filmed Poirot back in the day, then you're probably the same age as me and have come to expect better from today's film and tv makers. This is very below standard and only got 4 stars from me because of the ending. My advice would be, give it a miss and rewatch Poirot instead.
49 Reviews
Turgid, dreary and expositional
bosporan6 April 2022
From the London establishing shots, the music and the bizarre first meeting this lumbering tortoise will never overtake the hare. Have seen both James D'Arcy and Charlie Murphy before and enjoyed their work. Here though they are given but scraps to work with, they make headway, but are crucified by the idea of 'interview as exposition'. The first quarter of this series is clumsily burnt with extraneous groundwork. We have a vapid hook at the end, but do not care since after a tortuous episode we have not been invited to invest in these characters.
What a let down
pookieblondie10 April 2022
Starts off really well in fact the first three episodes are excellent and then we come to the final episode and wow, it all goes very wrong ! The plot and backstory become very convoluted and confusing and to my absolute amazement, I didn't even bother watching the end. It's not like me to give up on a movie/ drama but it really did become lost and and an earlier night in bed was more appealing! S such a shame as the acting is excellent I'm so surprised that anybody thought this final episode would have a cut the mustard! Disappointing.
DO NOT WATCH THIS - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
crumpytv19 April 2022
I was enjoying this up until the last episode which was so excruciatingly irritating, full of plot holes and totally unsatisfying to the viewer.
I really feel completely conned by the ridiculous conclusion to this story!
It just made no sense.
I really feel completely conned by the ridiculous conclusion to this story!
It just made no sense.
Terrible, just terrible
Pinochet_Aviation31 December 2022
Just to follow-on what others have said -- the series was horrible, full of plot holes, unlikable characters, shoddy writing, and a ridiculous & telegraphed ending. I also wanted to reinforce another observation, that doesn't give too much away: for the plot to work the series has to create the DUMBEST detectives imaginable, and to not allow for any forensic examination of phones, emails, laptops or any physical evidence whatsoever. Finally, I get the irritating sense that the writers want us to sympathize with the the sociopathic murderer, who in the end hectors us with this embarrassingly triumphant speech about how "nobody listened to me, now it's my time to speak." Eye-rolling, immature and completely self-absorbed writing.
Do not watch this!
leighbrowne-0173517 April 2022
This show was a massive waste of time! Made absolutely no sense! It's a show where the cast do things that normal people would never do! Just terrible! It is quite engaging for the first 3 episodes, the last episode is a massive cop out!
Journalist takes a hit!
akern-541024 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The only thing I liked about this series is that the moronic investigative journalist got what he deserved...a life behind bars for being an idiot! Usually people have to actually commit a crime to get that! Sorry for the spoiler alert but if you have even half a brain you can see it coming. The theme is obsession. But the numerous script incredulities and inconsistencies take you on a tortuous route to establish the goofy fourth part finale in which the journalist gets his just desserts and the antagonist gets her revenge and gets away with numerous murders because she is a psychopath. I suggest you take a pass on this one!
I enjoyed it!
evansp-397779 April 2022
Ridiculous final episode
journeauxrod19 April 2022
Like another reviewer here I was annoyed that I'd invested time in watching the earlier episodes hoping that this would really develop and that the characters would develop. The final episode had me keep checking how much time was left in the hope it would end as quickly as possible - just ridiculous and so contrived and so many plot flaws. Awful.
Cold start. Hope it heats up.
kennyp-441776 April 2022
I guess you rarely go in the deep end, you need the first episode to set the mood. That's where this age old plot is going, for example instead of James D arcy , think James Stewart in Vertigo. I stick with it because the clips for the second episode looks like the temperature rises a lot. And D arcy ,speak up! I can hardly hear you.
What a waste of four hours of my time that I will never get back
ak20201 June 2022
I share the reviews already published about the stupidity of this story - especially the ridiculous final episode.
The lead is supposed to be an experienced investigative journalist but made errors that would not be made by such a person in real life.
Like others who have commented, I found the ending simply unbelievable..
The lead is supposed to be an experienced investigative journalist but made errors that would not be made by such a person in real life.
Like others who have commented, I found the ending simply unbelievable..
Way better than I expected.
Sleepin_Dragon14 April 2022
Journalist James Alden is determined to clear Natalie Varga, who's accused of murdering her husband, when he becomes infatuated with her, his own life is in danger.
I seem to be out on a limb a little here, but I actually really enjoyed it. I thought it was incredibly slick, entertaining, and intriguing.
I got vibes of a few films, I can't say for certain, bit possibly Basic Instinct, definitely Rebecca, I wish I could think of the title.
Plenty of twists and turns, lots of unexpected moments, and some very gritty scenes too, plenty to keep you guessing.
James D'Arcy and Charlie Murphy are both awesome, their acting really does help to elevate the script, an honourable mention also for Anamaria Marinca, Mrs Molnar gave me Mrs Danvers vibes.
Very well filmed and shot, great location work, Channel Five once again went to Budapest to film, and it looks amazing.
It really doesn't deserve the hate it's been getting, give it a chance, I enjoyed it, 8/10.
I seem to be out on a limb a little here, but I actually really enjoyed it. I thought it was incredibly slick, entertaining, and intriguing.
I got vibes of a few films, I can't say for certain, bit possibly Basic Instinct, definitely Rebecca, I wish I could think of the title.
Plenty of twists and turns, lots of unexpected moments, and some very gritty scenes too, plenty to keep you guessing.
James D'Arcy and Charlie Murphy are both awesome, their acting really does help to elevate the script, an honourable mention also for Anamaria Marinca, Mrs Molnar gave me Mrs Danvers vibes.
Very well filmed and shot, great location work, Channel Five once again went to Budapest to film, and it looks amazing.
It really doesn't deserve the hate it's been getting, give it a chance, I enjoyed it, 8/10.
I watched this so you dont have to.
bryndavies-308549 April 2022
Don't waste your time watching this rubbish. Badly written, badly directed and badly acted with a ridiculous premise. You'll kick yourself for wasting hours of your life. Just read all the other reviews and you'll understand that this plotline has been executed much better many times. Even the "big plot twist" at the end was unconvincing and irritating.
Inexcusably bad.
johnlett6 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
So boring and lacking any sort of credibility or empathy with any of the characters in this cliche ridden pile of manure. The has she done it or not plot has been done and better many times and the idea that the chief suspect would commission a washed up hack to both tell her story and investigate the crime was laughable. There was not a shred of wit ,humour or intelligence in the script whatsoever and the main actors appeared embaressed at times to be in this load of tosh.
The end? REALLY??
cdmalchus2 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The end is so convoluted. Seriously? That's where they go with this at the end? I feel like I watched the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial all over again, except in this one, Amber got away with it. Truly I cannot understand why they would write all of this to end it like that. I feel kinda like we're ALL victims of the main character now, and I didn't sign up for that. I mean let's just let EVERY truly evil, sadistic, murderer win at the end of every murder mystery or crime drama and of COURSE put ALL the people trying to solve the crime in prison, with their lives ruined by who? By the ACTUAL MURDERER. YEAH, LET'S DO THAT.
Male-bashing on a world-class level
eronavbj-14 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Aside from some main characters never being explained (e.g. The two assassins on the plane), and the absolute implausible plotting of this story, no female is portrayed negatively, and no man positively. I doubt the reverse would be acceptable in any contemporary script. No one I know would have ever left themselves open to the kind of manipulation the male lead constantly succumbed to.
Having spent 22 years as a metropolitan police officer, I found it easy to see through character profiles in this over-ripe dramatization. Maybe I've become jaded by my life experience, but stories, i.e. Plots, should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. This production suffered on all three of those attempts. And I could not find one likable character in the cast. Even "Apocalypse Now" had more likable characters.
Frankly, not much about this series made logical sense.
Having spent 22 years as a metropolitan police officer, I found it easy to see through character profiles in this over-ripe dramatization. Maybe I've become jaded by my life experience, but stories, i.e. Plots, should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. This production suffered on all three of those attempts. And I could not find one likable character in the cast. Even "Apocalypse Now" had more likable characters.
Frankly, not much about this series made logical sense.
Absolutely dreadful
fionarankin-9360512 April 2022
Slow and morose. Lots of long lingering scenes for no reason and a story that could have been over in one episode. Now for the story. The most far fetched rubbish you could ever imagine and the ending. Without revealing what happened it was totally unbelievable. What a waste of four hours.
2+2=4
kendavey30 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The first two episodes were slow, but thoughtful with lots of questions to be answered. However by E3 it started to include ridiculous plot lines and went down hill from there. E4 was pathetic. And of course the police in Hungry and the UK were incompetent and failed to seriously investigate the evidence. And not only was the plot resolution totally unbelievable but the final outcome the work of a wishful but terrible script.
Great acting from the leads
yvqpfjndp8 April 2022
D'Arcy as the disgraced but talented journalist and Murphy as the fragile but fierce wronged are both acted superbly. Can see D'Arcy continuing in the role if the show's continued. Supporting cast all good especially Ove playing D'arcy's long suffering boss. On episode three so far and no idea who did it. Can't understand the poor reviews but assuming due to low numbers as show just started. Really enjoying.
Pointless, dull, uninspiring and badly acted tripe
pfne6 February 2023
Do yourself a favour. Don't bother.
The acting from everyone in this program is beyond awful, it's ridiculously bad. It's duller than an unlit bulb and the story progresses by such a ridiculous methods it beggars belief.
Man is killed, looks like wife did it. Wife hires an ex investigative journalist to investigate the crime and find the real killer.
After lots of very Deus ex Machina moments, they finally get to an ending that is totally preposterous and completely out of the blue.
The main guy is an absolute fool and makes choices and does things no one in real life would do.
"Ooo I've been invited to a suspected murderers house, it's all dark and it's unlocked when I get there... It looks like it's been ransacked.. Let's go snooping inside.. cause it ain't a set up at all oh no no no no.."
Keys suddenly appear. Boxes. Planted evidence.. this woman is meant to be a socialite, yet she's a ninja in the darkness setting up a journalist for... Stopping her rapist murdering dad 20 years ago...
Awful. Awful. Awful.
The acting from everyone in this program is beyond awful, it's ridiculously bad. It's duller than an unlit bulb and the story progresses by such a ridiculous methods it beggars belief.
Man is killed, looks like wife did it. Wife hires an ex investigative journalist to investigate the crime and find the real killer.
After lots of very Deus ex Machina moments, they finally get to an ending that is totally preposterous and completely out of the blue.
The main guy is an absolute fool and makes choices and does things no one in real life would do.
"Ooo I've been invited to a suspected murderers house, it's all dark and it's unlocked when I get there... It looks like it's been ransacked.. Let's go snooping inside.. cause it ain't a set up at all oh no no no no.."
Keys suddenly appear. Boxes. Planted evidence.. this woman is meant to be a socialite, yet she's a ninja in the darkness setting up a journalist for... Stopping her rapist murdering dad 20 years ago...
Awful. Awful. Awful.
Huh?
Brandon22N3 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Started out pretty good. Some suspenseful parts but pretty much unbelievable. The last episode really ruined it for me. It made no sense at all. We are left thinking what? What just happened?
I don't get it. What happened to Oliver? None of it made sense in the end and was left thinking either I'm dumb or they made up a quick ending just to finish it quickly. Please don't make a second season. Nobody will watch it.
The acting wasn't bad. The writing sure was. I was left thinking did I fall asleep and miss a main part? I know I did almost fall asleep a couple times during the long boring interview sessions. Give it a try if you want but you will be left upset at the end like the rest of us.
I don't get it. What happened to Oliver? None of it made sense in the end and was left thinking either I'm dumb or they made up a quick ending just to finish it quickly. Please don't make a second season. Nobody will watch it.
The acting wasn't bad. The writing sure was. I was left thinking did I fall asleep and miss a main part? I know I did almost fall asleep a couple times during the long boring interview sessions. Give it a try if you want but you will be left upset at the end like the rest of us.
Budapest is quite pretty isn't it?
greencrest4 February 2023
Well the Budapest footage is quite nice. Though sadly not nice enough to compensate for the rest of this laughable farrago. And laugh I did, on more than one occasion. Probably not a great reaction when tension is meant to be the prevailing mood.
What's slightly frustrating is that Deadline is not without potential. However that potential is squandered on a script that really needs a few more drafts and a good script editor. As it is, what's been sent into production comes across as a rush job that papers over its flaws, perhaps in the hope that the viewers won't look too closely if the thing moves fast enough. The problem is that the absurdities we're expected to gloss over are just too glaring to ignore, an issue which accelerates as each episode progresses. By the final part you'll be hurling the remote at the screen in protest.
James D'Arcy almost saves the show by dint of his considerable acting chops, but his efforts are just not enough when the premise of the script is working against the cast from the outset.
Deadline wants to be a twisty-turny slow-burner with a killer finale - instead it's a poorly constructed house of cards that collapses in a welter of bathos.
What's slightly frustrating is that Deadline is not without potential. However that potential is squandered on a script that really needs a few more drafts and a good script editor. As it is, what's been sent into production comes across as a rush job that papers over its flaws, perhaps in the hope that the viewers won't look too closely if the thing moves fast enough. The problem is that the absurdities we're expected to gloss over are just too glaring to ignore, an issue which accelerates as each episode progresses. By the final part you'll be hurling the remote at the screen in protest.
James D'Arcy almost saves the show by dint of his considerable acting chops, but his efforts are just not enough when the premise of the script is working against the cast from the outset.
Deadline wants to be a twisty-turny slow-burner with a killer finale - instead it's a poorly constructed house of cards that collapses in a welter of bathos.
I'd rather have been walking in the rain!
MoviesIDont9 April 2022
I felt generous when I gave it 3 stars. A total waste of 4 hours of my life. I won't be watching a repeat. I had no sympathy for any of the characters and frankly wonder why they wasted any time making it! I sat through it only because I'm a companion to someone who's deaf and often needs help with understanding.
Don't waste your time
dave-054179 February 2023
Like many other reviewers, we were enjoying this series up until the last episode, and were hoping for a good, well written ending that explained all the twists and turns throughout.
Instead, what we got was an absolutely ridiculous and annoying close to the whole story, that was riddled with basic plot holes. It made us feel we had wasted our time watching the series.
It seems nowadays, that many drama series are written on the basis of trying to keep a view hooked throughout the series, and any consideration of a fulfilling and well written ending is a very long way down the priority list...
Instead, what we got was an absolutely ridiculous and annoying close to the whole story, that was riddled with basic plot holes. It made us feel we had wasted our time watching the series.
It seems nowadays, that many drama series are written on the basis of trying to keep a view hooked throughout the series, and any consideration of a fulfilling and well written ending is a very long way down the priority list...
Horrible ending
shakiejr19 January 2023
This series is a classic example of writers who think they're just so clever with their ridiculous plot twists! First three episodes were fine but the the writers had to show how clever they are with a nonsensical ending. The acting was very good and they really made you interested but the whole thing fell apart with an illogical plot twist that really came out of nowhere!!They won't publish this review unless I make it longer for some other unknown stupid reason so I have to keep writing! Must be the same people who wrote the series! So, don't waste your time on this very stupid, stupid,stupid,stupisd,stupid show!!
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