My wife and I just binge watched the five seasons of The Affair. It's an addictive show to watch, certainly because the way the story is been told. The plot unfolds slowly by telling the story like each character sees it, or remembers it. Each character sees or remembers the story differently and that's what made this show stands out from the rest. You never really know who tells the truth or lies. The different characters probably think their version of the facts is the truth. It's just about their perspective of the facts, it's about how people see things differently and are convinced their version is the only truth. The first three seasons are better than the last two but overall it's a satisfying show to watch. A very good cast made it all more believable. No actor or actress really stands out, they just all delivered in their own way. Maybe the writers did at one point overdo it, with too many affairs and sorts, and that's why I thought the last two seasons were not of the same quality as the first three. For a drama series it's captivating and entertaining. Much better than the daily soaps with the same gossip stories we are bombarded every day.
239 Reviews
Season 3 Train Wreck Derails Great Series
bt698nhj29 December 2018
Alternative titles for Season 3:
This review is based on the series through Season 3. If imdb.com allows editing, I will update upon finishing season 4.
The Affair is an intriguing menagerie of self-analysis, self-righteousness, compelling raw psychological drama, and absurdity.
Seasons 1 and 2 contain a full storyline with a little, but just a little, padding. The drama is rich, the feelings are raw, the tension is real. The tiny pixels leap off the screen into your mind, body, and soul. They compel tears, angst, occasional laughter, feelings of triumph, feelings of despair.
Season 3 is an uneven departure that vacillates between deeply moving psychodrama and meaningless French rabbit trails. Half the episodes provide a worthy progression of the story; the other half will leave you wondering is Season 4 will redeem the series.
One consistency, however, is that superfluous sex scenes (and, to a slightly less jarring effect, liberal profanity) are a signature of the show. At times, this phenomenon undermines the show's virtousity. It also undermines the progression of the characters, and that applies to EACH of the four main characters. Are they so immature and emotionally stuck that they consistently turn to impetuous sex as a vapid form of immediate relief? Does none of these four adults ever mature, despite the life-altering things happening to them that would tend to accelerate maturity? Maybe we viewers are not accustomed to such a real-life slow progression to maturity and self-awareness.
After season 2, I would have rated the show an 8, an unusually high rating for me. You can see that season 3 brought the rating down to a 7. Similar to how the color episodes of The Andy Griffith Show should not have happened. Well, that's a little harsh; season 3 isn't THAT bad.
Would I recommend the show? Heartily. Even Season 3. Just be ready to accept the flaws and enjoy the many mountaintops.
- Between Absurd and Divine
- Sex Cures Everything
This review is based on the series through Season 3. If imdb.com allows editing, I will update upon finishing season 4.
The Affair is an intriguing menagerie of self-analysis, self-righteousness, compelling raw psychological drama, and absurdity.
Seasons 1 and 2 contain a full storyline with a little, but just a little, padding. The drama is rich, the feelings are raw, the tension is real. The tiny pixels leap off the screen into your mind, body, and soul. They compel tears, angst, occasional laughter, feelings of triumph, feelings of despair.
Season 3 is an uneven departure that vacillates between deeply moving psychodrama and meaningless French rabbit trails. Half the episodes provide a worthy progression of the story; the other half will leave you wondering is Season 4 will redeem the series.
One consistency, however, is that superfluous sex scenes (and, to a slightly less jarring effect, liberal profanity) are a signature of the show. At times, this phenomenon undermines the show's virtousity. It also undermines the progression of the characters, and that applies to EACH of the four main characters. Are they so immature and emotionally stuck that they consistently turn to impetuous sex as a vapid form of immediate relief? Does none of these four adults ever mature, despite the life-altering things happening to them that would tend to accelerate maturity? Maybe we viewers are not accustomed to such a real-life slow progression to maturity and self-awareness.
After season 2, I would have rated the show an 8, an unusually high rating for me. You can see that season 3 brought the rating down to a 7. Similar to how the color episodes of The Andy Griffith Show should not have happened. Well, that's a little harsh; season 3 isn't THAT bad.
Would I recommend the show? Heartily. Even Season 3. Just be ready to accept the flaws and enjoy the many mountaintops.
the theme may be done to death, but the execution is excellent
melancholicmoon16 July 2015
The theme has been done to death, but this time prepare to be pleasantly surprised, for the execution of this short series is quite good and features not only lust but also the characters' psychological descent as influenced by loss, poor communication, and bad parenting.
I have just finished the entire first season, and I must say, it was not at all what I expected. I thought it would be a simple, sexy, scandalous story full of clichés; instead I found myself more and more drawn to a deeper, psychologically complex drama that perfectly illustrates how there are three sides to each story: his version, her version, and the truth. Expect solid performance, melancholic scenery, careful art direction, and excellent choice of costumes as per each character's persona.
Oh and you have got to love the opening theme performed by Fiona Apple.
I have just finished the entire first season, and I must say, it was not at all what I expected. I thought it would be a simple, sexy, scandalous story full of clichés; instead I found myself more and more drawn to a deeper, psychologically complex drama that perfectly illustrates how there are three sides to each story: his version, her version, and the truth. Expect solid performance, melancholic scenery, careful art direction, and excellent choice of costumes as per each character's persona.
Oh and you have got to love the opening theme performed by Fiona Apple.
Awesome season 1 and 2 - the other seasons are just okay
Butterfly_4729 November 2019
Season 1 deserves a 10 star rating in my opinion. Loved the 2nd season as well. Afterwards, it's just an okay show but since I fell in love with (some of) the characters I just had to continue watching it till the end.
Overall, I think they focused on too many other things like Whitney's story, also Joanie's in the future. It didn't catch my attention, at times I found it quite boring and unnecessary. In later seasons, the parts that were told from Noah's and Helen's perspective were by far the most interesting ones.
Good show with a brilliant season 1 and 2 but sadly with a lot of flaws in later seasons.
Good show with a brilliant season 1 and 2 but sadly with a lot of flaws in later seasons.
Great (Before It Was Terrible)
Astaroth2211 April 2020
Seasons 1 and 2 were terrific. And consider that I never thought I'd like it in the first place. Furthermore, with all the crap out there, I'm not used to singing praises like this often. Case in point was season 3. It was so bad that I stopped watching so I have no idea about seasons 4 and 5. Not sure what happened but I honestly do not care because there's no coming back from that mess. Regardless, to give this an overall rating is, simply put, a crime.
I would recommend to anyone that they watch seasons 1 and 2 then consider it over. Definitely an 8/10 at that point for sure.
I would recommend to anyone that they watch seasons 1 and 2 then consider it over. Definitely an 8/10 at that point for sure.
Brilliant!
ognjen-janic2 January 2017
I troubled myself to understand the thing that makes this show so seductive, so different. To discover what is the ingredient that creators ably slipped into this immensely emotional and sensual potion. Something that imbues this show to its firm core. After a long consideration, I realized, that this one thing I was looking for is nonexistent. Because this show in its entirety is that special thing. The combination of intriguing, complex characters, empathy that they draw from the viewers. Mystery, that so elegantly dances through the plot, while hypnotizing us to follow its perfectly composed, unpredictable step. Casual, compelling, conversations that silently pull you even deeper down this beautifully directed world. By telling this story through the eyes of the characters, we find out that their view of the same situations vary. Not only that they see or understand something through their psychological state, this multi-character experience exposes us to realization that each person is living a life as vivid and complex as our own. This would be impossible to achieve if not the breathtaking actors and actresses that catapult this show to another dimension, yet never more close to humanity, to now, to us.
Fabulous Finale
conway30005 November 2019
The series finale of The Affair was terrific! Perfect ending. Acting, writing,closing of story themes were all brilliant. The music choices added to the brilliance of the finale. It opened with the The Whole of the Moon (1985 hit)by the Waterboys and ended also with a new poignant rendition of The Whole of the Moon by Fiona Apple. Fiona Apple was the artist who sang the opening theme song.
This is the best tv show ever
ninuski9 August 2018
They don't make tv shows like this. This is drama at its best. Superb writing and cast of actors, so much talent in this one show. I wished there were 10 seasons of this because it never gets old, it never gets tiring or dull or pointless like many other shows do. Probably season 4 is my favourite because we have travelled so far with these characters that they feel like friends now or people we care about, so human and so fragile and imperfect and real. I love that the show doesnt focus on just Alison and Noah, because the rest of characters are equally fascinating, like Helen, Cole, Ben... all their individual stories matter and their interactions and views make this show riveting. The script is beautifully written, all full of nuances and subtle details that make you pay attention, no words are wasted, there are no filling scenes. Wonderfully shot too with brilliant cinematography, just beautiful. Its a show about people and nothing else, and that's why its so fascinating and unique. I wish it would never end.
The Horror of The Affair
gce230825 September 2020
I've watched all 4 Seasons. So obviously I was engaged with the whole thing, kept me interested. Parts of it pretty ridiculous, and "Helen" a constant pain in the arse, but whatever.
The ONLY reason I am writing this review is to say how utterly hideous the theme "song" to the series is. I could not wait to hit "Skip Intro" so I would not have to hear one second of it!!! So goddam awful 😱.
Just needed to vent about that! Thanks for listening.
The ONLY reason I am writing this review is to say how utterly hideous the theme "song" to the series is. I could not wait to hit "Skip Intro" so I would not have to hear one second of it!!! So goddam awful 😱.
Just needed to vent about that! Thanks for listening.
brilliantly shot show, told like a book!
Undomestic-Goddess30 November 2014
The affair is a deliberately slow- paced,beautifully shot,compelling show. The 2 main characters recount their truth in regards of the forming of "the affair" with a crime mystery in the background as an excuse to do so . We, as viewers,must decide and deduct our truth from their accounts. I love the psychological aspect of this show. In fact it's the main reason for my watching. How a very same event is viewed and felt and told differently from the people who experienced it.If you enjoy this show, I would recommend you also read "The One" by Vivienne Harris-Scott. The premise is nearly the same: what happens when 2 people fall in love when they should not.Each chapter is told from one person's Pov as Alison and Noah's, and it is as compelling to read, if not more,as there is also a suspense element. In fact, I had Déjà- vu when watching the first 3 episodes!Anyhow, with this as with H.Levi's " in treatment " Showtime has hit the jackpot. A mature and sophisticated audience will thoroughly enjoy this.
The psychological underpinnings of drive and desire
shoreup15 December 2015
The Affair is one of the few recent productions on TV which deals with the hard psychology of man woman relations and its myriad entanglements. An affair between two married people is largely a narrative device through which the series explore what drives men and women to seek out risk, love, chaos and meaning throwing all the comforts of a "settled" life to the bin. Though there is a moralistic angle to it, but its kept at the sidelines with the primary focus being the psychological subtleties of love and betrayal. One can say that the series is heavily driven by pitch- perfect reactions of characters to each other and the ambiguity of desire. Jealousy and possessiveness haunts the characters in the initial part of the story where an affair, quite necessarily is creating new avenues for the intensity of desire to gush forth. There are lives being left behind in the promise of a better one and the collateral damage to the once dear. Season 1 is concerned with the question of carnality as a means to feel alive again. The greatness of the story lies in its astute understanding that men and women are similar in some ways and different in many others. Desire is the self trying to complete itself through another but men and women understand completeness differently many times and this creates timeless problems between them.
Season 2 deals with the aftermath of the affair and I think there is a lot said here about what are the fundamentals of any relationship which determines which relationship lasts and which fails. One of the most brilliant aspects of the second season is the way it brings out the life is approached differently by men and women. What gives life meaning is not a solved question and in pursuit of what one considers meaningful, we are ready to make many subtle self- deceptions. Many times, complexity is just weakness given a flair of rhetoric. At the end of our lives when we are less driven blindly to achieve and more likely to take a dispassionate view of life, much of what we called "complexities of life" will turn out to be a desire to avoid responsibility. Neither man nor woman has the absolute answer to what a good life is. Perhaps we can someday realize that its always in the middle that the answer lies. Mean while, The Affair can teach us how to reflect on these questions and find our own answers
Season 2 deals with the aftermath of the affair and I think there is a lot said here about what are the fundamentals of any relationship which determines which relationship lasts and which fails. One of the most brilliant aspects of the second season is the way it brings out the life is approached differently by men and women. What gives life meaning is not a solved question and in pursuit of what one considers meaningful, we are ready to make many subtle self- deceptions. Many times, complexity is just weakness given a flair of rhetoric. At the end of our lives when we are less driven blindly to achieve and more likely to take a dispassionate view of life, much of what we called "complexities of life" will turn out to be a desire to avoid responsibility. Neither man nor woman has the absolute answer to what a good life is. Perhaps we can someday realize that its always in the middle that the answer lies. Mean while, The Affair can teach us how to reflect on these questions and find our own answers
When you don't find the words to your own feelings and a show does!
nufafa23 November 2019
I loved the interactions and the dialogues between Helen and Noah in the last episodes of season 5.
As someone that recently divorced and does not hate my ex, I enjoyed the courage and candid way in which they talked about everything, and they go through their flaws and virtues. Kudos to the script writers!
I am yet to go through the last two episodes again and review the dialogues in depth. There were a couple of occasions where Helen and Noah fully replicated my current feelings. I was really moved!
Maura Tierney is my absolute favorite and I hope she gets awarded again.
In my opinion, other stories and characters of season 5 (Sasha, Joanie, the fotographer) were totally dispensable. But, the Helen - Noah line was great and made it up for the season. And yes, season 1 are 2 are still the best!
This used to be a good show
DudeFromTheNetherlands13 September 2018
Complex and disturbing and alluringly thought provoking.
myloveincruz30 October 2014
Setting: Picturesque, folksy, idyllic, New England seaside tourist/fishing village town. Plot: Male (Dominic West) novel writing work/summer vacation with wife and children, meets and gets drawn into the life of married local woman (Ruth Wilson).
Appreciate the complexity, undisclosed undercurrents, the conflicted psychology of the main characters, all the while, aware of the cloaked elephant in the room.
Story told similar to True Detective's style with the detective's interviews of the affairees shown remembrances, somehow relating to whatever is going to happen. One half is his side, the other half, hers.
Lots of sideways glimpses of character and intentions, challenging what you thought you understood.
Appreciate the complexity, undisclosed undercurrents, the conflicted psychology of the main characters, all the while, aware of the cloaked elephant in the room.
Story told similar to True Detective's style with the detective's interviews of the affairees shown remembrances, somehow relating to whatever is going to happen. One half is his side, the other half, hers.
Lots of sideways glimpses of character and intentions, challenging what you thought you understood.
It's Time (to end)
dv72726 August 2019
I was very intrigued by the show during the first couple seasons. Now, as the 5th and final one begins, I am very ready for it to be done. The fact I find no positive qualities in any of the characters (including the petulant monster children) means the actors must be doing their job well. Coupled with a very stupid theme song, the show has run its course. Fare thee well.
Everyone's unreal affair
singakd6 December 2020
Season 1 and 2 weren't bad but then it just went bit downhill for me. I loved Cole, Helen and Alison. Noah is narcissistic. But yes much like other reviews, there is such a wide disconnect with different narratives that you start to get headache. Timeliness aren't explained properly, much like narratives its all upto guess work. Everybody does everybody does everybody. The term Affair at this point loses its charm. Its like 2 minutes eye contact and bam! Could have been so much better but writers got lazy I guess.
Used to be great, now a walking leftist cliche. Season 5-JUMPS THE SHARK
angelabox21 October 2019
The Affair, once a nuanced show about all different parts of humanity, has jumped the shark in a predictable, leftist way.
Dystopian, futuristic, manmade #ClimateChange hysteria? Check!
False #MeToo ruination of the main character? DOUBLE check!
Dystopian, futuristic, manmade #ClimateChange hysteria? Check!
False #MeToo ruination of the main character? DOUBLE check!
Waste of time starting seson 3
teanegru30 October 2020
It's such a pitty they weren't able to follow through the original story. Starting season 3 they are going full bananas... nothing makes sense anymore, it's boring and gets a soap opera smell. It's like GoT with his season 8. What a dissapointment...
...And For The Way It Is Narrated, Brilliant. Just Brilliant. ♦ 84%
nairtejas19 January 2015
I was skeptical about this new TV drama series. Because I do take IMDb score pretty seriously when it comes to TV shows (look at The Sopranos and Breaking Bad). But, the Golden Globe has a history of awarding those shows that are truly artistic and those that beam excellence. So, I started with three episodes and in three days I completed season one.
The story may sound clichéd, and it definitely is. But the narration is through the perspectives of the people involved in the affair. While sometimes these perspectives look the same, other times they are totally different. It makes a riveting watch because the first thirty minutes of every episode will give you an outline of the story as it moves forward. The second half comes and adds elegance and suspense quotient to it.
The polished rendition further adds to the entertainment. The score is brilliant and the way every episode ends with a different indie song reminded me of The Sopranos. Great production design and oh, my, what costumes. Brilliant! Fabulous photography and cinematography. The whole season one is written quite well and the way things add up is mind- blowing. The cast is directed well, and not only is Ruth Wilson a maverick, but even Dominic West impressed me with his nuanced performances. Maura Tierney is brilliant, as well.
Some episodes in season one do drag a little, but I guess they were necessary. The show mainly provides insights about how ugly an affair can become once the people carrying it out lose control of their actions. It has emotional, mental, and familial feeds that will hit you as you dissolve into the characters that you can so abundantly relate with.
Also, people who are cribbing that the show is naive and is unable to hold itself together should understand that unlike movies, TV shows have seasons (plural) to say what they intend to say. Just like some of the great shows out there took 5-10 seasons, this one will take at least three to become a great show. For now, The Affair: Season One is a brilliant affair.
BOTTOM LINE: Wonderful drama. If I were you who failed to get hooked by the first three episodes, I'd watch three more in order to get an addictive wind of it. Season one has ended with a cliffhanger and I'll be waiting. One of the best shows of 2014, only behind Fargo.
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? NO
Nudity/Sex: Very Strong | Obscenity/Vulgarity: Medium | Alcohol/Smoking/Drugs: Strong | Violence/Gore: Medium
The story may sound clichéd, and it definitely is. But the narration is through the perspectives of the people involved in the affair. While sometimes these perspectives look the same, other times they are totally different. It makes a riveting watch because the first thirty minutes of every episode will give you an outline of the story as it moves forward. The second half comes and adds elegance and suspense quotient to it.
The polished rendition further adds to the entertainment. The score is brilliant and the way every episode ends with a different indie song reminded me of The Sopranos. Great production design and oh, my, what costumes. Brilliant! Fabulous photography and cinematography. The whole season one is written quite well and the way things add up is mind- blowing. The cast is directed well, and not only is Ruth Wilson a maverick, but even Dominic West impressed me with his nuanced performances. Maura Tierney is brilliant, as well.
Some episodes in season one do drag a little, but I guess they were necessary. The show mainly provides insights about how ugly an affair can become once the people carrying it out lose control of their actions. It has emotional, mental, and familial feeds that will hit you as you dissolve into the characters that you can so abundantly relate with.
Also, people who are cribbing that the show is naive and is unable to hold itself together should understand that unlike movies, TV shows have seasons (plural) to say what they intend to say. Just like some of the great shows out there took 5-10 seasons, this one will take at least three to become a great show. For now, The Affair: Season One is a brilliant affair.
BOTTOM LINE: Wonderful drama. If I were you who failed to get hooked by the first three episodes, I'd watch three more in order to get an addictive wind of it. Season one has ended with a cliffhanger and I'll be waiting. One of the best shows of 2014, only behind Fargo.
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? NO
Nudity/Sex: Very Strong | Obscenity/Vulgarity: Medium | Alcohol/Smoking/Drugs: Strong | Violence/Gore: Medium
Series Finale Came Full Circle!
mandaleigh20003 November 2019
Love this show - never leave reviews- but after watching the series finale I had to. This show is unbelievably beautiful. It will make you laugh, cry, scratch your heard, and wonder what the heck is going on. But most importantly, it always leaves you wanting more. The last episode was so perfect- I won't ruin it for those who have not seen yet but I am telling you this show is so awesome and is a must watch!!!
Should've ended with season 4
meliffy1818 October 2019
Had it not been for the dumpster fire that is season 5, I would have easily given this show an 8/10, but that dropped by 2 points. I'm watching the last season more out of obligation than entertainment. I want to gouge my eyes and ears out every time I see a sequence featuring Joanie; she is easily the worst, most unlikeable character in the history of the show. Like a shell of a person: and I'm pretty sure that's mainly just the terrible acting and is totally unintentional. I hate to say it, but I'm glad this is the final season.
only seasons 1&2 ok.
francogrex25 May 2019
I liked season 1. A little less season 2. But season 3 was absolute garbage. Really i cannot say enough how nonsensical it was. i cannot even imagine that it was written by the same writers. sometimes it's just best to stop. i expect even less from season 4 i haven't watched it yet and i'm not sure i'm going to. what's more laughable is they're planning a 5th season. seriously. will there be aliens in 5? I wouldn't exclude anything when sense is lost.
Relatable
bryangary656 November 2019
Ridiculous program
Siddhartha1422 September 2019
Brilliant narrative, well written!
prettymoni126 April 2015
Love this series, the way the episodes play out showing both sides of the story from two different perspectives is brilliant. The acting is superb! Ruth Wilson won best actress award for her character in this show, and well deserved! I only wish Dominic West had also won, although he was nominated! Anyone who gives this series a bad review simply does not understand great writing! It's very intriguing to see how two sides to the same story are similar, yes, but very different at the same time! I thought I would just like the show and maybe watch it "On Demand" when nothing else was on, but I love this show and can not wait to see what the writers have planned for season 2!
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