Rules of the Game

For a show that explores misogyny and toxic masculinity in the workplace, it's also done a pretty good job of exposing it (as well as other deplorable traits) among IMDb users as well - appalled by some of the comments here that are nothing to do with this 4-part series but all to do with the world view of some very blinkered people.

Therefore, sadly, just by being a MeToo drama, the series was going to face immediate backlash from the start. Hardly surprising then that reviews have been left panning the whole series after only episode.

That is not to say that Rules of the Game doesn't merit any constructive scrutiny. There are times the whowasit/whodunnit plot (which is a clever idea) drifts into soap opera territory, but it's the execution of that script that keeps it firmly in the wheelhouse of elevated drama we expect from the BBC.

The performances from Maxine Peake, Rahkee Thakrar and Callie Cooke are committed, and the direction/storytelling of the scripts whips the tale along clearly and at a great pace - even allowing for laughs here and there.

It's not perfect and it wont be for everyone, it will also be uncomfortably familiar viewing for some, but it tells an interesting story of gender dynamics in the workplace it's time we saw a lot more.

This is a very well-acted series; well put together cast. It's paced right without a lot of filler, and the directing and production were all good for me. It's just gets a bit ridiculous. The first two/three episodes are engaging, then it all gets a bit unbelievable and far-fetched. It was a decent watch and don't think it's deserving of the current 5.6 rating on IMDb.

I have worked for the last 25 years in a mixed environment but mostly male. I have seen some of the behaviours shown in this series so I can relate to some of it , what is missing though is the representative good people and particularly all the good men, the ones who are kind, thoughtful and supportive. I have worked with some difficult women but also many who have worked incredibly hard and remain wonderful. What I am trying to say is that this series lacks nuance, it like using a brick to open a window. It's a start but only that. Hopefully something similar can be produced which taps into the idea that we are not all good or all bad.

I very nearly didn't watch this because of the low score, but Maxine Peake is always in great things, so I decided to give it a go. It's very watchable, interesting even if not terribly likeable characters, and overall well done, with the exception of poor acting by the police detective.

The harsh criticism is uncalled for in my opinion. It shows so many different workplace issues and it kept me engaged all the way through.

I would say that Maya was definitely a bit obsessive and it would've been good to see her focus on other topics not just the one involving tess but I understand that was the point of the show. I didn't like the cheese club either that was silly and I can agree much of the cast was unlikeable but that is the point I think. Did we even see Maya's mother shed a tear?

Otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it.