Sweetpea

This review is base on Episode 1 and I will update it once all 6 episodes have aired.

When you are in a tough spot in your life, everything sucks, you are invisible and people around you are the absolute worst, funny ideas can cross your mind. SweetPea take this concept and push it to the extreme, following the life of Rhiannon Lewis (Ella Purnell) an office worker bullied her whole life who suddenly lose her father to illness.

Her fantasies to "remove" people who has done her wrong in her life becomes an obsession as things spiral out of control! Sweet Pea flowers are beautiful to see but they are also toxic, which is the main point of the show.

Although the episode is only 43 minutes including credit, it's insane how much the emotional build up is fantastic. By the end of the episode I understood poor Rhiannon motivation and was hooked. Some movies can't make you feel a thing in 2h, but this show in such a quick lapse of time made me care so much about its plot.

Not only is the writting solid, but the music and the way it is filmed is excellent, which only adds to the intensity of the show. Also how can I not touch on the acting. Is there anything Ella Purnell can't do?! For a lot of people, Ella made fallout such a fantastic show because her acting. This remains true in SweetPea, like in Yellowknife and Fallout. Her acting range is one of the best I have seen in a long time and I can't wait to see where he career will take her!

To summarize, the show is well worth you time and although episode 1 is a build up, it shows amazing potential which is strongly supported by fantastic acting, an engaging story and great atmosphere. Can't wait to see where it goes and will update this review as the season wrap up!

"You made me this way" - Rhiannon.

All about the star of the series here in Ella Purnell who carry's off the lead responsibilities in fine style

It's all a bit mad and more dark than comedy but watchable and I enjoyed it, and all the strong characters are female led. Which reminds me to give a good shout out in a supporting role for Nicole Lecky

You start off the series being on the side of Purnell's character but in the end you have a mixed opinion which is probably a good thing and where the makers of the series wanted you to go

I thought six episodes was just about right with the climax leaving you wanting more which does not always happen in these scenarios.

At times, particularly in Ep1, this show can drag and be a bit flat, but it builds well into an unusual thriller. It leaves you feeling uneasy as the main character while in many ways worthy of sympathy and understanding, is a killer.

The interest comes from the viewer wondering if she is going to get away with it all, and even at the end you are still left a little unsure, probably set up for Series 2.

The charm comes from the 'normal' English backdrop and the lead characters, at times, endearing behaviour, so again you feel a bit twisted, after all, she's a killer.

A bit of an English Dexter, but very quirky, in all well worth a look.

Mixed messaging is deliberate. Depending on which side of "the worldview" one stands, will start discussions. No issues with that, for me at least. Similar for not really following the book.

Unnecessary though, are abrupt and cringe bits and pieces of "The Message" and politics, which never are factual, nor common sense even, and instead just individual, and often current opinions inserted and ideologies injected, that mostly do not age well. Some actors joined that club, others just do their job and what they are asked to do. Don't know if Ella is the former or the latter, but she obviously did an excellent job playing this character overall.

Ultimately, regardless of "mixed messaging" it is quite clear that our main character is NOT well, and excuses for all done are just her own, inside her head, that as more things progress, less convincing they become, utill they shatter, "exposing" a killer looking to get away with it..

I was initially a little annoyed with this show because it as too obvious what her character turn would be, from the first five minutes... Additionally, it reminded me way too much of the show Obituary, also from the UK, release only not so long ago. Similar quirkiness, dark comedy, office setting, reporter job, character turn and plot - but I felt the Obituary show was more unique in its nuance and story plot. I feel the striking resemblance has to be called out, and the plot is predictable , BUT neverthless- I eventually got into a groove with it and it turned out to be quite a fun romp of a show, even if the storyline wasn't particularly original, unique or powerful- it's a fun dark comedy and you eventually get taken along for the ride ... And swept into binging the series ;)