Sweetpea

Too much of the first episode is to give the audience a taste of how bitter her life is, and they succeed a bit too much, since most of the episode felt awful to watch, but... the origin story ends with the episode, and she bites for the first time, and that's what I think most people watching the show expect.

In comparison, Dexter kills someone in the first 5 minutes, this is the oposite, we are drag trough her horrible existence as much as possible, so much that some people will tune out... but I think there is a pay off and a potential behind hi, she had teeth now, and everything will change because of that... Yes... her moral compass is off... as many pointed out... but is not the point... all that pressure is finally released in a boom... we will see if she matures or devolves, anyway, annoying life, big bang ending, potential for the series, we will see.

Sweetpea is a dark comedy/revenge fantasy starring the charming Ella Purnell, who's been on a lot of big things lately, wich is justifiable since she's a very charismatic and versatile actress. Once again, Purnell's performance elevated an otherwise clichéd and disposable project, her portrayal of a shy, lonely, and traumatized young woman pushed to the edge is just as entertaining as it is disturbing. Throughout the fast paced 6 episodes, we get invested in the main character's inner drama, even to the point of feeling very bad for her, the character work was so good that i forgot this was a typical unreliable narrator type story, i cared for Rhiannon despite knowing she is a sick, dangerous person. The pacing was very good for the most part, it never felt like they were dragging things too much, however the last episode felt like they were trying too hard to create cliffhangers and setups for a second season, instead of wrapping things up on a coherent way. This is the problem with modern entertainment, everything needs to be a franchise, or a whole ass series with multiple seasons, nothing is allowed to have a clear begging, middle, and END anymore, it all depends on the ratings... I think this could've been a very good 2h movie, if only they had a clearer vision for this story, i don't know much about the book in wich the show is based on, but damn i think the script could've been a lot better. Most of the supporting characters are played by mid-tier actors, nowhere near the same level of the protagonist, specially the actress playing Julia, she came across as a bit forced to me, i didn't buy her motivations, nor felt any sympathy for her, and that scene with her husband in episode 05 was ridiculous. Overall, Sweetpea might not be the most creative, deep, or remarkable series, but Ella Purnell's usual charm, appropriately quirky English humour, and some good gory killings make this a strong option to those looking for darker, adult orientated content.

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 ;)

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..

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.