The Couple Next Door

I was looking forward to this series and couldn't wait to see what it had to offer due to the exciting trailers. At first I was not disappointed as there was a sizzling buildup- however sub plots began to develop which left me wondering where this was all going. The problem was the sub plots didn't really go anywhere or have anything to to with the main event. Then we had to make some huge leaps in suspension of disbelief as it soon becomes absurd. All in all a good start but it could have been much better if the plot had been focused and not all over the place. So I'm afraid I feel a little disappointed.

Normally wouldn't watch something with an IMDb rating of less than 7 unless there's a cracking cast as was the case in the couple next door. The acting was excellent, and I didn't even mind Sam Heughan slipping back into his Scottish accent. The thing that absolutely threw me was the location. It's all I could think about. By no stretch of the imagination could you find a housing estate anywhere in the UK that resembles the one in the show purporting to be in Leeds! I mean, who on earth would have awnings in Leeds, no offence, but there's just not the weather - talking of which - did the director not know it's always cold and rains most of the time?

Man, with most of the cast this had so much potential. I knew Sam Heughan and Elinor Tomlinson from the few episodes of, "Outlander" that I have seen, so I was on board. Plus the title made it sound intriguing.

Jessica De Gouw is someone I have seen but, she didn't have that instant name recognizability to me, but funnily enough played the best character of this tale.

The story is basically a new couple moves in across the street, from De Gouw and Heughan who are married. They all become closer and "swinging" is in the mix.

Alfred Enoch plays "Pete" who is married to Tomlinson, and boy, is this the worst acting or character briefs he was given with the roll, but by minute seven of a 6 episode series, he is detestable. You couldn't root for him if you tried hard. Props to Hugh Dennis as the creepiest neighbor you've ever come in contact with.

This could been decent at 4 episodes. Still, not bad. It's a good one to watch if you have a lot of laundry to fold.

I would watch paint dry if it featured Sam Heughan and I am keen to support any movie or series he stars in. He is a solid actor and nice to look at--a good combination in my books.

Equally, Eleanor Tomlinson is great to watch. She brings a breath of fresh air to any role.

Discovering that these two actors were cast together in The Couple Next Door, I noted the date in my calendar and counted down the days. I was excited.

And really, the anticipation was the best part of this series. To me it just didn't strike the right note and some parts of the storyline just didn't work for me. Sometimes a point was laboured (yes, I got that...move on) and other times the characters just, well, didn't stay in character.

I am disappointed. Hopefully Sam will be cast in a role that matches his talent in the future.

Aww, I so wanted this to be good!

The trailer looked great, but so far (just started episode 2) it's cheesy, lame and a bit - well, boring.

I love a good Harlan Coben, which I thought this had vibes of, but noooo....

The most entertaining thing so far , is that the neighbour guy bloke looks just like the geezer from Eastenders (don't know his name, just remember him from when my Grandma used to watch it - wish she was here so I could wind her up that it's him 😂) aside from that, yeah, I'm bored....

I'll stick with it, who knows, maybe it's a slow burner... I'll update later if it gets any better 😊