msghall

There seems to be a 21st century phenomenon that is quite off-putting, most exemplified by this series. It's not a new phenomenon; it's been going on for decades. It's called soap opera writing. Cat Jones is a master at it. This dull, talky opera froths with soap, distracting from the plot (such that it is) with innocuous conservations and hand wringing. You wonder: What's that got to do with anything? It's not just BBC that's guilty, Netflix is now awash with this type of soapy drivel, replacing wit, wonder and plot with dull emotionally-fraught forays that will drive you to drink. Make it a strong one.

The first season starts off iffy; the yelling and screaming drown out much of the fine acting (Lesley Manville!) and directing. It rescues itself with a finely-tuned plot, breezy direction and adroit editing. The second season is a bust. The characters become caricatures, acting irrationally, I laugh out loud more than once. Episode three is especially hilarious, with plot holes so big you could drive a truck through.

Throughout, the antagonists control everyone. The whole concept of not grassing on another is true enough but season two takes it to a frustratingly manipulative degree. It becomes over-the-top, spoiling the obvious other strengths of the series. Writer James Graham gets lazy and presents us with characters and situations that stretch of bounds of disbelief beyond reason. He seems to have run out of ideas, settling for too-convenient plot situations and characters, manipulating both, literally losing the plot. Second season is a cheat. If there is a season three, I hope there is a new, fresh, talented writer to take over.

This is well put together series, expertly edited with a strong narrative to each episode. It's easy to binge these shows not just because they are so concisely edited and filmed but the stories are compelling.

However, it should be noted that the victims, their families and friends, demonstrate a naivete that borders on stupidity. Each victim, and most of their friends and families had all the clues about their perpetrators behavior but look the other way. In a country where millions voted for a president who is abusive and a criminal, it comes at no surprise that these victims have been so easily manipulated.

Anybody with early insight into the true nature of these abusers are dismissed. It's not just a story of people being misled and abused but of a country too often allowing themselves to be misled and abused.