27 reviews
Surprisingly credible and funny
The main female characters, Alice (the ex-wife) and Caroline (the author), both manage to come across as being intelligent and credible, as well as slightly gullible at the same time.
For various reasons, they are both fascinated by Rob, a celebrated Oxford PhD and eco-warrior who seems too good to be true. Is he really as good as he seems? Initially he comes across as respected, ethical, and caring, but cracks start to appear - the question is, are the cracks due to his behaviour or that of the two key women in his life?
It's not serious, although the subject matter obviously is. There's also a nice over the top ending for this black comedy.
For various reasons, they are both fascinated by Rob, a celebrated Oxford PhD and eco-warrior who seems too good to be true. Is he really as good as he seems? Initially he comes across as respected, ethical, and caring, but cracks start to appear - the question is, are the cracks due to his behaviour or that of the two key women in his life?
It's not serious, although the subject matter obviously is. There's also a nice over the top ending for this black comedy.
- christineandfaz
- Aug 31, 2023
- Permalink
Fabulous premise and captivating story... but
- daniellecbrown73
- Aug 29, 2023
- Permalink
Good Story, But Five Episodes Over-Stretched
A good story, brilliantly acted by an excellent cast, but tediously slow at times, and unworthy of five hours of investment.
Another reviewer made a point about how blatantly implausible Rob's lies were and how unlikely it is that an intelligent woman would fall for them. This reviewer neglects to mention that this very point is made in the show, and by the lady in question, who is exasperated retrospectively by her gullibility and voluntary blindness in the face of an obvious liar.
This show would have benefited from being a little leaner. Three hours would have been quite sufficient to tell the story, enabling it to move along more quickly and efficiently. On this occasion, it is not a case of having time to flesh out the characters, who are well enough established within the first hour, and, rather than tension, tedium is the result of the unnecessarily long time taken to reach the end.
The difference between three hours and five hours, is the amount of people I would happily recommend this show to, with fewer likely to take a chance and commit to the latter.
Another reviewer made a point about how blatantly implausible Rob's lies were and how unlikely it is that an intelligent woman would fall for them. This reviewer neglects to mention that this very point is made in the show, and by the lady in question, who is exasperated retrospectively by her gullibility and voluntary blindness in the face of an obvious liar.
This show would have benefited from being a little leaner. Three hours would have been quite sufficient to tell the story, enabling it to move along more quickly and efficiently. On this occasion, it is not a case of having time to flesh out the characters, who are well enough established within the first hour, and, rather than tension, tedium is the result of the unnecessarily long time taken to reach the end.
The difference between three hours and five hours, is the amount of people I would happily recommend this show to, with fewer likely to take a chance and commit to the latter.
- elvisleeboy
- Sep 7, 2023
- Permalink
So refreshing, quirky, and thought provoking. 10/10 for Rebekah Station.
I wasn't sure exactly what genre this was going to be when it started but thought I'd stick with it, and I'm glad I did.
Rebekah Station is captivating, she is one of the most underrated actresses in the UK and deserves to be in many more productions than she is.
This production is smarty written, well directed and also funny. We surely need a bit of humour in this world.
Of course the underlying fact that there are actually people functioning like the main character is truly scary.
I hope this at least opens the eyes of someone whom is being coerced by a psychopath/sociopath, not overtly perhaps but even in a subtle manner.
We can't wait for the next one as it's gripping.
Well done BBC1 for giving us a break from the usual trash on offer.
Rebekah Station is captivating, she is one of the most underrated actresses in the UK and deserves to be in many more productions than she is.
This production is smarty written, well directed and also funny. We surely need a bit of humour in this world.
Of course the underlying fact that there are actually people functioning like the main character is truly scary.
I hope this at least opens the eyes of someone whom is being coerced by a psychopath/sociopath, not overtly perhaps but even in a subtle manner.
We can't wait for the next one as it's gripping.
Well done BBC1 for giving us a break from the usual trash on offer.
- Birminghamukengland
- Aug 29, 2023
- Permalink
Pleasantly surprised
The following events are incredibly satisfying.
The worlds of two women crash together, brought together by Doctor Robert Chance, who on the surface is a prominent Scientist, fighting for the future of the Earth, but underneath a confidence trickster, and a man who preys on women.
It's a deliciously dark and twisted series, it takes a little bit of time for it to open up, but when it does, it's addictive viewing.
Initially I thought it was merely a black comedy, but as it develops, it morphs into a psychological drama, with domestic abuse as its focus. It proves one thing, the abused can be ordinary, down to Earth people, or indeed the ritch and famous, people you'd look at and say 'it would never happen to them.'
It's well paced, full of suspense, and contains some genuinely upsetting moments, expect the unexpected. The final episode is seriously satisfying viewing.
Each of the main characters has a chance to shine, Alistair Petrie, Marianne Jean Baptiste and Rebekah Staton all have some incredible scenes.
Truly satisfying drama.
9/10.
It's a deliciously dark and twisted series, it takes a little bit of time for it to open up, but when it does, it's addictive viewing.
Initially I thought it was merely a black comedy, but as it develops, it morphs into a psychological drama, with domestic abuse as its focus. It proves one thing, the abused can be ordinary, down to Earth people, or indeed the ritch and famous, people you'd look at and say 'it would never happen to them.'
It's well paced, full of suspense, and contains some genuinely upsetting moments, expect the unexpected. The final episode is seriously satisfying viewing.
Each of the main characters has a chance to shine, Alistair Petrie, Marianne Jean Baptiste and Rebekah Staton all have some incredible scenes.
Truly satisfying drama.
9/10.
- Sleepin_Dragon
- Sep 24, 2023
- Permalink
Fantastic new show from the BBC
It's such a joy to see a show with big ideas, big narratives and - whisper it - maybe even a big budget come out of the BBC. Of course, the American networks are still the best at blockbuster tele; recent highlights for me include 'The Power' - the excellent adaptation of Naomi Alderman's sensational book - and Showtime's gripping 'Yellowjackets'. Both series inhabit an exaggerated reality, and although there's countless real-life monsters to rival Alistair Petrie's villain Rob Chance, 'The Following Events...' has a scope and level of ambition that puts me in mind of those two other programmes.
Speaking of real-life monsters, the final episode breaks the fourth wall entirely with actual footage of famous wrong'uns, from Saville to Epstein, as exploited author Cheryl Harker (the excellent Marianne Jean-Baptiste) vents her frustration at power always protecting power. It's a testament to the show's cinematic dexterity that this moment doesn't feel at all out of place.
Rebekah Staton is sublime in the role of Alice Newman, an aspiring fashion designer who spies her long-lost ex-husband cycling thorough the streets of Oxford, cool as a cucumber, 15 years after dissappearing without a trace. Oh, and the bugger had only gone and done a runner with Alice and her family's life savings. What a scoundrel! But now he's got his eyes on a bigger prize. Can Alice uncover the truth and save the day? (It's far more complicated than that, but I don't want to spoil the many delightful twists and turns).
Staton - who deserves to be on TV a heck of a lot more than she is - delivers a nuanced performance of a complex character battling against contradiction, paranoia, anger and - ultimately - a world where powerful men are always given the benefit of the doubt. Even when you've got to look very, very closely to see the doubt. It's not always men, of course, although it usually is, but it is always power. The most powerful in society seem to he held to a much lower standard than everyone else. We don't need rules for the powerful! They have power, ergo they must be honourable and virtuous, and on the occasions they're not, well those are clearly the exception and we can let it slide just this once.
Sorry, got a bit carried away.
'The Following Events...' tackles a lot of big themes and succeeds in making valuable comments about each one, whilst never overshadowing the story. And what a cracking story it is! Even if it is based on a pack of lies.
Speaking of real-life monsters, the final episode breaks the fourth wall entirely with actual footage of famous wrong'uns, from Saville to Epstein, as exploited author Cheryl Harker (the excellent Marianne Jean-Baptiste) vents her frustration at power always protecting power. It's a testament to the show's cinematic dexterity that this moment doesn't feel at all out of place.
Rebekah Staton is sublime in the role of Alice Newman, an aspiring fashion designer who spies her long-lost ex-husband cycling thorough the streets of Oxford, cool as a cucumber, 15 years after dissappearing without a trace. Oh, and the bugger had only gone and done a runner with Alice and her family's life savings. What a scoundrel! But now he's got his eyes on a bigger prize. Can Alice uncover the truth and save the day? (It's far more complicated than that, but I don't want to spoil the many delightful twists and turns).
Staton - who deserves to be on TV a heck of a lot more than she is - delivers a nuanced performance of a complex character battling against contradiction, paranoia, anger and - ultimately - a world where powerful men are always given the benefit of the doubt. Even when you've got to look very, very closely to see the doubt. It's not always men, of course, although it usually is, but it is always power. The most powerful in society seem to he held to a much lower standard than everyone else. We don't need rules for the powerful! They have power, ergo they must be honourable and virtuous, and on the occasions they're not, well those are clearly the exception and we can let it slide just this once.
Sorry, got a bit carried away.
'The Following Events...' tackles a lot of big themes and succeeds in making valuable comments about each one, whilst never overshadowing the story. And what a cracking story it is! Even if it is based on a pack of lies.
- Ron_Bacardi
- Aug 31, 2023
- Permalink
The following events are implausible and silly
When watching a TV drama, a certain amount of suspension of disbelief is often required. For example, in a detective drama like Morse or Vera, the police person usually goes in alone and unarmed to confront the murderer, rather than calling in armed backup and waiting.
But in this series suspension of disbelief is needed all the way through. I'm constantly thinking "that couldn't happen", "she wouldn't say that", "he couldn't do that". The premise of the story is that right at the start, a man turns up in Oxford claiming to be a top climate scientist. Well, no, anyone could look it up and see that he and his supposed research institute doesn't exist. All the way through, the characters have to behave in a ridiculously stupid way for the story to work. In the final episode, it descends to a kind of farcical pantomime.
There are some redeeming features. The acting is fairly good, considering the silly things that the actors have to say and do. The sets and costumes are quite lavish; plenty of licence fee payers' money has been spent producing this.
But in this series suspension of disbelief is needed all the way through. I'm constantly thinking "that couldn't happen", "she wouldn't say that", "he couldn't do that". The premise of the story is that right at the start, a man turns up in Oxford claiming to be a top climate scientist. Well, no, anyone could look it up and see that he and his supposed research institute doesn't exist. All the way through, the characters have to behave in a ridiculously stupid way for the story to work. In the final episode, it descends to a kind of farcical pantomime.
There are some redeeming features. The acting is fairly good, considering the silly things that the actors have to say and do. The sets and costumes are quite lavish; plenty of licence fee payers' money has been spent producing this.
- SamuelPickwick
- Oct 11, 2023
- Permalink
Powerful. Funny. Brilliant
Very disappointing and downright idiotic at times
Had high hopes for this and it started fairly well but quickly got just plan nonsensical. And downright irritating This person was supposed to have conned countless people, created endless false identities, yet none of his victims ever speak up. Worse, when he creates a fictional identity as a climate scientist heading a major climate action organisation based in Greenland, no one checks his credentials and Oxford University backs him. I was 50/50 till the last episode, hoping it would redeem itself with a good ending, but no - it was totally ludicrous. It was like they wanted a big finale, so just ignored anything that had happened in the previous episodes, all common sense or any interest in reality. Not a single character did what normal people would do at any stage in the five episodes. Just annoyed that I persisted with it, hoping it would get better.
- bbosma-24403
- Oct 24, 2023
- Permalink
Ooph! Binged. Was excellent!
To be honest, I was hooked from the first episode. So much so that I watched the whole thing in one night.
It's funny, tackles some gritty issues in such relatable ways, and overall has a good message.
I'm hoping for a second series!
I was tempted to give it a nine because it could have maybe been wrapped up in three to four episodes, but I decided it was fun and pleasurable and well worth the time.
The subject it deals with is awful but it is also so normal. And I think that this gives a good, honest, peek into it. For those who think it's a fantasy, either lucky you or more likely you are one of the baddies!
It's funny, tackles some gritty issues in such relatable ways, and overall has a good message.
I'm hoping for a second series!
I was tempted to give it a nine because it could have maybe been wrapped up in three to four episodes, but I decided it was fun and pleasurable and well worth the time.
The subject it deals with is awful but it is also so normal. And I think that this gives a good, honest, peek into it. For those who think it's a fantasy, either lucky you or more likely you are one of the baddies!
Triggering for those in, or have been in a DV relationships, or are experiencing any abuse from a 'man'
Unbelievable initially but well worth staying the course
- essparks-99975
- Oct 16, 2023
- Permalink
Farcical take on a serious topic.
Great for originality, tension & exploration of a serious issue
The worst written show ever
I watched this show with my family and we enjoyed it because it was so ridiculous it was insane.
The writers have basically written the show so that the villain wins at every point because the victims act so stupidly. I get that victims of con artists can be naive but the actions of the main character are so stupid as to unbelievable.
It's one of those shows that has no basis in reality If you watch it check out the court scene which is utterly ridiculous. I get its fiction but if you choose to make the main character the most stupid person on earth who is actually really daring when the writer needs to forward the plot but when it comes to foiling the villain then becomes a complete inarticulate idiot then the whole drama becomes pointless. Its one of of the most unrealistic, stupid shows I 've ever seen which was in itself enjoyable.
The writers have basically written the show so that the villain wins at every point because the victims act so stupidly. I get that victims of con artists can be naive but the actions of the main character are so stupid as to unbelievable.
It's one of those shows that has no basis in reality If you watch it check out the court scene which is utterly ridiculous. I get its fiction but if you choose to make the main character the most stupid person on earth who is actually really daring when the writer needs to forward the plot but when it comes to foiling the villain then becomes a complete inarticulate idiot then the whole drama becomes pointless. Its one of of the most unrealistic, stupid shows I 've ever seen which was in itself enjoyable.
Incredible!
Pity...Could have been better.
Not too bad a series, with an interesting storyline but it would have done much better with different lead actors.
Rebekah Staton is as stiff as cardboard. I know she is supposed to portray a fearful and bullied woman but she came out as an absolutely brainless bore. Why should everything turn out badly for Alice? Her bad luck and inaction became unbelievable after a while.. Alistair Petrie too relied too much on his facial expressions, it looked unbelievably over acted - and the first episode of him clumsily riding his bicycle around university like a mad man made it look like the series was meant to be a comedy.
Marianne Jean Baptist was as usual a good actress, but was some what too strong an actress and became a stark contrast between the other 2 weaker lead actors.
Rebekah Staton is as stiff as cardboard. I know she is supposed to portray a fearful and bullied woman but she came out as an absolutely brainless bore. Why should everything turn out badly for Alice? Her bad luck and inaction became unbelievable after a while.. Alistair Petrie too relied too much on his facial expressions, it looked unbelievably over acted - and the first episode of him clumsily riding his bicycle around university like a mad man made it look like the series was meant to be a comedy.
Marianne Jean Baptist was as usual a good actress, but was some what too strong an actress and became a stark contrast between the other 2 weaker lead actors.
Poorly written, disappointing overall
Quirky drama that has much to like
A very topical drama about a conman extraordinaire, (Alistair Petrie) and two of his victims, his wife (Rebekkah Statton) who he left in the lurch and defrauded fifteen years ago and his new mark in the present (Marianne Jean-Baptiste).
The central trio were well cast and all three actors shone. I very much liked the story and thought the production values were very high. They adopted a very stylised look and tone for the series that some reviewers have compared to Wes Anderson.
Personally I wished protagonist Cheryl had a bit more get up and go and I didn't really understand why she and her family didn't go to the police at the time but its a small niggle I enjoyed it and got sucked in.
Overall an enjoyable well made show which is worth sticking with. Would have given it a higher rating if they'd packed the story into 4 episodes and made it a wee bit pacier.
The central trio were well cast and all three actors shone. I very much liked the story and thought the production values were very high. They adopted a very stylised look and tone for the series that some reviewers have compared to Wes Anderson.
Personally I wished protagonist Cheryl had a bit more get up and go and I didn't really understand why she and her family didn't go to the police at the time but its a small niggle I enjoyed it and got sucked in.
Overall an enjoyable well made show which is worth sticking with. Would have given it a higher rating if they'd packed the story into 4 episodes and made it a wee bit pacier.
- JRB-NorthernSoul
- Sep 10, 2023
- Permalink
Disappointed
Really looked forward to this as some great actors involved, but...
Hackneyed dialogue and some of the other actors were either wooden or overdone.
Don't waste your time on this latest BBC dirge - Unless you have a bingo card of tick boxes containing every sad modern day trope to cross off or use it as a drinking game.
Line up the shots and you'll be drunk within the first half - 'strong confident woman of colour' - tick. Main character refers to himself as 'sad middle aged white man' in the first 20 minutes - tick. If I could have stomached anymore I'm sure they would have shoe horned in a stunning and brave 'woman' with male pattern baldness -but I switched off.
Don't waste your time on this latest BBC dirge - Unless you have a bingo card of tick boxes containing every sad modern day trope to cross off or use it as a drinking game.
Line up the shots and you'll be drunk within the first half - 'strong confident woman of colour' - tick. Main character refers to himself as 'sad middle aged white man' in the first 20 minutes - tick. If I could have stomached anymore I'm sure they would have shoe horned in a stunning and brave 'woman' with male pattern baldness -but I switched off.
- tilsammens
- Aug 29, 2023
- Permalink
Not funny, thrilling or clever
After 15 minutes of the first episode my bad acting anxiety was kicking in, that uncomfortable feeling you get when watching actors try to portray poorly written characters far two literally with no nuance. But is it poor acting? Maybe it's the script? Maybe its down to the direction? Surely a good director would spot that nothing about this was hitting the mark. Hang on! Maybe it's the casting......
Whomever is to blame this big budget BBC 'comedy thriller' is neither funny, smart or thrilling.
Alot of the above could be forgiven if this were a cheap teen afternoon series on just after Countdown, but it's not, it's a hyped flagship type show which looks like a shed load of BBC licence payers money was spent on it
Cinematography and lighting are decent, Oxford looks lovely in the sharpness and vibrancy of expensive 4k cameras.
All in all for me this is a bunch of 2nd rate actors trying to make a 3rd rate script into a 1st rate series and its failed.
Alot of the above could be forgiven if this were a cheap teen afternoon series on just after Countdown, but it's not, it's a hyped flagship type show which looks like a shed load of BBC licence payers money was spent on it
Cinematography and lighting are decent, Oxford looks lovely in the sharpness and vibrancy of expensive 4k cameras.
All in all for me this is a bunch of 2nd rate actors trying to make a 3rd rate script into a 1st rate series and its failed.
Poor depiction of a very serious matter
This show makes fun of a very serious subject and the main character, the still-married-as-too-weak-to-do-anything-about-it wife, even after being strangled by him and being with a very supportive loving boyfriend now, is depicted as too weak to even speak up in court. More research about this subject should have been done, how it really affects a controlled partner and it should have been portrait as less "let's have a laugh bout this"......I would not recommend anyone having been in a controlling relationship to watch it as it is very frustrating, disappointing and simply laughable in a not very funny way....
- diana_g_schuette
- Sep 9, 2023
- Permalink
Catastrophically Bad!
Genuinely the worst show of all time. Abysmal direction and writing with a plot that would embarrass a 5 year old standing in front a classroom.
The story splutters from unlikely event to unlikely event with zero credibility and is hampered by am dram level acting. The leads dont know how to play the cliche strewn nonsense. Its neither dramatic nor funny.
The conceit is sound but executed with the grace of a hippo on skates. How this made prime time is a mystery. The risible BBC drama sinks to a new low after years of terrible productions.
Please please avoid as life is far too short for this junk.
The story splutters from unlikely event to unlikely event with zero credibility and is hampered by am dram level acting. The leads dont know how to play the cliche strewn nonsense. Its neither dramatic nor funny.
The conceit is sound but executed with the grace of a hippo on skates. How this made prime time is a mystery. The risible BBC drama sinks to a new low after years of terrible productions.
Please please avoid as life is far too short for this junk.
- Robinsmith64
- Oct 1, 2023
- Permalink
Avoid at all costs.
I can't help but feel that this could have been so much better and this, in my opinion, is down to the total miscasting of Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Alistair Petrie.
The former is too strong a character to be taken in so easily by someone who is totally unbelievable as a manipulative gigolo/gold digger.
I found their scenes just plain awkward and I found Newman just plain irritating throughout.
Without Rebekah Staton as Alice Newman, the whole thing wouldn't have got off the ground. Even the usually dour Karl Johnson has a bit of spark to him.
The premise is interesting, but it so poorly written and acted out that it is just not credible.
I think it was in episode 2, but did anybody else spot a cupboard door suddenly come open in the background of a kitchen scene.
The use of offensive language (the C word) is totally unnecessary. Is this artistic license? I don't think so.
An then there was the final episode with Chance's thoroughly offensive rant.
Really, is this what television drama has come to?
The former is too strong a character to be taken in so easily by someone who is totally unbelievable as a manipulative gigolo/gold digger.
I found their scenes just plain awkward and I found Newman just plain irritating throughout.
Without Rebekah Staton as Alice Newman, the whole thing wouldn't have got off the ground. Even the usually dour Karl Johnson has a bit of spark to him.
The premise is interesting, but it so poorly written and acted out that it is just not credible.
I think it was in episode 2, but did anybody else spot a cupboard door suddenly come open in the background of a kitchen scene.
The use of offensive language (the C word) is totally unnecessary. Is this artistic license? I don't think so.
An then there was the final episode with Chance's thoroughly offensive rant.
Really, is this what television drama has come to?