I actually enjoyed this series very much! Watched it in two days run and was very entertained the whole way through. The characters are well rounded, the atmosphere is spooky and (I think) believable. They actors were splendid and I think the plot - and the twists, were all very well written. Also a great cinematography. Yes, maybe some of the things or decisions seem 'out there' (have you ever watched a classic horror), but come on, this is a show - reality may not be THAT entertaining nor dramatic, but this is not reality. I came to see a thrilling, exciting series and I got exactly that. And I would gladly watch season 2. Pleased.
125 Reviews
Good British drama
djaho14 April 2020
Don't believe the bad reviews.
MsCateArcher5 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I can not understand all the bad reviews, I have enjoyed all four episodes very much. The story is good, the twists are unexpected and good, the acting is good, the cinematography is good..What else do people want? Nudity?graphic violence? Sex scenes? No, there is none, but there are clever twists,interesting characters,and a story that unfolds revealing things that make you say Wow that was good!
oh well
smoke025 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Just watched the third episode and am disappointed enough to post a review, because the first two episodes were so promising and seemed to be leading to an intelligent exploration of the ways people lie to themselves and each other.
Instead of anything that original though, with the third episode, the show has now firmly devolved into a standard thriller with a psychopathic killer (as we must not forget that there was a question of the wife actually committing suicide, since her husband is a doctor...) and our heroine will have to run for her life and truth and justice and blah blah, what a letdown.
Of course I will have to continue watching just to see it to the end, but that's not saying much since the TV is on for hours mostly as background noise, and that seems to be the level of this show now.
Instead of anything that original though, with the third episode, the show has now firmly devolved into a standard thriller with a psychopathic killer (as we must not forget that there was a question of the wife actually committing suicide, since her husband is a doctor...) and our heroine will have to run for her life and truth and justice and blah blah, what a letdown.
Of course I will have to continue watching just to see it to the end, but that's not saying much since the TV is on for hours mostly as background noise, and that seems to be the level of this show now.
What a Terrific, Suspenseful Series
gsandra-2687622 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
For the mystery/syspense genre, this is an addictive and remarkably well acted series. The male lead, Ioan Gruffud was so believable as the psychopathic maniac and Joanne Froggatt was excellent as the persistent heroine of the piece -- if not stretching credulity in many instances.
I would have watched the whole 8 episodes if not for the fact that I had to go to sleep SOMETIME, so I stretched my viewing over 4 days, but couldn't wait to resume watching in the evening. What a great show with great supporting actors and subplots along the way.
It's hard to find smart, compelling mysteries on regular TV. This Sundance Exclusive was a wonderful viewing experience for someone like me who loves a good, exomplicated plot. Good directing, and great acting. So glad I found this gem.
I would have watched the whole 8 episodes if not for the fact that I had to go to sleep SOMETIME, so I stretched my viewing over 4 days, but couldn't wait to resume watching in the evening. What a great show with great supporting actors and subplots along the way.
It's hard to find smart, compelling mysteries on regular TV. This Sundance Exclusive was a wonderful viewing experience for someone like me who loves a good, exomplicated plot. Good directing, and great acting. So glad I found this gem.
Good until it was ruined with a second season
nancyldraper25 October 2020
This was a good series, until they decided to stretch it into two seasons. Watch the first season - everything is there to resolve the mystery but don't bother with the second. It destroys the character arch and has a disappointing resolution to the needless 2nd season. I give the first season a 7 (good) our if 10. {Who done it?}
Exhilarating viewing.
Sleepin_Dragon17 December 2017
I am stunned to see so many negative reviews, when you look at viewing figures for this show the opinion of the General Public clearly did not share such a negative view, the show ended with more viewers then it started with.
Rape must be one of the most henous crimes of all, particularly in light of the many stories worldwide. A victim asking the question why me, and why should the perpetrator be allowed to get away with it.
Ioan Gruffudd and joanne froggatt are sensational throughout, such is the quality of the acting, and the writing that your sympathies switch from one character to another's, as does your anger.
I think it got better as it went on, the Fifth part had me on the edge of my seat, the concluding episode also so well done, leaving us all desperate for Series Two.
Bravo 9/10
Rape must be one of the most henous crimes of all, particularly in light of the many stories worldwide. A victim asking the question why me, and why should the perpetrator be allowed to get away with it.
Ioan Gruffudd and joanne froggatt are sensational throughout, such is the quality of the acting, and the writing that your sympathies switch from one character to another's, as does your anger.
I think it got better as it went on, the Fifth part had me on the edge of my seat, the concluding episode also so well done, leaving us all desperate for Series Two.
Bravo 9/10
Love a storyline with twists and backflips!
marie-claire-668-8213862 September 2020
Truly interesting
rocky-m31 October 2017
It is funny that large majority of the reviews here were written after the first episode.
This is a TV show that after the second episode takes so many turns that your head spins. It really has to be binged in order to be fully appreciated. Only after knowing what happened later you can truly understand what happened in the first two episodes and why people behaved like they did.
The ending was shocking to me, I did not see it coming and I wonder what really happened.
For those who say that men were portrayed like the villains - Laura eventually goes on a date with some other guy who seems normal and likable. The supporting cast is definitely not "the stock" kind. Every actor took what was given to him and gave his best.
If this show is really planned for another season I am really looking forward to it.
This is a TV show that after the second episode takes so many turns that your head spins. It really has to be binged in order to be fully appreciated. Only after knowing what happened later you can truly understand what happened in the first two episodes and why people behaved like they did.
The ending was shocking to me, I did not see it coming and I wonder what really happened.
For those who say that men were portrayed like the villains - Laura eventually goes on a date with some other guy who seems normal and likable. The supporting cast is definitely not "the stock" kind. Every actor took what was given to him and gave his best.
If this show is really planned for another season I am really looking forward to it.
Enjoyed series one
gallagherkellie7 August 2021
I've only watched season one so far, and I enjoyed it. It was a tiny bit far-fetched at times but nowhere near as much as most American TV shows that I watch. The Brits just seem to do it so much better. It kept guessing at the beginning and then at the end you kept wondering what could happen next. I've binged it over two days.
Who knows that he is right and has the courage to fight, in the end will win the battle!
yasin-9989622 November 2020
An extremely well thought out and played series! A police and psychological series, full of action from the first to the last moment. Both series were very exciting and made us ask questions until the last moment. The first series was about the question: who is lying, the teacher who says she was raped or the surgeon who looks and behaves extremely respectfully. In the second series I really wondered what else could happen because the first series had ended extremely eloquently and everything was without any doubt. Well, in the second series, the question was: who killed the surgeon? You will find out only in the last episode of the last series ... pleasant viewing!
Yes but (sadly) no...
thiagosblancos16 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The cast is just fine, the story was OK and for one, I'd love to see a man getting framed for this instead of the other way around but anyway, keep watching! It's OK, honestly, it is, a bit soapy from time to time, especially when they try (and yet fail), to add another lines of lies into the story, her sister, her ex boyfriend, etc. It feels boring to say the least. Even though I am a man, a gay man, I consider myself a feminist, and here in Argentina there is this new current of "die man", "let's cut men's penises" and all that but honestly, feminism is not about it, not really. It has to do with actually empowering women to reach their maximum but in the end it's just another trend. Real feminism is another thing and I do agree with other people here, this feels like it's been written by another of those feminazis that are around, her not being the victim would have been and interesting twist. Also, they don't help the case but getting all that info about men and rape and bla bla bla. Here in Argentina is pretty much the same. I have a lot of friends (female friends that is) in good job positions, they don't get there by screaming blue murder or trying to get any law changed in their own benefit, being equals is just that. So, I'll finish this, is OK? Yes, it is... Do I think this represent the real life? No, I don't. I mean, honestly, I'd not have invited him inside my house. Your cellphone is dead, well, bad luck mate, see you tomorrow, walk home! And still, let's forget about that, the police investigators? I mean, really!? Are they serious? Could they get to be dumber? Well, no.
All in all, it is a good show that could have been remarkable should have it followed another thread instead of this, and please, let's bring a woman raping a man, that would an interesting change for it happens you know. And I'd love to see a show that actually deals with the topic.
All in all, it is a good show that could have been remarkable should have it followed another thread instead of this, and please, let's bring a woman raping a man, that would an interesting change for it happens you know. And I'd love to see a show that actually deals with the topic.
What Was That?!
sleeplessinyorks8 April 2020
Such a great potential! First episode set up intriguing enigmas. Yet episode after episode I was hit with one disastrous writing train crash after the other.
Acting is great! Alas what can one actor with such disappointing material?!
I read quite a few reviews on here. I do not have a problem with representational set ups that go against the heteronormativity; see beta male stay-at-home dad; queer police officer.
Sadly, this drama reinforces itv's negative expectations aka populist drama that deliberately avoids engaging the audience in any cerebral shape or form. Cliché after cliché whose only function is to make the audience respond on the moral panic plat du jour.
This gets just 5 stars thanks to acting, filming, visual mood and feel that has been carefully constructed.
The other 5 starts have been lost in deplorable writing; see archetypal villain with cringe-worthy lines; police officers being represented as dumb sidekicks; main hero "taking matters into their own hands" in the most surreal, improbable and unrealistic way; side plot devices, characters with even more cliché lines; single parent father - son relationship infested with poor dialogue; supporting characters whose function is only to help the hero deliberate some kind of common sense before all that is thrown into the wind in a New York minute. .. the list is endless.
The subject mater is of very high interest, yet I fear that many itv viewers will simply bite on the moral panic bandwagon. Such a shame, especially considering how much input the writers have had from a range of relevant support groups.
... and then series 2 came along... WT! (I really would have liked to be a fly on the wall in the room where the series 2 commissioning meeting took place). Baffled...
Acting is great! Alas what can one actor with such disappointing material?!
I read quite a few reviews on here. I do not have a problem with representational set ups that go against the heteronormativity; see beta male stay-at-home dad; queer police officer.
Sadly, this drama reinforces itv's negative expectations aka populist drama that deliberately avoids engaging the audience in any cerebral shape or form. Cliché after cliché whose only function is to make the audience respond on the moral panic plat du jour.
This gets just 5 stars thanks to acting, filming, visual mood and feel that has been carefully constructed.
The other 5 starts have been lost in deplorable writing; see archetypal villain with cringe-worthy lines; police officers being represented as dumb sidekicks; main hero "taking matters into their own hands" in the most surreal, improbable and unrealistic way; side plot devices, characters with even more cliché lines; single parent father - son relationship infested with poor dialogue; supporting characters whose function is only to help the hero deliberate some kind of common sense before all that is thrown into the wind in a New York minute. .. the list is endless.
The subject mater is of very high interest, yet I fear that many itv viewers will simply bite on the moral panic bandwagon. Such a shame, especially considering how much input the writers have had from a range of relevant support groups.
... and then series 2 came along... WT! (I really would have liked to be a fly on the wall in the room where the series 2 commissioning meeting took place). Baffled...
Pretty good. Could've been so much better without the all-encompassing PC.
bjoernhund26 May 2020
Based on watching S1 & S2:
Some good acting to be had, especially Joanne Froggatt.
The back & forth in timelines is a cop-out
for a screenplay writer these days
(no, it doesn't make the story better).
However, I did enjoy the general storyline at times.
You'll love it more if you lap up the following:
-Hardly a sympathetic character to be found.
-A detective chewing nicotine gum non-stop.
-Most females portrayed as smart, -men horrible & stupid.
-Partners of the same sex having babies.
-Generally everything screaming #MeToo .
I ain't lying; Liar is good
lawnmorgan30 May 2020
Here's my take.....
pabloikba-0280029 September 2017
It's not the kind of show you 'just can't wait to see the next episode'. But, it is the kind of show that you'll watch when you have time.
Joanne Froggatt is excellent at playing a mentally disturbed person. But, she deserves a better script (better writers).
Joanne Froggatt is excellent at playing a mentally disturbed person. But, she deserves a better script (better writers).
Joanne Froggat
dabeesley17 September 2018
Watch if desperate..
kaemicha29 October 2017
I know I gave it a 6 since I'm in 6 episodes but I think I'm done w/this. I cannot stand the lead victim..oops, I mean actress. She annoys me so much that I don't even want her to succeed in getting him put away..IF he did do what she thinks.
She..don't care to learn actresses name, goes on and on as does the same dialogue over and over.
Yes, I'm done.
She..don't care to learn actresses name, goes on and on as does the same dialogue over and over.
Yes, I'm done.
Worth a binge watch
ynysygwas-625-62328418 April 2020
I watched the first episode of this and some of the second, thought it wasn't worth wasting more of my time.
Then I saw they made a second series. How did they spin it out to even the first six episodes let alone make a second series?
So, intrigued, I watched it 'again'. All 12 episodes over a three night mini binge watch.
I fully understand the bad reviews. I'd have said much the same when I abandoned watching it after one and a bit episodes. However, it has proved to be a bit like a jigsaw puzzle. You get lots of flashbacks giving little bits and pieces of what happened but you only really get the full picture at the end.
Some might find the constant flashbacks in season 2 hard work. I kept having to rewind as I'd missed something. It will need concentration or you might miss some of the plot.
See if you can spot Doctor Who, Jo Martin, in a brief appearance!
Then I saw they made a second series. How did they spin it out to even the first six episodes let alone make a second series?
So, intrigued, I watched it 'again'. All 12 episodes over a three night mini binge watch.
I fully understand the bad reviews. I'd have said much the same when I abandoned watching it after one and a bit episodes. However, it has proved to be a bit like a jigsaw puzzle. You get lots of flashbacks giving little bits and pieces of what happened but you only really get the full picture at the end.
Some might find the constant flashbacks in season 2 hard work. I kept having to rewind as I'd missed something. It will need concentration or you might miss some of the plot.
See if you can spot Doctor Who, Jo Martin, in a brief appearance!
Better writers needed!
roxmewild1 April 2020
This story got lost and maybe if they had better writers it could have been a lot better .the acting was great and none of them can be faulted but as great as the acting was there's not a lot they can do when the script is bad!
Enjoy the acting try and forget the story and you will make it through
Enjoy the acting try and forget the story and you will make it through
Review of a "big picture".
iamsaressi27 October 2017
I came to see this series as a fan of Ioan Gruffudd in "Forever", where he did splendid job. I'm sad it got cancelled because I really loved the series just like I fell in love with "Liar". Gruffudd is awesome actor, but what makes him even better is his co-star Joanne Froggatt. She makes this show believable. Yes there is flaws just like in any show or movie, but it didn't make me not like the show. Remember, this isn't real, this is fiction. Show has a kinda slow start, but after episode 3 it really picks up. For me this is enjoyable thriller and I am looking forward for season 2.
TOO LONG
sdt494414 November 2021
Agree with other reviewers, the second season dragged on and on. Amazing that there was never anyone else around the boat yard! As usual, I find the back and forth in timelines to end up being more confusing than necessary. The premise of the story was very good however, just a tad too long.
Disappointed
Jas_117 April 2020
Had high hopes for this drama, but it was dragged out too long. It would have been more intense and edgy if it had been edited to about 3 episodes. Lost credibility when Laura takes on the investigative role and tries to solve her own case.
Season one 8
sarppa-890453 March 2021
I liked the first season.. Started of good. First it was about who is telling the truth (very intriguing) and then more about psychopaths.
The second season was a bit blaah. But I did manage to watch it. Left me wondering was the end a right decision though. (is the one left accused of murder going to get locked up for it? ). So I didnt like the ending.
The second season was a bit blaah. But I did manage to watch it. Left me wondering was the end a right decision though. (is the one left accused of murder going to get locked up for it? ). So I didnt like the ending.
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