The Suspect (2022)

Watchseries; While I agree with the previous reviewer on the topic of cast, production and soundtrack, I found the opening debacle 'on the ledge' rather entertaining. With a different and promising start I hoped for a somewhat different approach to the genre of psychological thrillers.

But lo and behold, the story suddenly turned unbelievable and at some point I got the impression even Aidan Turner didn't know how to behave in the role he was supposed to portray. Add to it wooden lines and an unlikely and unconvincing background story and you wonder if the main protagonist is trying to convince the cops, the viewer or himself. Not sure if even Turner can pull a fast one on this show or if it backfires at the end.

While I agree with the previous reviewer on the topic of cast, production and soundtrack, I found the opening debacle 'on the ledge' rather entertaining. With a different and promising start I hoped for a somewhat different approach to the genre of psychological thrillers.

But lo and behold, the story suddenly turned unbelievable and at some point I got the impression even Aidan Turner didn't know how to behave in the role he was supposed to portray. Add to it wooden lines and an unlikely and unconvincing background story and you wonder if the main protagonist is trying to convince the cops, the viewer or himself. Not sure if even Turner can pull a fast one on this show or if it backfires at the end.

The Suspect watchseries. Was eagerly anticipating watching this after recently reading the Michael Robotham, Joe O'Loughlin series.

There was so much potential as the novels are written fantastically and are superbly suspenseful. Yet ITV have managed to churn out yet another generic detective show- suspense is non-existent and the dark undertone which lurks behind each paragraph in the books is absent. The almost comedic approach to the opening window ledge scene in episode one definitely took the seriousness down a notch.

The strong presence of Detective Ruiz is completely overshadowed by that of DS Devi- strange given that in the series of novels Ruiz shares lead with O'Loughlin himself. An obvious equality tick box exercise by ITV (as a woman myself I see this attitude to just 'plonking' us everywhere for the sake of it most frustrating and in this instance detrimental to the storyline).

Aidan Turner plays a great Joe O'Loughlin and is actually how I imagined him to present himself, unfortunately for him it's not a one-man-show.

Best thing I've watched in the genre in a very very long time. Unfortunately I am seeing some strange comments online that are racially discriminatory and childish to say the least. Explains the rating, because it sure is not about the quality of this series.

A few things here to mention:

1. Aidan Turner is impeccable and is putting a hell of a performance. Strangely enough, people seem to be more preoccupied by his beard. The whole thing works thanks to him.

2. Supporting cast is phenomenal, particularly Shaun Parkes and Bobby Schofield.

3. This series is smart and sly. Uses stereotypical aspects of a crime drama and turns them on their head. If it's insane in plot, then it's exactly what it's supposed to be.

It's a pity when you can see the potential in a series and yet are so let down by the quality, or lack thereof, of acting. The main character holds all the energy in terms of the pace and interest.

As far as the rest, I felt I was watching amateurs in a TV and film workshop. Not all their fault, so many of the lines were dead, going no where, predicable and flat. Yet the delivery made it all the more painful.

Moments that were meant to be darkly comedic were rushed, with no sense of timing. The detective doesn't seem to own his character and his right hand woman is as absent as they come.

This is British drama/suspense at it's most boring. I can't bear to watch the 3rd episode and I won't. To describe it in one word..... Wooden.

Usually I switch off when these dramas come on , they are always so predictable and annoying.

But, for some reason , which I cannot explain , this one has me gripped !

Perhaps it is Aidan Turner's character , I cannot figure if he is guilty or not !

I find myself amused at times by the lead detectives attitude , he is like a dog with a bone , and it is a bit odd that he is not willing to investigate other avenues and suspects , when , clearly there is evidence to suggest that it could very well be someone other than Dr. O'Loughlin.

So, to sum up , Its all a bit bonkers , but strangely addictive !

It isn't going to win any Bafta's but there's a strong cast here led by Aidan Turner with a splendid beard - and it has a half-decent plot. One aimed at Harlan Coben fans who like a good whodunnit potboiler with lots of twists and turns.

Production values were generally good, it looked stylish. The soundtrack was a bit paint by numbers but generally the show was well put together.

Storyline sometimes felt a bit far-fetched, particularly the opening scene and his Parkinson's diagnosis seemed to be a bit of a tacked on gimmick, perhaps it will become more significant as the show develops.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers its definitely worth a look.