So, 2023 was jam-packed with miniseries delving into the mysterious world of the Sackler family. We got ‘Painkiller,’ ‘Dopesick,’ and ‘The Fall of the House of Usher,’ each offering a unique take on pharmaceutical shenanigans. And now, as we strut into 2024, we’ve got ‘Fool Me Once’ knocking on our screens.
Picture this: Maya Stern, played by the storynted Michelle Keegan…
Maya Stern, played by the storynted Michelle Keegan, attends her husband Joe Burkett’s funeral, dealing with not only this heartbreaking loss but also the recent death of her sister Claire. Life gets more complicated when Maya, in her attempt to cope, sets up a nanny cam given by her friend Eva. Things take a bizarre turn when she spots her supposedly deceased husband hanging out with their daughter Lily. Cue the detective skills and instincts to unravel the unexpected resurrection of Joe Burkett.
Now, this miniseries, based on Harlan Coben’s 2016 novel…
Now, this miniseries, based on Harlan Coben’s 2016 novel, throws a lot at you. With Maya’s military past, it taps into the tricky realm of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Joe’s history sheds light on the enduring impacts of bullying, revealing how elite schools cover up their dirty secrets. The Burkett family, built on deceit, adds another layer to the narrative. Claire’s subplot explores frivolous romance and unwanted children. DS Kierce and Eddie provide commentary on alcoholism and pharma fraud, respectively. Corey and the nanny cam make us ponder the pros and cons of technological growth. And, of course, there’s a theme of revenge lingering in the background.
Here’s the scoop: the series throws so many subplots at you…
Here’s the scoop: the series throws so many subplots at you, it’s like being caught in a whirlwind. I’m all for a good detour, but they need to either be engaging or complement the main story. Unfortunately, ‘Fool Me Once’ misses the mark here. The PTSD angle doesn’t lead to much, bullying and administrative cover-ups remain unexplored, and the much-hyped pharma fraud is barely touched upon. Joe Burkett, despite being a central character, feels more like a plot device than a fully-fledged persona. The series seems to lose itself in the labyrinth of technology and revenge, sacrificing character depth and evolution for a series of predictable twists.
From a technical standpoint, the miniseries is well-crafted…
From a technical standpoint, the miniseries is well-crafted. The cinematography by Chris Sowden and Alistair Upcraft is decent, presenting a clear visual narrative. However, it lacks a distinct style or flair. The editing by Steven Singleton and Gez Morris is seamless, but some digital punch-ins feel out of place. The music, while ranging from annoying to mildly annoying, doesn’t bring anything extraordinary to the table. The real bummer, though, is the pacing. If only there was a dash of urgency or thrill, the viewing experience might have been more forgiving.
Let’s talk performances…
Let’s talk performances. Adeel Akhtar steals the show with his layered portrayal, injecting humor and melancholy into his character. His chemistry with Dino Fetscher is commendable, making you wish the series revolved around their dynamic. Michelle Keegan does justice to her role, portraying passion and conviction. The Burkett family, well-cast overall, delivers commendable performances. However, the storynted Richard Armitage seems underutilized, leaving fans wanting more.
Every time I discover a lackluster adaptation of a “best-selling novel,”…
Every time I discover a lackluster adaptation of a “best-selling novel,” I can’t help but blame the readers who propelled it to success. Perhaps, it’s time for a change in 2024. Let ‘Fool Me Once’ be the exception, not the rule. Can we please avoid subjecting cinephiles to mediocre shows based on the popularity of subpar novels? Here’s to a year of raising the bar for entertainment and leaving the not-so-great adaptations behind. Cheers to a year of quality storytelling!