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The Following Events are Based on a Pack of Lies

(35 Posts)
Dinahmo Tue 19-Sep-23 15:44:37

I don't think this drama series has been discussed before so, having just binge watched the last three episodes I can heartily recommend it.

The Guardian critic describes it as a joyfully fun takedown of a scammer ex-husband. Several years after his sudden disappearance Alice spots her ex in Oxford where he is masquerading as an academic. He took with him all her money and her parents' retirement fund.

Whilst Alice is seeking revenge, a successful author is gradually being caught in his web.

It's a good watch.

AGAA4 Tue 19-Sep-23 16:10:20

I enjoyed it. A very good story.

Pittcity Tue 19-Sep-23 16:32:51

I enjoyed it. A fun bit of hokum.

Ilovecheese Tue 19-Sep-23 16:33:04

That house!

MrsThatcher Tue 19-Sep-23 16:44:23

Excellent. Fantastic acting and oh that house- absolutely stunning!

pascal30 Tue 19-Sep-23 16:49:55

I loved the final party and the ending.. most entertaining and scarily realistic take on a charming fraudster

chickkygran Tue 19-Sep-23 17:00:07

One of the best programmes for a while. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Great characters, good fun. Enjoy

Callistemon21 Tue 19-Sep-23 17:51:01

It made me feel very uncomfortable and we thought it was quite sinister rather than amusing but perhaps the final episode is better.

VioletSky Tue 19-Sep-23 18:03:21

I might have to watch this just because I love the title

Callistemon21 Tue 19-Sep-23 18:04:24

I might watch the ending as long as someone reassures me it's not too horrible!!

No spoilers though, please 😁

henetha Tue 19-Sep-23 18:06:00

It's the best BBC series for ages. It's black comedy I suppose and I love it. And what brilliant actors, especially the entertaining Alistair Petrie.

AGAA4 Tue 19-Sep-23 19:54:58

Callistemon21

I might watch the ending as long as someone reassures me it's not too horrible!!

No spoilers though, please 😁

No it has a satisfying ending. Well I think so.

Callistemon21 Tue 19-Sep-23 20:44:33

Thank you!

welbeck Tue 19-Sep-23 21:43:41

i don't find anything funny at all.
interesting that some do.
i find it hard to watch, disturbing, but important.
perhaps it will help more people to be aware of these crimes.

Dinahmo Wed 20-Sep-23 11:52:14

It does have a satisfying ending but I did think it was a bit of a cliff hanger. Apparently there is the possibility of a second series - writers and actors are up for it.

Caravansera Wed 20-Sep-23 12:17:40

At times I wanted to shout Noooo! at both Alice and Cheryl but still sat gripped for five episodes.

Aside from the surreal and grotesque elements and some obvious gaffes in the action, it was a realistic depiction of how narcissists, scammers and gaslighters get away with what they do again and again. Victims don't or won't listen to the warnings and often don't come to their senses until it's far too late.

missdeke Thu 21-Sep-23 11:38:37

Callistemon21

I might watch the ending as long as someone reassures me it's not too horrible!!

No spoilers though, please 😁

Definitely not horrible, but very clever. I loved the series, I thought it was well written, funny and very informative about how somebody could get caught up in a scam.

JdotJ Thu 21-Sep-23 11:43:29

I'll stick with ìt after all these recommendations.

Lizzie44 Thu 21-Sep-23 11:44:53

Enjoying it (haven't yet seen last episode). It's an original take on scammers and gaslighters. Interesting characters, well acted. Best of all, nothing too violent or gruesome.

GoldenAge Thu 21-Sep-23 12:31:53

As a psychotherapist coming face-to-face with people in coercive relationships I am very disturbed by the way gaslighting works and unfolds to persuade the victim that they're 'not normal'. The story of Jasmin on the soap Coronation Street was well portrayed and believable, whereas "The Following Events ..." and its comedic aspects downgrade the suffering that conning/gaslighting brings. T felt very uncomfortable watching this - my husband thought it was very good! Not sure how I feel about that.

Granny14 Thu 21-Sep-23 12:37:56

I found the ending unsatisfying. Did no one else feel like this?

DrWatson Thu 21-Sep-23 14:52:57

Readers who liked this show (or even those who didn't?!) should perhaps try 'The Good Liar', 2019 film with Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen.

Caravansera Thu 21-Sep-23 15:16:39

The scene where they finally caught Rob was literally unbelievable but then Cheryl’s fantasy novels would be too.

I think it ended that way to leave scope for a sequel. Rob isn’t going to go away, Claudia can attest to that. Anyone who crosses him will never be free, just as Cheryl described to Alice in that scene in the garden.

He looks to be lining up his next victim in Jessie the therapist or at least concocting a story that will see him let loose again very soon.

I’d like to see a sequel where Alice, Cheryl, Claudia, Joyce and Norm collaborate to get their money back and some well-deserved revenge. And where is Sir Ralph Unwin (Derek Jacobi) reported missing right at the very end? Is he a witting part of the conspiracy or another dupe?

sweetcakes Thu 21-Sep-23 15:20:19

Cheers 👍I'm only on episode 2.

AreWeThereYet Thu 21-Sep-23 15:23:09

I didn't watch it all but Mr A enjoyed it and thought it had been set up for another series.