MotherFatherSon

I'm enjoying this series so far, though I will only make final judgement late in the series. Having been burnt in corporate politics myself and watched the unspeakable ways some people behave in the corporate world, this seems thoroughly realistic. Think of Harvey Weinstein, Richard Murdoch, Roger Ailes. I am just utterly gobsmacked by some of the reviews here. First, to condemn the entire thing based exclusively on the basis of the first episode is fantastic arrogance. Most of this seems to be the result of the reviewer's inability to pay attention to and keep up with the plot. To complain that vignettes are disconnected, as the DVD reviewer does, seems to misunderstand that this is not a movie but a s-e-r-i-e-s. The disparate threads should be drawn together in later episodes. If THAT fails, then you have legitimate grounds for criticism. If you can't get your head around that, stick with Peppa Pig. Second, to complain about the diversity in the series, first that it's there, then that it didn't go far enough is ridiculous. A black British PM? How preposterous! Er, I can think of at least two black MPs who are potential PMs, one maybe within weeks. If you can't handle diversity, there are plenty of reruns of Dads Army, and it can't be difficult to find episodes of the Black and White Minstrel Show, Benny Hill and Les Dawson to award 10/10 to. Third, one reviewer ascribes the motivation of other reviewers to commercial factors, a sweeping dismissal without the slightest evidence. That alone should be enough reason for IMDB to delete the review. There are legitimate grounds to criticise a series for, and such criticisms should be respected, even if you don't agree with them. But such 3rd rate reviews should be culled so they don't distort the series rating. One tweeter ridicules Max's ignorance of shortbread ... Well, go to Walmart and try to buy some and see the looks you get given! And so on and so forth. Sigh. Now let me get back to watching the ENTIRE series.

There is something really intriguing about the series. Gere is absolutely brilliant and so are the other leading roles. I don't understand the bad reviews at all. Great co-viewing opportunities with your partner:)

I don't understand the harsh reviews. It is a solid show, with a heavy, intense, highly dramatic and climactic story where intrafamilial, transgenerational drama intertwins with high politics, high media and high-tech espionage. Although the first episodes seem a bit too excessive and complex, as the chapters go by the dust sets a little and you start to get where this comes from, although not where it goes (I am on chapter 5 so far). The performances are really intense and brilliant (McCrory is a shining actress), and yes, sometimes it gets a bit over the top, but the story is a modern Shakespearean drama, with a monstrous father who has also been a victim and is keen on creating an improved version of a young monster in his own adult child. I have found it to be intriguing, passionate and well paced.

Though perhaps seeming a little unpromising after the first episode, MotherFatherSon soon manages to layer rich characterisations together with various strands of political and criminal intrigue to develop a memorable and compelling drama. The three leads are excellent: Richard Gere's study of evil is one of his best ever roles, though the heart of the Drama belongs to the outstanding Helen McCrory as a fiercely loving mother fighting for her son, a fantastic performance by Billy Howles, who tries to rehabilitate mentally and physically following a stroke while simultaneous facing the wrath of dark and powerful forces. Highly recommended.

On an impulse i downloaded all 8 episodes, not knowing what to expect. I was captivated from the start. Every episode making me want to watch more! This is not for people who have a low attention span, it requires a thirst for story-telling and a heart that knows what it is to be human. We are all fragile. For everyone who posseses these qualities, the reward is immense. Good scripting, ruthless characters, fragile characters, parallels with current political shenanigans, joy, pain, excitement etc. Most of all, we have gold standard acting from the whole cast. This is drama at its best. Billy Howle is fantastic - you'll be heartbroken one moment, terrified the next! Everyone else is also brilliant - no-one let's you down. Like others, I am at a loss to understand why some reviews gave this a hard time. Like I said - low attention span. If you miss it - its your misfortune. I wish all TV drama was this good.