esreyn

"The Stranger Next Door" is a frustrating watch. At times, the characters show flashes of promise, only to revert to immature, pouty behavior that undercuts any real depth. The main character-a supposedly savvy police officer-comes across as surprisingly naive. She becomes involved with a mysterious man without so much as a background check, discovering his secrets only when it's too late.

Meanwhile, her father is inexplicably cantankerous and uncooperative toward his caretaker daughter, yet seems pleasant enough with everyone else. It's baffling that the film doesn't lean into a more engaging, supportive father-daughter dynamic-one that could have showcased genuine teamwork and emotional complexity.

The female detective fares no better. Her lack of insight leaves the audience wondering how she managed to hold her job for a full year.

These missed opportunities for nuance and development result in a narrative that feels thin and underwritten.

I was intrigued with the first few episodes and continued to watch, although I'm just watching it now in 2025. Glaring issues for me were Cam's gf portrayed as this former street person who was picked up by a guy who gave her life. Then all of a sudden she becomes a baddie. She is supposedly more cunning and dangerous than people who have been in the game for generations. That didn't make sense. Also, no one truly checked her up to S2. The father was viciously mean to Cam with no background as to why. The young lady who worked for Cam should gone straight to him when the FBI approached her. He could have hired a top lawyer to help her out just like his gf did. Also, casting did a horrible job with choosing women who had the same features and hue. No shade, my daughter is their complexion, but I'm not so it stands out. Diversity matters.