Doctor Foster

I previously reviewed this show (deleted) after the first series. Had they left it after the first series it would have remained in my opinion a slightly flawed, but compelling example of TV drama.

Having just watched the final episode of the second series, I wish that Suranne Jones had been given her way and the whole thing had been left at the end of Series One, which had a satisfying ending without leaning too much towards melodrama.

Without disclosing anything of the latter series, I can only say how disappointed I am at how the story line became more complicated and unrealistic as the show progressed. Acting in this was, as in the first series, excellent, if a bit OTT at times, but I regret to say that this was spoiled by the plot, which was increasingly all over the place. A huge disappointment in almost every way.

Have found myself watching the BBC less over the years, mainly because of being too busy and also not a lot that airs regularly interests me. Programmes that were watched religiously when younger are now only watched sporadically or not watched anymore, having lost interest. There are though a fair share of treasures, like their literary period dramas and the David Attenborough nature documentaries, and unexpected gems.

While not without its drawbacks, 'Doctor Foster' is one of those flawed but better than expected winners. It won't appeal to all tastes, the criticisms are understandable, and it's not quite one of the best BBC dramas/series in years. To me on the other hand, 'Doctor Foster' when it first aired in 2015 was something that personally didn't expect to be as good as it was. And its second season this year was one of the better BBC programmes airing in the latter part of this year.

'Doctor Foster' to me isn't perfect. Do agree about the truth and credibility being stretched, Gemma especially making some rash and unrealistic decisions. Some events also happen and are resolved all too conveniently. The final episode of Season 1 also felt somewhat unbalanced and absurdly melodramatic and sees Gemma's unrealistic actions at her worst and most extreme, almost erratic.

On the other hand, 'Doctor Foster' is very well made visually, stylish and audaciously with a fluid way of how it's shot. The music has presence but has moments where it isn't too intrusive, though it can be prone to being melodramatically overbearing.

The script is thought-provoking and continually smart and gripping, with some genuine pathos, tension and a little dark subtle humour. The storytelling is not always perfect in balance but has plenty of twists and turns and its depiction of flawed relationships and such can be quite chilling. The same goes for Season 2 in both the script and story, except that it takes a darker and more emotionally turbulent tone, as well as even more twisted. There are still the same faults that the first season did, except the ending of Season 2 is more of a nail-biter and more emotional.

Direction keeps things controlled, the storytelling never gets dull and the characters are interesting even if their behaviour is uneven and are largely unsympathetic with the exception of Tom. A huge part of 'Doctor Foster's' appeal is Suranne Jones, who is in nearly every scene and dominates them all in an outstandingly nuanced turn that says so much whether saying anything or being reliant on expressions without saying anything.

Bertie Carvel is also excellent and Tom Taylor is wholly credible as the most sympathetically, realistically and consistently written character (one does relate to him). All the supporting cast do very well, with Robert Pugh in Season 1 being one of the most memorable ones.

In conclusion, flawed but still a winner. 7.5/10 Bethany Cox

I don't normally write reviews but after reading the others I got bored.

This is good. If you like nail biting drama watch this.

The other women around me loved it and I discussed at length all the possible outcomes with them. It keeps you guessing throughout.

If you haven't already watched this and don't want spoilers do not Google this as there are many forums that have people talking about this.

Block out 5 hours of your life and get comfy. You won't want to leave the telly! (please don't search for it in between episodes because you will find out what happens)

I was screaming at the TV which is something I haven't done in a long time. If your a woman you will love it and if you're a guy you probably won't be bothered unless you like that sort of thing.

Gemma, the main character, does and doesn't do some of the normal things that you would expect her to do and you do route for her throughout. I definitely recommend it.

One of a kind relationship-horror with strong Shakespearean elements of personas and duplicity, betrayal, obsession, jealously, revenge, conniving and plotting, and distrust.

As the viewer we are constantly made extremely paranoid and horrified by the protagonist's life. Constant threats from every side and not a single person to trust. Suranne Jones is absolutely terrific as the two faced doctor who is highly composed and calculating, while a seething wreck inside.

It also portrays the curse of the professional woman -- of how she's "unlikeable," a damnation that often means her doom.

There is no sympathetic character, no hero and villain. And just as how some people hate Hamlet, while others are fascinated by him, so will many viewers hate Gemma, while others will be glued to the screen to watch her every move and expression.

It's also in sorts almost a semi-Lynchian small-town mystery, where everyone has a secret, everyone is very close, yet no one can be trusted.

An amazing and gripping show that makes a intense and horrific portrayal of something as domestic as marriage and it's complications (an understatement). Carrying strong tones of paranoia, calculated revenge, depiction of "natural" misogyny, and with undertones of misanthropy, this show will give you knots and chills and keep you hooked.

Weak storyline. Gemma is beyond irritating. She's fickle and foolish but thinks she's cunning and bright. Bratty son runs away any chance he gets. It's just all so messy and boring.