Doctor Foster

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.

Really enjoyed the series, a very slick show that was well written, well produced and brilliantly acted. Suranne Jones and Bertie Carvel were excellent as the lead couple. Her initial paranoia and subsequent problems were brilliantly realised, but it all came down to the Dinner party in the concluding episode, what an outstanding piece of television that was, I was on tender hooks watching it. They managed to keep it entertaining and gripping all the way through, it was filled with twists and turns, you had no idea what was going to happen next. Roll on Series 2!

9/10 exceptional drama.

I get it when people gush about a show, "Oh it's sooooo good, I really loved it so much, you have to watch it!" The statement is rubbish to me, as useless as an empty ink cartridge. The only think I learn out of that is that the person doesn't know how to articulate why they thought the film (or whatever) was "good."

Well, I'm not going to do that to you. I will try to be pithy but also support my declaration that this is a show worthy of your undivided ten hour attention. Yeah, only two seasons each with five episodes... and just think I had to wait three years for the second season, you can just power on through on a Sunday binge... just do yourself a favor - before you start: clear the next ten hours because you will not want to miss out by sleeping or bothered with work... no this will be difficult to turn off.

Why?

Because the characters are so wonderfully rich and intricately woven into each other's storylines. This is about a relationship, the main one being a smaller town doctor, her husband, her son, her practice and how she deals with handling betrayal on all sides of her life. The strong acting lends to the believability of the characters actions and the lengths they go to be heard, understood and ultimately loved. Just when you think you know the characters and think you have it all figured out another delicious tidbit is doled out to the viewer leading you to think the character just might...

It is highly relatable... anyone who has ever been in a relationship of any kind might be able to recognize the blatant manipulations, but honestly this is a simple story with very clever twists. Extremely satisfying for those going through a breakup, however, I think the biggest flaw -if there was one to point out- a smart, resourceful woman would have never looked back. Despite getting her hand burned several times, Doctor Foster can't help but put her hand back on the stove over and over again.

There are rumors of a third season, completely up in the air as of April 2018... but I'm hooked and waiting. Just hope it's not another three years in the making.

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

This show gives me bad anxiety so beware. Intense feelings, suspenseful, keeps you on the edge of your seat. That's just season 1, now on to season 2.....