The Affair

My wife and I just binge watched the five seasons of The Affair. It's an addictive show to watch, certainly because the way the story is been told. The plot unfolds slowly by telling the story like each character sees it, or remembers it. Each character sees or remembers the story differently and that's what made this show stands out from the rest. You never really know who tells the truth or lies. The different characters probably think their version of the facts is the truth. It's just about their perspective of the facts, it's about how people see things differently and are convinced their version is the only truth. The first three seasons are better than the last two but overall it's a satisfying show to watch. A very good cast made it all more believable. No actor or actress really stands out, they just all delivered in their own way. Maybe the writers did at one point overdo it, with too many affairs and sorts, and that's why I thought the last two seasons were not of the same quality as the first three. For a drama series it's captivating and entertaining. Much better than the daily soaps with the same gossip stories we are bombarded every day.

The affair is a deliberately slow- paced,beautifully shot,compelling show. The 2 main characters recount their truth in regards of the forming of "the affair" with a crime mystery in the background as an excuse to do so . We, as viewers,must decide and deduct our truth from their accounts. I love the psychological aspect of this show. In fact it's the main reason for my watching. How a very same event is viewed and felt and told differently from the people who experienced it.If you enjoy this show, I would recommend you also read "The One" by Vivienne Harris-Scott. The premise is nearly the same: what happens when 2 people fall in love when they should not.Each chapter is told from one person's Pov as Alison and Noah's, and it is as compelling to read, if not more,as there is also a suspense element. In fact, I had Déjà- vu when watching the first 3 episodes!Anyhow, with this as with H.Levi's " in treatment " Showtime has hit the jackpot. A mature and sophisticated audience will thoroughly enjoy this.

The theme has been done to death, but this time prepare to be pleasantly surprised, for the execution of this short series is quite good and features not only lust but also the characters' psychological descent as influenced by loss, poor communication, and bad parenting.

I have just finished the entire first season, and I must say, it was not at all what I expected. I thought it would be a simple, sexy, scandalous story full of clichés; instead I found myself more and more drawn to a deeper, psychologically complex drama that perfectly illustrates how there are three sides to each story: his version, her version, and the truth. Expect solid performance, melancholic scenery, careful art direction, and excellent choice of costumes as per each character's persona.

Oh and you have got to love the opening theme performed by Fiona Apple.

Seasons 1 and 2 were terrific. And consider that I never thought I'd like it in the first place. Furthermore, with all the crap out there, I'm not used to singing praises like this often. Case in point was season 3. It was so bad that I stopped watching so I have no idea about seasons 4 and 5. Not sure what happened but I honestly do not care because there's no coming back from that mess. Regardless, to give this an overall rating is, simply put, a crime.

I would recommend to anyone that they watch seasons 1 and 2 then consider it over. Definitely an 8/10 at that point for sure.

They don't make tv shows like this. This is drama at its best. Superb writing and cast of actors, so much talent in this one show. I wished there were 10 seasons of this because it never gets old, it never gets tiring or dull or pointless like many other shows do. Probably season 4 is my favourite because we have travelled so far with these characters that they feel like friends now or people we care about, so human and so fragile and imperfect and real. I love that the show doesnt focus on just Alison and Noah, because the rest of characters are equally fascinating, like Helen, Cole, Ben... all their individual stories matter and their interactions and views make this show riveting. The script is beautifully written, all full of nuances and subtle details that make you pay attention, no words are wasted, there are no filling scenes. Wonderfully shot too with brilliant cinematography, just beautiful. Its a show about people and nothing else, and that's why its so fascinating and unique. I wish it would never end.