MotherFatherSon

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.

I don't understand the bad reviews I was really hooked. I think the acting is superb and a good set up episode. Let's hope the rest of the series lives up to the good start!

Looks set to plumb the depths of conplex family relationships and the corrupting influences of power.