The Au Pair

Zoe has tried to balance family life and work, but when it gets too much, she reaches out for an au pair, Sandrine steps forward, but The Frenchwoman has contrived her way into the job, and has a clear purpose.

It's a Channel Five drama, so it's obviously going to come in for a lot of slack, my suggestion, watch it, it's a good one.

It's unusual, it doesn't follow the usual drama setup, there's no real introduction, it doesn't spend ages setting the scene, it's straight into it, it's loaded with tension and drama, at times probably a little too much, but it is TV.

The ending does very much come as a surprise, they keep you guessing.

A cracking cast, including David Suchet, Sally Bretton and Kenny Doughty. Suchet as always delivers.

It's far from perfect, but it's worth seeing.

8/10.

INSULIN SHOULD NOT BE KEPT IN THE CUPBOARD... I assume they are referring to Scene 1.09

"Insulin that is not currently in use should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its effectiveness and prevent it from breaking down. Once an insulin pen or vial is opened, it can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days."

And, Scene 1.19A George is unconscious:

You can see, Chris is actually preparing the Glucagon, you can see him shake the Glucagon powder with the liquid, you just about don't see him go to the fridge - which was actually filmed.

All in all, well done to everyone involved!!!

One of the best Channel 5 dramas I have seen and think I have watched them all.

Zoe is the step mother of two lovely children who she is struggling to build a relationship with. She is running a successful millinery business and definitely finds it hard to run the business and the family.

She decides to get an au pair to help and Sandrine enters her life.

Great location as always and superb acting - wonderful to see David Suchet on form. Kevin Doughty who played Sean in Stella is too playing a great role as Zoe's husband Chris.

The four episodes will keep you guessing until the end.

Definitely recommended!

I only put this on cos I had nothing to watch. As with most things on C5, I wish I hadn't wasted my time. From the inaccuracies with the insulin to the plodding storyline. Sooooo predictable, complete rubbish. Why on earth did David Suchet, a very fine actor IMO, agree to do this? Does he need the money? Maybe it was because he would get the chance to drive that beautiful SAAB?

I wonder if he was pleased with how it turned out? Also the husband, who was brilliant in Vera, didn't do a very convincing role in this either. In fact, the only things on C5 worth watching are new All Creatures Great & Small and Ellis!

It started with me thinking I'd figured everything out by episode 2, a tale of revenge by a scorned and unwanted child.

I had of course worked out one fundamental aspect but the relationships I completely got wrong.

Brilliant acting by all involved but the story didn't become clear until episode 4. Which let's be honest, by any drama nowadays is a triumph

You really won't see the ending coming and you're actually rooting for the initial perpetrator. I sort of feel that the protagonist Zoe is a little bit dumb on occasions but then again, don't most of us trust those closest to us?

I'll let you work out who those people are.