Sweetpea

Alright, folks, settle in, because we're diving into a show that might just be the lovechild of Dexter and Fleabag with a little twist of gin and a heap of British sarcasm. Enter Sweetpea, a dark comedy that packs more punch than a bar fight at 2 a.m. In a London pub. This rollercoaster of mischief stars the ever-expressive Ella Purnell, the deadpan Jon Pointing, and the wildly talented Nicôle Lecky. So, what's this murder-filled dramedy about? Buckle up, because Sweetpea is anything but sweet.

The Premise: The Girl Next Door...With a Twist

Meet Rhiannon Lewis-she's the girl you walk by without noticing. The kind of person whose face you'd forget within five seconds if you had to describe her to the police sketch artist. But here's the twist: this quiet, unassuming girl next door is actually harboring a killer secret. Yes, folks, she's a serial killer. And the show doesn't hold back on the irony of it all. Rhiannon's invisible, until she snaps and becomes all too unforgettable for her victims.

In a world saturated with true crime docs and every shade of murder mystery, you might think you've seen it all. But Sweetpea takes a different route-it's not just about the killing; it's about the build-up, the breakdown, and the painfully awkward moments that lie in between. You're left wondering not just how Rhiannon gets away with it, but why no one else is seeing the volcano bubbling beneath the surface. And that's where the show really gets its claws in.

The Cast: Ella Purnell, Jon Pointing, and Nicôle Lecky

Let's talk talent, shall we? Ella Purnell is nothing short of spellbinding. This girl can say more with a raised eyebrow and a side glance than most people manage in a 10-minute monologue. She gives Rhiannon this electric energy, one that shifts from bubbly to menacing with the flick of a switch. And that switch? You won't see it coming, which makes the character all the more riveting. You're watching her with one eye open and a fistful of popcorn because, well, you just don't know when she's going to pounce.

Then there's Jon Pointing, whose dry delivery and deadpan expressions serve as the perfect counterbalance. He's that mate who gives you a half-smirk and a quip when you're spiraling. He's funny, he's subtle, and he plays the "doesn't quite get it" sidekick role perfectly, adding another layer of dark humor that only British TV seems to master. And Nicôle Lecky? She's the wild card, the chaotic friend who pops in just when things are on the verge of implosion. Together, they form this strange, intoxicating trio that keeps you watching-and guessing.

What I Loved: The British Flavor and Pitch-Perfect Tension

First off, can we just give a round of applause for British television? It's a masterclass in balancing realism with outrageous plots. American shows often make things too glossy, too over-the-top. But Sweetpea? This is British telly doing what it does best: grounding the absurd in the painfully real. The show feels like it could actually happen, like you might bump into Rhiannon at your local grocery store, arguing with herself over the price of tea bags.

The pacing? It's like a slow-cooked stew-rich, savory, and bubbling up just when you think it's going to simmer down. I love a dark comedy that doesn't rush, that lets the characters marinate in their quirks and simmer in their dysfunction. And Rhiannon? She's a time bomb you can't look away from. Every episode builds the tension just right; just when you think she's going to snap, the show dials it back, keeping you on the edge.

What Gave Me Pause: The Message on Mental Health

Okay, look-while Sweetpea is a deliciously dark comedy, I couldn't help but wonder if its message might hit a little close to home for some. Rhiannon's rage and her ability to hide in plain sight feel a tad unnerving, especially when the show winks at her mental health struggles. Let's be clear: this isn't exactly Sesame Street material for those grappling with anxiety or depression. And while the whole "unseen killer" trope is wildly entertaining, it does make you question how plausible it really is that her victims are always this oblivious.

Here's a fun tidbit for you: Sweetpea is already stirring up quite the Emmy buzz, with critics expecting it to snag at least ten nominations. It's a thrill to see a dark comedy like this get its well-deserved time in the spotlight. Ella Purnell is a major contender, and with any justice, her performance will have her name etched on an Emmy in no time.

Final Verdict: A Wickedly Fun 7.1/10

For all the laughs, the dark humor, and the "wait, did she really just do that?" moments, Sweetpea is a refreshing breath of twisted air in the sea of repetitive TV tropes. It's weird, it's witty, and it doesn't hold back. Yes, it has its flaws, and maybe it's not the show you'd recommend to your sweet Aunt Betty, but if you're in the mood for something edgy and unapologetically dark, this one's for you. So pour yourself a pint, sit back, and enjoy the ride. Just don't say I didn't warn you.

Mixed messaging is deliberate. Depending on which side of "the worldview" one stands, will start discussions. No issues with that, for me at least. Similar for not really following the book.

Unnecessary though, are abrupt and cringe bits and pieces of "The Message" and politics, which never are factual, nor common sense even, and instead just individual, and often current opinions inserted and ideologies injected, that mostly do not age well. Some actors joined that club, others just do their job and what they are asked to do. Don't know if Ella is the former or the latter, but she obviously did an excellent job playing this character overall.

Ultimately, regardless of "mixed messaging" it is quite clear that our main character is NOT well, and excuses for all done are just her own, inside her head, that as more things progress, less convincing they become, utill they shatter, "exposing" a killer looking to get away with it..

I've been waiting for this to air and I can tell you I was highly entertained.

Ella played her role so well I found myself cheering when she had her first kill it was a funny yet horrific release of all her past trauma.

The way she switched between geeky shy Rhiannon and psychopath was excellent I haven't seen a serial killer that made me hoping they'd get away with it since Dexter.

Each and every cast member was matched to personality perfectly.

There was a perfect mix of comedy drama and suspense to make this 100% bingeable.

Highly recommend Sweetpea to anyone who has a love of dark comedy.

At times, particularly in Ep1, this show can drag and be a bit flat, but it builds well into an unusual thriller. It leaves you feeling uneasy as the main character while in many ways worthy of sympathy and understanding, is a killer.

The interest comes from the viewer wondering if she is going to get away with it all, and even at the end you are still left a little unsure, probably set up for Series 2.

The charm comes from the 'normal' English backdrop and the lead characters, at times, endearing behaviour, so again you feel a bit twisted, after all, she's a killer.

A bit of an English Dexter, but very quirky, in all well worth a look.

This review is base on Episode 1 and I will update it once all 6 episodes have aired.

When you are in a tough spot in your life, everything sucks, you are invisible and people around you are the absolute worst, funny ideas can cross your mind. SweetPea take this concept and push it to the extreme, following the life of Rhiannon Lewis (Ella Purnell) an office worker bullied her whole life who suddenly lose her father to illness.

Her fantasies to "remove" people who has done her wrong in her life becomes an obsession as things spiral out of control! Sweet Pea flowers are beautiful to see but they are also toxic, which is the main point of the show.

Although the episode is only 43 minutes including credit, it's insane how much the emotional build up is fantastic. By the end of the episode I understood poor Rhiannon motivation and was hooked. Some movies can't make you feel a thing in 2h, but this show in such a quick lapse of time made me care so much about its plot.

Not only is the writting solid, but the music and the way it is filmed is excellent, which only adds to the intensity of the show. Also how can I not touch on the acting. Is there anything Ella Purnell can't do?! For a lot of people, Ella made fallout such a fantastic show because her acting. This remains true in SweetPea, like in Yellowknife and Fallout. Her acting range is one of the best I have seen in a long time and I can't wait to see where he career will take her!

To summarize, the show is well worth you time and although episode 1 is a build up, it shows amazing potential which is strongly supported by fantastic acting, an engaging story and great atmosphere. Can't wait to see where it goes and will update this review as the season wrap up!

"You made me this way" - Rhiannon.