Tell Me Lies

7.1/10

If you don't want to rip your hair out and scream into your tv about college drama and relationships this show is not for you. Its hard for me to put words to paper about this show because while it was entertaining and a good watch pretty much every character is unlikable. Let alone the 2 main characters who might be 2 of the most unlikeable characters I've seen in a tv show. But I think it works?

This show does a very good job of portraying realistic college experiences and relationships. It feels like each character could be a person you may have known while you were away at school. This also may make this show hit home for many people as it follows the progression of an extremely toxic relationship and a manipulative, gas lighting narcissist.

Now lets talk about the countless sex scenes, a lot of them felt a bit forced and awkward but my biggest problem is that literally not a single one of them had foreplay. We just doing this dry now?

Lastly the music they used for this show was very nostalgic for me and I'm sure it will be for a lot of other 90's kids. It was always fun to subconsciously just start singing along as some classics started playing in the background. All in all I had fun watching this show each week. Its not going to win any Emmy's but that doesn't mean you should skip it.

Right, well it seems odd to me to negatively review a show because a) you're complaining about not being in the demographic it's geared toward, b) because this show isn't rewriting the wheel when it comes to television or c) because the actors are people in their early to mid 20's portraying college students. So first I would say, if you don't want to watch a show about college students dramas--then skip this one. This is what this show is about. There's a lot of sex and nudity, so thank God the actors aren't barely 18. Also, this is common practice and most of the actors are the same age as the Euphoria cast and some are younger. And yeah the main guy isn't super attractive to some, but he's actually not meant to be (watch the show and this is pointed out in the first or second ep). He looks sinister like he's supposed to. But he does have a great body just fyi.

Essentially this show is about how a young woman gets into a toxic relationship. Her personality, looks, home life, and sudden tragedy are all the perfect storm for this guy to swoop in and get her. It's a tense, dark show--it's not romantic. But it's entertaining.

There are side characters who have their own interesting dramas. Everyone is a good actor, the editing is great, and the story has kept me interested.

I like shows like this-- I am the target audience and I don't believe in hating on something just because I don't get it. This show is done well and I don't think the reviews here are accurately portraying that. If you want to compare it to other shows, go ahead, but I'm not sure what the point of that is. Someone compared it to 'You' and it isn't 'You', so they hate it? It's a different show! It's not gonna win awards, but that's fine! It's entertaining and feels disturbingly realistic at times. I've watched 4 eps and I binged them, so I could see how it could feel slow if you waited every week for a new one, but now that I'm 4-5 eps in, it has a lot going on and 1 a week will be enough. If not for you, wait til they're all out and then binge it. Or don't!

Bottom line: it's a toxic college drama with some elements I haven't seen before, and some I have. Also it's based on a book so there's direction. So yeah, definitely not a 2/3 star worthy show as some folks are saying. Watch it if you're into shows like this, I really think it has a lot going for it.

Cheers!

I do not agree with the comment stating this show targets a specific demographic. I have dated in my 20s, 30s, & 40s. The toxicity of Steven and extreme gaslighting is far too familiar, regardless of the age of men. It is interesting to watch from a third person perspective and see it from the very beginning. The signs are always there, but new and fun creates those rose-colored glasses. I feel this show makes me realize how women should never dilute themselves for anyone, and never again allow a man's emotional issues affect you. The leading man in this show has zero emotional intelligence. He is a complete tool, and there are quite a few of those out there.

First and foremost, this is not the type of thing I would normally watch. With this in mind, I was expecting a one and done type of venture. However, Grace Van Patten is not just a pretty face, rather, she is both beautiful and can act too which is a great combination. And frankly, Jackson White impressed me as well. I never wanted to punch someone in the face harder in my life. One cannot get a reaction out of me like that unless they are as convincing as he was.

Next, this is clearly underrated as I write this review [6.6]. I am guessing many of the scores come from those who did not finish the series and/or never gave it the time to allow the character development to play out. This series requires some investment, so if you are someone who seeks immediate gratification, you will probably bail early and hand it a low rating. But if you are willing to give it the time it deserves, you will not be disappointed. As one learns who the characters really are, you will be able to make certain predictions that come true, but also miss things you should have seen coming.

Kudos to the writers. That last episode was effing great!

Very much looking forward to Season 2.

I surprisingly really enjoyed this. Some may complain that it is slow or boring but in my opinion, it had a degree of maturity and complexity that you do not see in a lot of college dramas. The actors and situations are believable. They are all have their unlikable qualities, but also have different degrees of sympathetic qualities as well. The story follows a toxic relationship over time in college through adulthood. It is unique in depicting emotional abuse as most college shows choose to portray sexual or physical. You can see how a smart and strong individual gets sucked into the relationship that she knows is doomed for failure but just can't move on from. I hope there is a season 2.