Episode 1

It's the beginning of that timeless joke: "a stalker walks into a bar..." Maybe that's not the classic version of the joke, but "Baby Reindeer" almost treats it like the messed up joke that it ultimately is. The weird position of someone who doesn't have any status in the world at all being the victim of stalking by a deranged woman. Of course, that's only a part of the trauma that Richard Gadd lays on display in this very personal show he made with Netflix. The first episode focuses mostly on his interactions with Martha, though, and it's a chilling and very uneasy viewing experience.

Is it the single act of being nice to a person that can turn everything upside down? Possibly, but it probably also helps if the other person is a bit of a maniac. This episode is not nice in its portrayal of Martha, who does come across as creepy and strange. It's clear that the entire act was made out of pity and that Donny Dunn (the fictional version of Gadd) is coming from a good place, but it quickly turns around when she starts showing her true colors. The writing is particularly sharp and it succeeds in never really revealing all the layers and slowly adding more and more crazy to Martha, which just enhances her presence throughout the episode, even when she's not on screen. However, Gadd is also not afraid of taking shots at himself, openly showing himself in his early days of trying to be a comedian and taking advantage of the things he can in order to get a laugh. It adds layers to the main character as well in both ways. The direction is very flashy and the pace of the episode is very quick, and it was surprising that it was as short as it was. Weronika Tofilska seems to have the goods, but the show can't help but feel derivative of many other modern television shows that tries to punch it up with some rapid directorial tricks that doesn't necessarily add anything to the show. It works here, though, and it gives weight to Dunn's internal chaos.

"Episode 1" serves as a solid opening to a show that has a lot of potential and many different directions it could potentially go in. It does a good job of setting up its lead character and his issues, with the writing being very biting and sharp, especially in its treatment of its creepy antagonist.

The Netflix series Baby Reindeer opens with a powerful and unsettling first episode that sets the tone for its exploration of obsession, mental health, and the darker aspects of human connection. Adapted from Richard Gadd's award-winning stage play, the story introduces Donny, a fictionalized version of Gadd himself, as he navigates the escalating harassment of an unstable admirer, Martha. The episode begins with Donny at a London police station, exhausted and desperate for help, though his plight is met with bureaucratic indifference, highlighting systemic failures in addressing stalking and harassment cases.

Through flashbacks, the episode charts the origins of Donny and Martha's fraught relationship. Donny, a young comedian working as a bartender, offers a small act of kindness to Martha, who is visibly distressed. This simple gesture spirals into a complex and dangerous entanglement, as Martha becomes obsessed with Donny, invading every facet of his life. Jessica Gunning delivers a chilling performance as Martha, portraying her with a volatile mix of vulnerability and menace. Her erratic behavior contrasts sharply with Donny's initial naivety and later mounting paranoia, a dynamic that anchors the episode in psychological tension.

The direction by Richard Gadd himself ensures a deeply personal touch, with every scene crafted to reflect Donny's growing unease and the claustrophobic nature of his predicament. The script balances moments of dark humor with harrowing drama, effectively immersing the viewer in Donny's escalating nightmare. The cinematography is intimate and haunting, often using close-ups and dim lighting to mirror the protagonist's psychological descent. Editing choices, such as abrupt transitions and overlapping audio from Martha's obsessive messages, heighten the episode's intensity, placing viewers in Donny's shoes.

One of the most striking scenes is the moment Martha begins appearing uninvited at Donny's stand-up gigs, publicly disrupting his performances and humiliating him. This sequence captures the social stigma and disbelief that victims of stalking often face, as bystanders dismiss her behavior as eccentric rather than alarming. It also foreshadows the series' deeper exploration of gender dynamics in harassment, flipping traditional narratives by casting a woman as the aggressor and a man as the victim. This inversion compels the audience to confront biases and assumptions about power and vulnerability.

In its debut, Baby Reindeer establishes itself as a provocative and emotionally charged series, offering a raw look at the psychological toll of obsessive relationships. The episode is not without its flaws; some viewers may find its pacing uneven, as the narrative alternates between tense drama and slower, introspective moments. However, these choices ultimately serve to underscore the unpredictability and chaos of Donny's experience. With its blend of compelling performances, sharp writing, and thematic depth, the first episode leaves a lasting impression and sets a high standard for the rest of the series to follow. Its cultural relevance, especially in the age of social media and hypervisibility, positions Baby Reindeer as a poignant commentary on contemporary issues of privacy and interpersonal boundaries.

I hope Richard Gadd's stand up routines are funnier in real life than it is here. Based on his semi autobiographical experiences.

This Netflix series charts Gadd's experience with his own real life stalker which later turned into a harrowing experience.

Gadd plays comedian Donny Dunn trying to make it as a comic in London and got lost in the capital city. He works in a pub to make ends meet.

One day in walks Martha Scott (Jessica Gunning) a rather large lady who looks distressed. Donny feels sorry for her. His first big mistake and gives her a cup of tea for free.

Despite not being able to afford to buy a drink. Martha tells Donny she is a high powered lawyer and then visits the pub everyday to see him.

Later Donny is inundated by texts and emails from Martha.

The first episode has an astonishing performance from Gunning who has been a familiar face on British tv screens for a few years. Needy without initially being threatening.

It is original as it relates to Gadd's real life experiences however stalker dramas are not new. You just wonder why Donny could not nip it in the bud so soon. Especially after he found out more about Martha.