Chloe Taylor has the world at her feet, as she is successfully helming a prestigious magazine called The Real Thing as its editor-in-chief. She is fully supported by her best mentor/boss, Catherine Lancaster, who has developed friendly relations with her favorite protégée over the years.
Chloe is also supported by her husband, Adam Macintosh, and their son, Ethan Macintosh. Adam Macintosh is a successful lawyer who is working in the firm of Bill Braddock alongside his best friend and colleague called Jake Rodriguez.
Everything is picture perfect, at least on the surface. Chloe and Adam belong to the elite society in their New York and Hampton circles, as they are making good progress in their individual careers. They seem to be good parents to their only son. So far, so good, or so it seems.
No sooner than Adam is violently murdered in their upscale Hampton home, the cracks start appearing in this perfect façade. It begins with Ethan’s real parentage once police reach out to his biological mother, Nicky Macintosh. Her unwanted and sudden arrival puts a real strain on all the existing relationships in Chole’s life.
One thing leads to another, and the sordid saga involving the Taylor-Macintosh families comes to light. Things get further complicated with the shocking revelations at Adam’s workplace and Chole’s ongoing affair. Between Chole’s aloof behavior, efforts to save her family, and Nicky’s struggle to become a normal parent to Ethan, the series managed to reach its climax. Although the speed lags in places and certain characters seem like unnecessary distractions, still the series manages to keep its hold till the last episode. Indeed, the last episode has come out brilliantly in its execution to make us wonder whether there will be a second/follow-up season.
This series is adapted from the novel of the same name written by the famous author Alafair Burke. Olivia Milch has definitely given proper justice to the source material while adapting it for the screen, which is evident in its crisp screenplay and superior production values.
Jessica’s chilling depiction of Chole Taylor contrasts sharply with Elizabeth’s nuanced portrayal of Nicky Macintosh, creating a palpable tension that drives the story forward. Meanwhile, Corey Stoll and Maxwell Acee Donovan skillfully embody the complexities of the Macintosh men, adding depth to the unfolding drama. The investigative angle is further enhanced by Kim Dickens and Bobby Naderi, whose roles as detectives bring a gritty realism to the murder investigation. Together, these characters not only highlight individual talents but also enrich the overall tapestry of this show, leaving viewers both engaged and reflective on its intricate themes.
All in all, I would certainly recommend this series for a one-time watch. Happy binge-watching!!