I had been so looking forward to seeing the 4 part drama The Deceived for the few weeks it was advertised before its start date on 3rd August on Channel 5. And safe to say, I was not disappointed at all.
In the first episode of The Deceived we are introduced to Ophelia (Emily Reid), a student at Cambridge University, who falls in love with her married Lecturer, Michael, played by Emmett Scanlan (Hollyoaks, The Fall). They embark on an affair, then Michael seems to disappear from Cambridge. Ophelia then finds out he has gone back to Ireland. When Ophelia arrives, she sees him at the burial of his wife Roisin and asks Michael what’s going on. Ophelia reveals she is pregnant. Michael explains to Ophelia what “happened” between him and his wife Roisin, played by Catherine Walker, and that she knew all about the affair between Ophelia and Michael, and that they can now be together properly. Now she has died they can finally be together.
Ophelia seems to think all is not as it seems. She starts seeing what she believes are glimpses of Roisin and is beginning to think she is going mad.
Michael and Ophelia begin their life together in Ireland, after the tragic death of Michael’s wife Roisin. Ophelia seems besotted at first and thinks this is what she wants, but then begins to suspect all is not what it seems. Ophelia starts “seeing” who she thinks is Roisin, then begins to think she may be losing her mind. Could what Ophelia sees be real? Or is it all in her head?
As time goes by in this drama, Ophelia starts digging more and trying to convince others that Michael is dangerous he’s a murderer, he is sinister.
It is when you get to the third episode, the story of Roisin and the fire start to unravel for Ophelia. Coming towards the end of the third episode comes a massive twist, setting it all up for the final episode, and you do wonder how it all will finalise.
So many actors/actresses featured in this series that are truly amazing. Paul Mescal plays a volunteer firefighter, and skilled builder named Sean, who oversees renovations at Michael and Roisins home after the fire that breaks out. Eleanor Methven, plays Mary Mulvery, Roisin’s mother. Mary comes across as obsessive, erratic and a little unhinged throughout the drama. Ian McElhinney plays Hugh Callaghan, Michaels father, who is struggling with dementia, and he plays such an endearing character, one character who you truly love in this drama. Dempsey Bovell plays Matthew, Michaels best friend, and also plays a choirmaster at Cambridge. Shelley Conn, plays Ruth, a teacher at Cambridge, and Roisins longtime friend. Ruth is very protective over Roisin. Louise Hartland plays a local woman in Donegal called Cloda O’Donnell, and she is also known as the local psychic medium in Knockdara.
This 4 part drama is full of twists and turns, and creator Lisa McGee has certainly delivered an astounding drama piece.
As a viewer, you found yourself engrossed in the life of Michael, and whether something more sinister was going on. The final episode is jam-packed and has flashbacks of all what happened, leading up to the final few moments, that left me speechless.
This psychological thriller was absolutely beautifully written, and I have absolute respect to all those involved, cast and crew. The acting of this drama was astounding.
Emmett Scanlan, I have previously met and followed a lot of his work for a while. I absolutely loved his take on the character, Michael, so sinister and so convincing, and yet he is a lovely man in real life.
Emily Reid, I have not really heard a lot of who I think, is an amazing actress. She portrayed Ophelia superbly, and you really feel for her character getting entrusted in this whole saga. I look forward to seeing her a lot more on our screens in the near future.
Catherine Walker, again, another amazing actress, who I personally will be looking at more of her work. She portrays Michael’s wife Roisin. Very convincing, and such a brilliant portrayal of a feisty passionate woman amid all the twists, flashbacks and turns of the drama.
It has been a long time since a new series has kept me glued to my seat, and this 4 part series ticked all of the boxes. Love it or hate it……well I absolutely loved it and gave it a 5 out of 5. The Deceived does have the potential for a second series, but I personally think it should be left at the amazing climax it gave. Lisa McGee, I am begging you for another series like this one, please!
This 4 part series ticked all of the boxes
Name: The Deceived
Description: A young English student called Ophelia falls in love with her married lecturer, Michael. When their affair results in a shocking and tragic death, Ophelia finds herself trapped, and she can...
Chrissie loves movies and spends a lot of her time with her kids at the local multi-plex watching a great selection of kids movies.
