Adultery: A Television Review
A review of the ITV drama "Adultery," highlighting its complex plotlines and character dynamics.
The ITV drama "Adultery" presents a tangled web of relationships and moral complexities, as reviewed by Christopher Stevens.
The series, which stars Romola Garai as Beth, features an unconventional approach to solving problems, as exemplified by Beth's impulsive interactions with her doctor, Tom, played by Dominic Cooper. Initially, Beth's visits to the surgery are motivated by a simmering attraction to Tom, which escalates into a full-blown affair. Their clandestine meetings occur in various locations, adding a layer of risk and urgency to their relationship.
Beth's unhappy marriage to Neil, a character described as a "scruffily bearded boor with a tendency to violence," provides a stark contrast to her burgeoning affair. Neil's controlling nature and his opposition to Beth's aspirations of becoming a fitness trainer contribute to her dissatisfaction. His legal troubles, stemming from a violent assault, further complicate their domestic situation.
Meanwhile, Tom is married to Hannah, portrayed by Shelley Conn. Their relationship, which began as a university romance, is strained by Hannah's ongoing mental health struggles, exacerbated by an unexplained family trauma. The series suggests that Hannah's discovery of Tom's infidelity could have severe consequences, especially given her tendency to monitor his movements through a phone application.
Writer Danny Brocklehurst, known for "Ten Pound Poms," has crafted a narrative filled with "clever complications" to prevent the drama from becoming predictable. The story extends to the younger generation, with the teenagers of both couples, Jess and Ollie, involved in their own relationship. A subtext of grief also permeates the series, exploring how loss can influence behavior, as seen with Beth's emotional state following the death of her best friend.
The review notes Beth's erratic behavior, including a car accident involving Tom and a habit of closing her eyes while singing in the car, suggesting potential future dangers for the character.