The Deceived proved to be divisive among viewers as episode one aired on Channel 5.
The new four-part drama, starring Normal People’s Paul Mescal and former Hollyoaks actor Emmett J Scanlan, started last night (Monday, August 3).
It tells the story of university student Ophelia (Emily Reid) and how she travels to Ireland after a married lecturer (Scanlan) she has an affair with disappears.
What did viewers think of episode one of The Deceived?
Their fling leads to a tragic death and Ophelia finds herself working to unravel a disturbing mystery, as she questions everything she thought she knew.
After seeing the first episode, a number of viewers admitted they wouldn’t watch any more of the drama, which they branded “disappointing”.
Some claimed it was riddled with “poor acting”, while others called the plot “totally farcical”.
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One said on Twitter: “I can see why #TheDeceived ended up on Channel 5. Bloody hell, that was dreadful. Awful writing, poor acting, melodramatic. So disappointing.”
Another tweeted: “Don’t think I’ll bother with the second episode, too many eye roll moments and none of the characters are likeable. #TheDeceived.”
Really wanted to like The Deceived but didn’t.
A third said: “#Thedeceived should have been soooo good but found myself laughing at the multiple plot holes! Too far fetched for me.”
Someone else put: “Glad I caught the first episode. I won’t need to bother with the other three now #TheDeceived.”
‘Not bothering’ with the rest of the series
“Was looking forward to #TheDeceived on @channel5_tv but was quite disappointed,” said a fifth. “Not sure I’m bothered about continuing. Did anyone else have difficulty understanding Michael?”
A sixth admitted: “Really wanted to like #TheDeceived but didn’t. Totally farcical. A great example of why I don’t tend to like fictional TV dramas. Plot is just silly and not believable.”
I can see why #TheDeceived ended up on channel 5 😂😂 bloody hell that was dreadful. Awful writing, poor acting, melodramatic. So disappointing.
— Jordan Gallagher (@jlgallagher11) August 3, 2020
https://twitter.com/PaulaL1882/status/1290406621164834819
#Thedeceived should have been soooo good but found myself laughing at the multiple plot holes!! Too far fetched for me.
— Natalie (@NittyNattyNora) August 3, 2020
Glad I caught the first episode. I won’t need to bother with the other 3 now #TheDeceived
— Traylor Holmes (@TraylorHolmes) August 3, 2020
Was looking forward to #TheDeceived on @channel5_tv but was quite disappointed & not sure I’m bothered about continuing. Did anyone else have difficulty understanding Michael? One thing (of many) why didn’t she ask him about the knocking on the door?
— Never Say Never Nomad (@SherylWalpole) August 4, 2020
Really wanted to like #TheDeceived but didn’t. Totally farcical. A great example of why I don’t tend to like fictional tv dramas – plot is just silly and not believable.
— F i O N A ⟭⟬ 🐨🐹🐱🐿🐥🐻🐰💜 (@fiiiiiiiiiionaa) August 3, 2020
‘Can’t wait’ for episode two
Not everyone felt that way though. Some viewers hailed it as a “bloody gripping” watch that left them “wanting more”.
“Wow #TheDeceived was bloody gripping tonight,” said one impressed viewer. “Can’t wait for the next one tomorrow.”
Read more: A Suitable Boy: New BBC drama leaves viewers divided
“#TheDeceived this is as well written as #Blood,” said another, comparing it to the Adrian Dunbar drama. “These Irish Channel 5 dramas are rivitingly good, there’s always a serious twist that keeps you guessing, congrats to all involved.”
“Reading the comments I must be the only one who liked #thedeceived tonight,” someone else said. “I can’t wait for tomorrow.”
Another who called the first episode “absolutely brilliant” said: “The Deceived already has me thinking and wanting more. @EmmettScanlan fantastic as always.”
https://twitter.com/Chloe92_x/status/1290409276557721600
#TheDeceived this is as well written as #Blood, these Irish channel 5 dramas are rivitingly good, there's always a serious twist that keeps you guessing, congrats to all involved
— Annabel Denton Marsden (@DentonMarsden) August 3, 2020
Reading the comments I must be the only one who liked #thedeceived tonight. I can’t wait for tomorrow
— Louise Wraith (@LouiseWraith) August 3, 2020
Absolutely brilliant 1st episode of #TheDeceived already has me thinking and wanting more.. @EmmettScanlan fantastic as always
— Samantha Livermore (@sammiseren) August 3, 2020
– The Deceived continues tonight (Tuesday, August 4) on Channel 5 at 9pm
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