Set in the French Riviera, the series
follows Georgina Clios, a midwestern art curator whose life is turned upside down after the death
of her billionaire husband Constantine Clios in a yacht accident. Georgina
becomes immersed in a world of lies, double-dealing and crime, as she seeks to
uncover the truth about her husband's death.
This series has taken
a bit of a slating from critics and even by it’s own creator Neil Jordan, whom
disowned it after writers went in a different direction with the story. After
initially being really excited, I was almost put off after hearing all of this,
however I decided to watch it anyway. And I’m glad I did because I thoroughly
enjoyed this show.
It’s a visually stunning show with great acting and a murder
mystery with multiple layers of plot that twists and turns keeping you guessing
until the end.
Julia Stiles stars as Georgina, she starts off the show
pretty innocent and kind of naïve, however after the death of her husband she’s
forced to face all the betrayals and corruption that have been going on around
her. She not only grows as a character, but she’s also unpredictable as the
methods she goes to get to the truth can be pretty shocking. Julia Stiles does
a great job at showing Georgina’s evolution without coming across as forced,
she herself as come along way since her teen-movie days. Lena Olin plays Irina,
Constantine’s ex-wife, her relationship with Georgina is pretty interesting as
they have a natural resentment towards each other however they’re not quick to
point fingers at each other. However they see a lot of themselves in each other
and help each other while clearly still remain a rivalry relationship. At the
same time she still has her own agenda as well as her children to look out for.
Iwan Rheon plays Adam, Constantine and Irina’s eldest son, for those know him
as Ramsey Bolton, please be assured this a very different role, he plays his part
a lot more subtle and also more emotion so that you can sympathise with him at
points. Adrian Lester plays Robert, a loyal friend of Georgina whom is hiding
secrets of his own.
The show is beautiful to look at, the locations from the wonderful
landscapes to the amazingly designed sets are all represented with stunning
cinematography. The costumes are also pretty and are flattering to the actors
wearing them, as well as the hair and makeup.
As I said the plot keeps you guessing, e.g. since Constantine
was killed in a yacht explosion and well-known actor Anthony LaPaglia plays
him, it makes you guess throughout if he’s actually dead. Who blows up the yacht
is also not the main plot, it’s only part of it. The mystery is about the crime
Constantine got himself involved in and who else played a role and who should
be trusted.
Despite some of it’s bad reception, it seems to be doing
pretty well with its ratings which could make a Season 2 a possibility. It’s
not been confirmed yet but I would love it if there is. If there isn’t, the
finale does wrap up the main story well, even with a few unanswered questions,
it’s still enough for a satisfying conclusion.
Overall don’t let the reviews affect you. If you like
mysteries, it should certainly keep you invested for the 10 episodes, I myself
couldn’t wait to see the next episode after the previous ended. The beautiful scenery
of the French Riveria is also worthy of your time.
