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The Stranger on Netflix: A Mixed Bag of Crime Thrills

Morningpicker’s recent dive into Netflix’s latest crime thriller, The Stranger, left us with mixed emotions. Based on Harlan Coben’s novel of the same name, the show’s premise is undeniably intriguing, but its execution falls short in several areas.

Breaking Down the Premise

An Intriguing Hook

The show centers around a mysterious stranger who appears to reveal a terrible secret about Adam Price’s wife, drawing Adam into a world of crime and blackmail. The initial premise is provocative and intriguing, setting the stage for a gripping mystery.

This setup has all the makings of a classic whodunit, with a mysterious figure, a web of secrets, and a seemingly ordinary family man caught in the middle. However, as the series progresses, it becomes clear that The Stranger’s true intentions are far more complex and sinister.

A Complex Web of Secrets

As the series progresses, it becomes clear that the Stranger has multiple targets and is using their revelations for leverage, often threatening to expose secrets publicly for a price. This raises questions about the nature of the Stranger’s motivations and the extent of their involvement in the town’s secrets.

The show expertly weaves together a complex web of secrets and lies, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as they try to piece together the mystery. However, this complexity also raises questions about the pacing and the necessity of certain plotlines.

The Show’s Evolution and Pacing

From Mystery to Gone Girl

The series quickly shifts from a straightforward mystery to a Gone Girl-style scenario, where Adam’s wife disappears after he confronts her about her secret. This shift adds a layer of complexity to the show, but also raises questions about the pacing and the necessity of certain plotlines.

As the show morphs into a more thriller-oriented narrative, the pacing becomes increasingly frenetic, with twists and turns that keep viewers on their toes. However, this also means that some plotlines feel rushed or convenient, undermining the overall impact of the show.

Filler and Coincidences

The show struggles with filler plotlines that feel unnecessary and coincidences that feel contrived. This detracts from the overall impact of the show and makes it harder to become invested in the characters and their stories.

Some plotlines, such as the mysterious naked boy in the woods and the headless alpaca, feel like they were added solely to create tension or intrigue, but ultimately serve no real purpose to the main plot. This lack of focus undermines the show’s overall impact and makes it harder to take seriously.

Character Analysis and Performances

Richard Armitage Shines as Adam

Despite a few inconsistencies in his character development, Richard Armitage performs well as Adam Price, bringing depth and nuance to the role.

Armitage’s portrayal of Adam is complex and multifaceted, capturing the character’s sense of desperation and frustration as he navigates the complex web of secrets and lies. However, some plot choices, such as Adam’s lack of suspicion in his wife’s disappearance, feel contrived and undermine the character’s believability.

The Enigmatic Stranger

The Stranger’s character is intriguing at first, but as the series progresses, they become less interesting and easier to predict. The show’s decision to reveal too much about the Stranger’s identity and motives undermines their mystique.

The Stranger’s character is initially shrouded in mystery, making them a compelling and enigmatic figure. However, as the show progresses, their motivations and identity become increasingly clear, making them feel less complex and less compelling.

The Ending: A Jigsaw Puzzle

A Rushed and Convenient Conclusion

The show’s finale feels haphazard, with plotlines that don’t connect and twists that feel contrived. The conclusion feels like a jigsaw puzzle with pieces that don’t quite fit together.

The show’s final episodes feel rushed and convenient, with plotlines that are resolved too easily or conveniently. This undermines the overall impact of the show and makes the conclusion feel unsatisfying.

Implications for the Genre

The Stranger’s success (or lack thereof) raises questions about the state of the crime thriller genre on Netflix. The show’s pacing, plotlines, and character development will be evaluated in the context of its peers.

The Stranger’s mixed bag of crime thrills raises questions about the future of the genre on Netflix. As the platform continues to produce more crime thrillers, The Stranger’s strengths and weaknesses will serve as a benchmark for future shows.