
But
when a show attracts and even encourages comparisons with Big Little Lies, unfair expectations rise to full mast. In the first episode, Deep Water sinks
into deep boredom, but promises to swim to more absorbing territory as the
series continues.
Deep Water stars Anna Friel, Rosalind Eleazar, and Sinead Keenan
Three
women struggle to balance their lives in Windermere. They take care of their disruptive kids, remain disappointed by their useless husbands, and feel
shattered by the number tasks that need to be fulfilled.
Lisa, played with decent effort by Anna Friel, feels these strains the most. She has three kids
and does odd jobs to pay the bills. Physiotherapist Roz (Sinead Keenan) battles
with her own bills, racked up by her gambling addict husband as well as a dwindling
private practice. Meanwhile, affluent Kate (Rosalind Eleazar) has an expensive house
and sister issues.
Sinead Keenan battles with her bills as Roz the physiotherapist
Writer
Anna Symon (Mrs Wilson) and director Harry Wootcliff (Only You)
don’t even try to appeal to the audience’s intelligence. In fact, they’re drearily patronising. Superfluous flashbacks flicker around, poorly shot
slo-mo embarrasses key scenes, and the dialogue explains too much.
The
first episode picks up some interest towards the end, as Lisa makes a dreadful
mistake with devastating consequences on Kate. This sets up the rest of the story,
which might lead somewhere more engaging. But this entrance
trudges through enough trash to discourage any further viewing.
Deep Water airs on Wednesday 14 August at 9pm on ITV
What | Deep Water, ITV review |
When |
14 Aug 19 – 14 Aug 20, 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
Price | £n/a |
Website |