The Serial Killer's Wife: A Review of Channel 5's Latest Thriller

Channel 5 has established itself as a purveyor of delightfully absurd thrillers. However, even by its high standards, The Serial Killer’s Wife reaches a new level of preposterous entertainment. Adapted from Alice Hunter's novel and initially streaming on Paramount+, the series has yet to make a significant impact. The reasons are readily apparent. The cast is brimming with thoroughly unlikeable characters who engage in consistently irrational behavior.

The Premise: A Seaside Town's Dark Secret

The story centers on Beth (Annabel Scholey), the glamorous wife of Dr. Tom (Jack Farthing), a seemingly perfect couple living an idyllic life in a picturesque Kent seaside town. Their idyllic life shatters when Tom is arrested for the murder of his assistant at his own birthday party. The arrest comes as a complete shock to Beth, despite her earlier discovery of the victim's body during a jog. This bizarre incident doesn't stop Beth from proceeding with her husband’s birthday celebrations just days later. Everyone expresses their disbelief in Tom’s guilt, even while the series subtly hints at his questionable character. I could see his sleazy aura right away; he possesses the kind of slick, Byronic hairstyle often associated with villains in cheap thrillers.

Beth's Unbelievable Reactions

Beth's reactions to the unfolding events are equally baffling. Even after her husband’s arrest and the discovery of a video of Tom's arrest being shared online by a friend, Beth shows an extraordinary lack of concern and continues her routine, even playing tennis as if nothing significant has occurred. One can't help but question her lack of emotional response to these shocking events. She was completely flabbergasted, which makes her almost a dislikeable protagonist.

Unraveling the Mystery: A Web of Lies and Affairs

Adding to her problems is the reappearance of her financially needy hippy mother, Clover (Julie Graham). Beth also faces hostility from fellow mothers at the school, a situation that seems to distress her more than her husband's arrest. Amidst all this, Beth discovers Tom's hidden phone, which contains a video of him having rough sex with a woman resembling the murdered assistant, Kate. Beth's reaction to this is, once again, astonishing. She already knew her husband was a serial philanderer. The revelation of an affair with his assistant isn’t exactly breaking news, but is it evidence of murder?

A Ridiculous Twist

The series’ absurdity reaches its peak during a flashback sequence shortly before the final credits. A younger Beth meets Tom in a stylish nightclub and ends up with him and another woman in a restroom. The scene is luxuriously filmed, reminiscent of a Magnum ice cream commercial. The director seemingly intends to paint their amorous encounters as decadent and dangerous, but the effect is instead comedic and farcical, highlighting the over-the-top nature of the whole production.

The Verdict: A Guilty Pleasure

Despite its flaws, The Serial Killer’s Wife is undeniably entertaining. Annabel Scholey’s portrayal of Beth, although challenging due to the script's preposterousness, is commendable. It's a guilty pleasure that's engaging even with its irrational characters and unbelievable plot points. The series is a testament to Channel 5's knack for delivering utterly ridiculous yet strangely captivating thrillers. The show is a rollercoaster of shocking twists, unbelievable reactions, and moments of sheer absurdity, making it an unmissable watch for those who appreciate highly dramatic and occasionally ludicrous television.

The production values are high. The drama, filmed in a quaint seaside town, offers breathtaking scenery that contrasts sharply with the dark and disturbing events at its core. However, the overall quality is impacted by the unbelievable plot points and the inconsistent character development. Nevertheless, the intriguing mystery and unexpected twists keep viewers hooked, making it a fun, if somewhat silly, watch.

While I found the plot unconvincing at times, the acting is pretty good and makes the story somewhat watchable. Despite its shortcomings, The Serial Killer’s Wife is a testament to Channel 5’s commitment to providing entertaining, albeit occasionally ridiculous, television. The question remains, how would any rational human behave in Beth's place?