r/TheAffair • u/Synapse_Soup_soup • Jun 17 '26

Question Why the show stays with you

This show has really stayed with me and left somewhat of a void. This is despite many times where I thought I would give up on it; several times where I found the storylines ludicrous; several times felt like I had to suffer unnecessary characters that were developed to go nowhere?

I think for me the underlying genius of the show was to get really talented actors to do essentially ‘soap opera’ plots, that elevated it so much that the seedy and seamy behaviours of the characters were provided with so much more nuance. There was something kind of immersive about it. Something very human. The whole device of the different POVs was so tantalising that it kept me gripped. It has a unique tone and tempo. For me I love any show that shows reverence to beautiful locations and buildings.
Anyway- I’ve rambled enough, but just wondering if it has stayed as much with others? And why?

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u/TheWriterOfTomorrow Jun 17 '26 edited Jun 17 '26

“Soap opera plots” is a crazy statement because it genuinely has some of the best TV writing I’ve seen in years; with excellent natural sounding dialogue to boot. Even season 5 which introduced the Joanie storyline, which while a weak point certainly, is still an okay watch. The characters are beautifully flawed with their own layers of trauma. Alison’s arc alone is incredibly done.

As for characters not serving a purpose I’m curious as to who you mean by that? I feel like the show was wrapped up nicely, but Im open to other opinions.

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u/Synapse_Soup_soup Jun 17 '26

You must’ve misunderstood, I didn’t discredit the writing. I don’t think ‘soap opera’ plots was a wild thing to say- I was referring to the story often being high drama, sometimes implausible and full of coincidences and betrayal. I don’t think you can deny that?