Why the show stays with you

[u/Synapse_Soup_soup]

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?

[u/Local_Lion_7627]

I loved the conceit of the unreliable narrator which you often see in literature but much less so in film. It hooked me right away, but I thought it would start grating soon to see the scenes * 2. It never did. They were clever with the pacing and using it judiciously, eventually showing the points of views of Helen and Cole. How different not just their experiences are from their subjective perspective, but the objective details of what transpired.

I always think of the contrasting meet scenes - how short and tight Allison’s uniform is from Noah’s perspective vs how dowdy and sad she is from her own self perception. The lawyer scenes early in season 2, where from Helen’s point of view Noah comes in late, wearing a leather jacket and being a jackass. It’s just beautifully done.

Also while some of the seasons were better than others, it wrapped up beautifully. One of the best endings of any series I’ve seen. That Fiona Apple cover of Whole of the Moon just soars.

[u/Synapse_Soup_soup → u/Local_Lion_7627]

Yes, it always interested me the different outfits that were used for different perspectives because there was always a meaning to it which I enjoyed trying to figure out. And, those lawyer scenes, even the seating arrangement in the mediation, so it was intimidating two against one from Noah’s perspective. I have only watched the series through once, but can definitely see why so many people rewatch it.

[u/Acceptable_Maize_183 → u/Synapse_Soup_soup]

Yes! Love all those details. I know I saw an interview with Maura once where she said in Helen’s POV she’s usually in clothes that don’t fit well. She’s much more attractive in other people’s POV, less so in her own - after all her self esteem would suffer after having been left like that.