With the growing number of streaming services, viewers have developed a habit known as “the background binge.” This phenomenon describes how people turn on a show, not necessarily to give it their full attention, but to play in the background while they handle various tasks. Netflix’s new eight-part thriller, Fool Me Once, fits perfectly into this category. It’s the kind of show you can half-watch, half-ignore, and still grasp the storyline. But how much you enjoy it will entirely depend on your ability to switch off your brain and go with the flow.
Contents
Fool Me Once Review: More Twists Than a Soap Opera
In this Fool Me Once review, we dive into the complex and sometimes absurd plot. The show follows Maya (Michelle Keegan), who is struggling to move on after her husband Joe (Richard Armitage) is murdered. As she juggles raising their daughter and her job as a helicopter pilot instructor, things take a wild turn when she sees Joe—supposedly dead—on their nanny-cam, embracing their child.
From here, the plot dives headfirst into a tangled mess of subplots involving:
- A military whistleblower
- A policeman with mysterious seizures
- A cold-case suicide
It’s the kind of storyline that seems designed to be as confusing and over-the-top as possible. But if you’ve watched any of Netflix’s Harlan Coben adaptations, you probably saw that coming.
A Quick Overview of Harlan Coben’s World
| Key Adaptations | Main Actor | Year Released | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Stranger | Richard Armitage | 2020 | Mystery and dark family secrets |
| Stay Close | Richard Armitage | 2021 | Intricate plot with twists at every corner |
| Fool Me Once | Richard Armitage | 2024 | Dead husband appears alive on camera |
Harlan Coben has created a unique niche on Netflix with his thrilling, often convoluted mystery novels adapted into TV shows. The common thread? They always leave you wondering if the plot can get any more ridiculous—and somehow, it always does.
Cast and Performances: A Mix of Solid and Overdramatic
In this Fool Me Once review, we can’t ignore the performances. Maya, played by Michelle Keegan, takes on the dual role of a grieving widow and a tough-as-nails army veteran. While Keegan is a reliable actor, her character often swings between two extremes—melancholy and all-action hero. A standout moment? A flirtatious comment while on a firing range:
“There’s a nasty graze to his elbow there,” she quips, pointing to a human target.
Richard Armitage is a familiar face in Coben’s adaptations, but in Fool Me Once, his character plays more of a background role, appearing as a shadowy presence.
Then there’s the iconic Joanna Lumley, who shines in a restrained but effective performance as Joe’s mother, Judith. While Judith’s character can be a bit of a thorn in Maya’s side, she’s a far cry from the larger-than-life roles Lumley is known for.
“I know you’re not used to being a full-time mother,” she tells Maya in one of the show’s most patronizing lines, “but children need their routines.”
Why You Might Not Want to Pay Full Attention?
Fool Me Once isn’t a show that demands your undivided attention. The plot is so packed with twists and melodrama that keeping up can feel like a chore. In fact, the dialogue can be downright cringeworthy at times. For instance, Maya solemnly declares, “I’m grieving. I lost the love of my life!”—a line that feels more at home in a soap opera than a thriller.
So, if you’re not too invested in the nitty-gritty details, this is the kind of show you can put on while:
- Chopping vegetables for dinner
- Sorting through your emails
- Folding laundry
This doesn’t mean the show isn’t enjoyable. For fans of Harlan Coben’s over-the-top plots and endless twists, it’s pure entertainment.
The Visuals: Beautiful People, Uglier Settings
While Keegan and Armitage make a striking couple, the world they inhabit in Fool Me Once is less appealing. The show’s setting is a blend of suburban McMansions, glimmering SUVs, and immaculate lawns. It feels almost like lifestyle propaganda—wealth and luxury presented in a way that’s supposed to impress but somehow comes across as soulless.
And then there’s the color grading, which crushes every black into an abyss of darkness, making even the most polished settings look drab. This visual style, combined with the melodramatic plot, makes it clear that Fool Me Once isn’t trying to be a highbrow thriller.
Final Verdict: Enjoyable, If You Don’t Think Too Hard
In this Fool Me Once review, it’s clear the show is the perfect background binge. It’s not a show that will change your life, nor is it likely to win any awards. But if you’re looking for something to pass the time while you multi-task, it fits the bill perfectly. Just don’t expect it to make a whole lot of sense—or for the dialogue to win you over.
Click here to learn more
I am a dedicated lifestyle and fashion enthusiast, always looking for the latest trends and timeless styles. With a flair for creativity and a passion for self-expression, I provide fresh insights and tips on elevating everyday living and personal style.