Sweetpea

All about the star of the series here in Ella Purnell who carry's off the lead responsibilities in fine style

It's all a bit mad and more dark than comedy but watchable and I enjoyed it, and all the strong characters are female led. Which reminds me to give a good shout out in a supporting role for Nicole Lecky

You start off the series being on the side of Purnell's character but in the end you have a mixed opinion which is probably a good thing and where the makers of the series wanted you to go

I thought six episodes was just about right with the climax leaving you wanting more which does not always happen in these scenarios.

Mixed messaging is deliberate. Depending on which side of "the worldview" one stands, will start discussions. No issues with that, for me at least. Similar for not really following the book.

Unnecessary though, are abrupt and cringe bits and pieces of "The Message" and politics, which never are factual, nor common sense even, and instead just individual, and often current opinions inserted and ideologies injected, that mostly do not age well. Some actors joined that club, others just do their job and what they are asked to do. Don't know if Ella is the former or the latter, but she obviously did an excellent job playing this character overall.

Ultimately, regardless of "mixed messaging" it is quite clear that our main character is NOT well, and excuses for all done are just her own, inside her head, that as more things progress, less convincing they become, utill they shatter, "exposing" a killer looking to get away with it..

Sweetpea is a dark comedy/revenge fantasy starring the charming Ella Purnell, who's been on a lot of big things lately, wich is justifiable since she's a very charismatic and versatile actress. Once again, Purnell's performance elevated an otherwise clichéd and disposable project, her portrayal of a shy, lonely, and traumatized young woman pushed to the edge is just as entertaining as it is disturbing. Throughout the fast paced 6 episodes, we get invested in the main character's inner drama, even to the point of feeling very bad for her, the character work was so good that i forgot this was a typical unreliable narrator type story, i cared for Rhiannon despite knowing she is a sick, dangerous person. The pacing was very good for the most part, it never felt like they were dragging things too much, however the last episode felt like they were trying too hard to create cliffhangers and setups for a second season, instead of wrapping things up on a coherent way. This is the problem with modern entertainment, everything needs to be a franchise, or a whole ass series with multiple seasons, nothing is allowed to have a clear begging, middle, and END anymore, it all depends on the ratings... I think this could've been a very good 2h movie, if only they had a clearer vision for this story, i don't know much about the book in wich the show is based on, but damn i think the script could've been a lot better. Most of the supporting characters are played by mid-tier actors, nowhere near the same level of the protagonist, specially the actress playing Julia, she came across as a bit forced to me, i didn't buy her motivations, nor felt any sympathy for her, and that scene with her husband in episode 05 was ridiculous. Overall, Sweetpea might not be the most creative, deep, or remarkable series, but Ella Purnell's usual charm, appropriately quirky English humour, and some good gory killings make this a strong option to those looking for darker, adult orientated content.

Too much of the first episode is to give the audience a taste of how bitter her life is, and they succeed a bit too much, since most of the episode felt awful to watch, but... the origin story ends with the episode, and she bites for the first time, and that's what I think most people watching the show expect.

In comparison, Dexter kills someone in the first 5 minutes, this is the oposite, we are drag trough her horrible existence as much as possible, so much that some people will tune out... but I think there is a pay off and a potential behind hi, she had teeth now, and everything will change because of that... Yes... her moral compass is off... as many pointed out... but is not the point... all that pressure is finally released in a boom... we will see if she matures or devolves, anyway, annoying life, big bang ending, potential for the series, we will see.

Alright, folks, settle in, because we're diving into a show that might just be the lovechild of Dexter and Fleabag with a little twist of gin and a heap of British sarcasm. Enter Sweetpea, a dark comedy that packs more punch than a bar fight at 2 a.m. In a London pub. This rollercoaster of mischief stars the ever-expressive Ella Purnell, the deadpan Jon Pointing, and the wildly talented Nicôle Lecky. So, what's this murder-filled dramedy about? Buckle up, because Sweetpea is anything but sweet.

The Premise: The Girl Next Door...With a Twist

Meet Rhiannon Lewis-she's the girl you walk by without noticing. The kind of person whose face you'd forget within five seconds if you had to describe her to the police sketch artist. But here's the twist: this quiet, unassuming girl next door is actually harboring a killer secret. Yes, folks, she's a serial killer. And the show doesn't hold back on the irony of it all. Rhiannon's invisible, until she snaps and becomes all too unforgettable for her victims.

In a world saturated with true crime docs and every shade of murder mystery, you might think you've seen it all. But Sweetpea takes a different route-it's not just about the killing; it's about the build-up, the breakdown, and the painfully awkward moments that lie in between. You're left wondering not just how Rhiannon gets away with it, but why no one else is seeing the volcano bubbling beneath the surface. And that's where the show really gets its claws in.

The Cast: Ella Purnell, Jon Pointing, and Nicôle Lecky

Let's talk talent, shall we? Ella Purnell is nothing short of spellbinding. This girl can say more with a raised eyebrow and a side glance than most people manage in a 10-minute monologue. She gives Rhiannon this electric energy, one that shifts from bubbly to menacing with the flick of a switch. And that switch? You won't see it coming, which makes the character all the more riveting. You're watching her with one eye open and a fistful of popcorn because, well, you just don't know when she's going to pounce.

Then there's Jon Pointing, whose dry delivery and deadpan expressions serve as the perfect counterbalance. He's that mate who gives you a half-smirk and a quip when you're spiraling. He's funny, he's subtle, and he plays the "doesn't quite get it" sidekick role perfectly, adding another layer of dark humor that only British TV seems to master. And Nicôle Lecky? She's the wild card, the chaotic friend who pops in just when things are on the verge of implosion. Together, they form this strange, intoxicating trio that keeps you watching-and guessing.

What I Loved: The British Flavor and Pitch-Perfect Tension

First off, can we just give a round of applause for British television? It's a masterclass in balancing realism with outrageous plots. American shows often make things too glossy, too over-the-top. But Sweetpea? This is British telly doing what it does best: grounding the absurd in the painfully real. The show feels like it could actually happen, like you might bump into Rhiannon at your local grocery store, arguing with herself over the price of tea bags.

The pacing? It's like a slow-cooked stew-rich, savory, and bubbling up just when you think it's going to simmer down. I love a dark comedy that doesn't rush, that lets the characters marinate in their quirks and simmer in their dysfunction. And Rhiannon? She's a time bomb you can't look away from. Every episode builds the tension just right; just when you think she's going to snap, the show dials it back, keeping you on the edge.

What Gave Me Pause: The Message on Mental Health

Okay, look-while Sweetpea is a deliciously dark comedy, I couldn't help but wonder if its message might hit a little close to home for some. Rhiannon's rage and her ability to hide in plain sight feel a tad unnerving, especially when the show winks at her mental health struggles. Let's be clear: this isn't exactly Sesame Street material for those grappling with anxiety or depression. And while the whole "unseen killer" trope is wildly entertaining, it does make you question how plausible it really is that her victims are always this oblivious.

Here's a fun tidbit for you: Sweetpea is already stirring up quite the Emmy buzz, with critics expecting it to snag at least ten nominations. It's a thrill to see a dark comedy like this get its well-deserved time in the spotlight. Ella Purnell is a major contender, and with any justice, her performance will have her name etched on an Emmy in no time.

Final Verdict: A Wickedly Fun 7.1/10

For all the laughs, the dark humor, and the "wait, did she really just do that?" moments, Sweetpea is a refreshing breath of twisted air in the sea of repetitive TV tropes. It's weird, it's witty, and it doesn't hold back. Yes, it has its flaws, and maybe it's not the show you'd recommend to your sweet Aunt Betty, but if you're in the mood for something edgy and unapologetically dark, this one's for you. So pour yourself a pint, sit back, and enjoy the ride. Just don't say I didn't warn you.