I decided to check out this show on a whim. I went in thinking it probably wouldn't be for me and I'd switch off after 1 episode. But after that 1 episode they had reeled me in and I wanted to see more.

The 2 main leads are just amazing. When they are on screen together its just a pleasure to watch. The dialogue is top notch and they come off as real people.

Paul Mescal as Connell is just terrific and has to be the standout character. He's the popular jock in school but there is an insecurity in him that makes his character very appealing. Like in episode 2 when he feared Marianne wouldn't want to acknowledge him if they went to the same uni, or when he broke down in episode 3 to apologize to her.

The time jump and change in setting with episode 4 was a nice touch with their roles basically reversed. Marianne now the social butterfly and Connell the loner. I also liked the meta commentary of Connell being the main protagonist for episode 4 and then discussing narrator changes in the book his class was reading.

Episode 5 sees them dealing with the fallout of their past relationship (just an amazing scene to watch - nice subtle performances from both) and new romance rekindled.

There were a fair few cringey scenes throughout episodes 4-6 talking about the patriarchy and 'white men'. But that also happened during the college episodes, which I guess you'd expect there. So I gave it a bit of pass. I also found it hilarious that it was always the white women doing the complaining.

I'll admit the latter half of the episodes felt a little disjointed. The time periods felt all over the place and they didn't do enough to explain where these stories took place in the characters lives. Plus I didn't like the storyline of the weird boyfriend domination. It was very unsettling. And I just wanted it to end.

That being said, the last 2 episodes ended on a high where everything came together and was very well done. I really hope a season 2 is made.