The Affair

Premise: “The Affair” is a drama that delves into the psychological effects of an extramarital relationship between Noah Solloway and Alison Lockhart, both of whom are already in committed relationships. The narrative is uniquely structured, with episodes often split to depict the same events from different characters’ perspectives, thus revealing subjective interpretations of events, memory biases, and differing emotional experiences.

Main Characters:

  • Noah Solloway (Dominic West): A married schoolteacher and budding novelist, Noah becomes involved in an affair that has profound implications for his personal and professional life.
  • Alison Lockhart (Ruth Wilson): A young woman trying to move on from a personal tragedy, Alison’s entanglement with Noah complicates her already tumultuous life.
  • Helen Solloway (Maura Tierney): Noah’s long-suffering wife, Helen struggles with the dissolution of her marriage and the impact it has on their four children.
  • Cole Lockhart (Joshua Jackson): Alison’s husband, Cole grapples with his own grief and the breakdown of his marriage.

Themes: “The Affair” examines the complexities of human relationships, memory, and personal choices. It challenges the conventional narratives of love and infidelity, making viewers question the reliability of memory and the subjective nature of “truth.” The series underscores the repercussions of personal decisions, not just on the involved parties but also on their families and communities.

Critical Consensus & Rating: 4/5. “The Affair” was praised for its unique narrative structure and its deep, introspective examination of relationships. The lead performances, especially those of Dominic West and Ruth Wilson, were frequently highlighted. However, critics also noted that the series sometimes struggled with pacing and that its heavy thematic material might not appeal to all viewers.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-MA. “The Affair” delves into mature themes, including explicit sexual content, language, and some violence, making it suitable for mature audiences.

Broadcast Details: “The Affair” aired on Showtime from 2014 to 2019.

TV Series Recommendations:

  1. Big Little Lies
  2. Fleabag
  3. In Treatment
  4. Masters of Sex
  5. Transparent

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *