Call me old fashioned, but when I see a British series on Netflix, I don't fear the worst, but my expectations are definitely lower then would be the case for a new series from ITV or BBC. Part one of Safe has from my part changed my thoughts going forward. It was brilliantly written, complex, yet somehow delivered in a way that was straightforward and easy to follow. Nicely produced, and very well acted. I particularly enjoyed Michael C. Hall and Amanda Abbingdon's performances, both very good. Initially I thought we were in for a Braodchurch style drama, but it is different, it has an old school feel to it, which I really enjoyed. 8/10
6 Reviews
Benign Beginning
southdavid19 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
It's hard, as an Englishman not to lead with a comment about Michael C Hall's ill-advised attempt at an English accent, so I will, it's distractingly awful. It's also unnecessary. We're so used to a cosmopolitan cast these days that the idea that an American might live in England isn't that difficult to believe. And it's a shame because it details an otherwise engaging performance from Hall, who plays Tom Delaney, a widowed father of two, whose eldest daughter doesn't return after a party in the gated community when they reside. He begins an investigation that starts to undercover the secrets of the neighbourhood.
It's all a bit "ITV" at the moment, which I appreciate is a criticism that's not going to make much sense outside of the UK. What I mean is that the UK TV station "ITV" seem to be endlessly churning out these generic, cookie cutter, crime community dramas. Occasionally they rise above the basic level and you end up with something like "Broadchurch" but usually they are a collection of mildly entertaining and instantly forgettable dramas that you have forgotten before the credits roll. At the moment, despite ITV not producing it, "Safe" does feel very run of the mill.
It does have a superior cast, not just with Michael C Hall but also Marc Warren and Amanda Abbingdon providing able support. But some of the scenes really let it down. There are some unintentionally hilarious scenes in the closing 10 minutes, as at least three characters pull a face that says "I might have killed her, but did I" almost directly into the camera. There is an inexplicable car chase in the middle, as Tom chases down a boy who was at the party, who talked to him earlier in the day with no issue - and then does again once he's caught, with no real explanation of why he was running.
I'm intrigued enough in the plot to probably sit through the 8 episodes, which is what I assume they are counting on. . but some improvement for the remaining episodes would be welcome.
It's all a bit "ITV" at the moment, which I appreciate is a criticism that's not going to make much sense outside of the UK. What I mean is that the UK TV station "ITV" seem to be endlessly churning out these generic, cookie cutter, crime community dramas. Occasionally they rise above the basic level and you end up with something like "Broadchurch" but usually they are a collection of mildly entertaining and instantly forgettable dramas that you have forgotten before the credits roll. At the moment, despite ITV not producing it, "Safe" does feel very run of the mill.
It does have a superior cast, not just with Michael C Hall but also Marc Warren and Amanda Abbingdon providing able support. But some of the scenes really let it down. There are some unintentionally hilarious scenes in the closing 10 minutes, as at least three characters pull a face that says "I might have killed her, but did I" almost directly into the camera. There is an inexplicable car chase in the middle, as Tom chases down a boy who was at the party, who talked to him earlier in the day with no issue - and then does again once he's caught, with no real explanation of why he was running.
I'm intrigued enough in the plot to probably sit through the 8 episodes, which is what I assume they are counting on. . but some improvement for the remaining episodes would be welcome.
Title: Harlen Coben
Br4ve-trave1or5 July 2018
I've been reluctant with this series adapted and created by Harlen Coben, the brilliant author that's an incredible storyteller! Hes also created 'The Five' series and Tell no one, among a few. Like The Five, Safet has mixed reviews too. But HC has always been my favorite storyteller beside Gillian Flynn (Sharp objects, Gone Girl Dark Places). So I finally just watched the pilot of this show and a half of the second episode before I got it!
This series hooked me by the end of the first episode! I dont understand the negative reviews but I only watched almost 2 episodes, however it's top notch from this genre. Having read this book, the TV series adaption is updated and presented in a different fashion for e.g. the flashbacks. I remember this book being good but not exceptional like his much other p but popular books that Cobens known for and I think that's what kept me from getting excited.
This first episode, by the last ten minutes is already shown to be not an ordinary series and a show that you're in for a ride. Better, the beginning of the second episodes few minutes are a even better showing how strong this show has been written that I disagree with the reviews strongly. I must repeat myself again, I ONLY SEEN ALMOST 2 EPISODES, so it can still take a detour in direction but knowing Harlan Coben has written this TV series too, I'm very confident that it continues in this top quality it seems to keep building towards. I remember not being able to guess the ending at all.
I cant wait to continue watching now and I felt the compulsive need to hit PLAY soon as the pilot ended! Imo, that means it's done its job as a pilot!
FYI, be on the lookout for Harlan Cobens (imo best novel) the woods, that's being developed now. What an incredible adaption it will be! He has written outstanding incredible and better material compared to what's been adapted so far, so it's good to see hes layed a strong foundation for when he introduces his best work blowing everyones mind!
I suggest for anyone that liked this series to read the best of his work. He really is one of the best modern day fictional writers that always includes twists and serves as a master inspiration.
This series hooked me by the end of the first episode! I dont understand the negative reviews but I only watched almost 2 episodes, however it's top notch from this genre. Having read this book, the TV series adaption is updated and presented in a different fashion for e.g. the flashbacks. I remember this book being good but not exceptional like his much other p but popular books that Cobens known for and I think that's what kept me from getting excited.
This first episode, by the last ten minutes is already shown to be not an ordinary series and a show that you're in for a ride. Better, the beginning of the second episodes few minutes are a even better showing how strong this show has been written that I disagree with the reviews strongly. I must repeat myself again, I ONLY SEEN ALMOST 2 EPISODES, so it can still take a detour in direction but knowing Harlan Coben has written this TV series too, I'm very confident that it continues in this top quality it seems to keep building towards. I remember not being able to guess the ending at all.
I cant wait to continue watching now and I felt the compulsive need to hit PLAY soon as the pilot ended! Imo, that means it's done its job as a pilot!
FYI, be on the lookout for Harlan Cobens (imo best novel) the woods, that's being developed now. What an incredible adaption it will be! He has written outstanding incredible and better material compared to what's been adapted so far, so it's good to see hes layed a strong foundation for when he introduces his best work blowing everyones mind!
I suggest for anyone that liked this series to read the best of his work. He really is one of the best modern day fictional writers that always includes twists and serves as a master inspiration.
Jenny's Disappearance
ZegMaarJus22 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This episode begins with Tom, he is at his Wife's funeral with his daughters. Jenny goes out with some friends at Sia's house. Jenny disappeared, Tom his looking for her. Zoe got arrested by the police. Tom is chasing down Ioan. Sia admits to Tom that she gave a party. Ioan found something, he shows it to Tom. Jojo hides Cgrus his body in his freezer. Pete took Jenny with him after the party. Nice episode of Safe Season 1, Jenny disappeared. Pete took her. Can Tom find out what really happened with her?
The Master of the Missing
Hitchcoc22 December 2023
Harlan Coben is alway good for a "gone missing" story. Here it's the teenaged daughter of man whose wife was just buried. We are led to believe right away that the girl blames her father for something right away. The family is in disarray. The girl goes off to a party where there are drugs and alcohol. When she doesn't come home, he dad begins trying to find her, going from friend to friend. The problem is the incriminating nature of the party and the closed mouthed teenagers. There are two things that lead into the second episode: first of all, a video put on Facebook shows a friend of the father in a car with his daughter, leaving the party. The seond is the body of a young guy in a freezer. So, where do we go from here.
Ridiculous
dflufc22 February 2020
1 minute in, terrible English accent followed by a scene of a man who's clearly never kicked a football in his life missing an open goal and then the whole cast celebrate like we all don't know how football works.
Pathetic.
Turned off. Goodbye.
Pathetic.
Turned off. Goodbye.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
