How well can you truly know someone? “The Deceived” tackles its own mysteries surrounding love, loss, and the darkest of thoughts when familiarity is all we have. This series, originally shown in the UK, marks a decidedly different viewpoint into humanity from creator and writer Lisa McGee. Best known for creating “Derry Girls,” McGee builds on a different genre this time with classic elements of deceit and mistrust at its center.
The project also serves as an opportunity for the multi-hyphenate to work with husband Tobias Beer. Inspiration for ‘Deceived’ came about from a few classic films. “…We ran out of things to watch so enjoyed films like ‘Gaslight,’ ‘Dial M for Murder,‘ and ‘Rebecca‘ and this drama has been heavily influenced by ‘Rebecca,’” Mcgee told The Irish News. It’s those classic influences that stir the context among main plot points. The series starts with the death of a well-known writer in Knockdara — an Irish town. From there, a young woman is pushed into the mystery as she finds her lover, the writer’s husband, may be into far more than she ever expected.
A mysterious fire brings about the early demise, but its repercussions are felt throughout the subsequent episodes. The introduction of a fireman seems on paper to be a secondary character until the reveal of actor Paul Mescal in the role. Mescal earned critical and audience raves for his work on the series “Normal People.” ‘Deceived’ stars Emmett J. Scanlan and Emily Reid. Scanlan is most notable for his work on “Peaky Blinders” as well as “Gangs of London.” Reid’s filmography includes the mini-series “Belgravia.”
Betrayal takes over a small Irish town in “The Deceived.” The series premieres on July 18 on Starz. Check out the official trailer.