In the endless scroll for the next great streaming find, it’s rare to discover a mystery series that is both genuinely gripping and respectful of your time. Viewers are constantly searching for a thriller that delivers suspense without unnecessary filler, a show that trusts its audience to keep up with its dark twists and turns. Netflix’s limited series “HIS & HERS,” based on the novel by Alice Feeney, is exactly that show.
Forget the tidy conventions of the network procedural; ‘HIS & HERS’ plunges viewers into a moral abyss from its opening scene. The series centers on a haunted news anchor (Tessa Thompson) who returns to her sleepy hometown to cover a murder, only to find herself in the crosshairs of the lead detective’s investigation (Jon Bernthal)—a man who is as much her adversary as he is an ally. What makes “HIS & HERS” a standout is that its greatest strengths are its most unconventional choices, proving that a perfect binge-watch doesn’t have to play by the rules.
The Main Characters Are Awful (And That’s the Point)
The show is built around two protagonists who are sketchy, maddening, and often impossible to root for. The brilliance of the character design, however, lies in the friction of their deep contradictions. Jon Bernthal’s detective is a jarring mix: one moment, he exudes a disarming southern politeness and shows a massive level of care for his niece; the next, he is rude, rash, and unpredictably hasty, making you question if he’s trying to solve the case or hamper it.
Tessa Thompson’s character is equally complex. She is opportunistic and self-absorbed, pouncing on a tragedy for career advancement. Yet the writers skillfully balance this unlikable trait by revealing that she’s also carrying a ton of weighty regret and trauma, making her easily sympathetic even as you condemn her actions. Their dynamic is explosively toxic and fun, and while you may not like them, their shared doggedness towards the case and just enough charisma to create doubt make them undeniably compelling.
You Might Solve the Mystery Early, But It Stays Gripping
Many savvy mystery viewers will likely guess the killer and other major reveals by the third episode. In most shows, this would be a fatal flaw, killing all suspense. Here, it’s a testament to the sharp writing that the story remains incredibly suspenseful. The writers masterfully employ misdirection, red herrings, and glimpses of other plausible suspects to constantly muddy up the waters of suspicion.
These clever tactics are designed to create persistent moments of doubt that keep even the most perceptive viewers on the hook. Even if you’re sure you’ve figured it out, the narrative introduces just enough contradictory information to make you second-guess yourself, ensuring you remain fully captivated and engaged until the final credits roll.
It’s a Lean, Mean, Storytelling Machine
“HIS & HERS” is a masterclass in narrative efficiency. Clocking in at six episodes of only about 45 minutes each, the series values momentum above all else. The story never meanders or wastes time, a common pitfall that kills the energy of many streaming thrillers. Instead, the plot keeps plowing forward, using false leads and mounting suspicion to steadily build a palpable, suspenseful anxiety.
The series operates on a simple but devastatingly effective premise, which serves as its narrative engine:
There are two sides to every story, his and hers, which means someone is always lying.
A Supporting Character Provides the Moral Compass
In a sea of questionable characters, Sunita Mani’s performance as the detective partnered with Bernthal is an awesome addition to the cast. Her character is observant, highly intelligent, intuitive, and straight-edged, creating a contentious but fascinating relationship with her erratic partner. She is one of the few figures the audience can unequivocally cheer on.
Her strength is illustrated through the emotional whiplash she undergoes. It’s both strange and frustrating to watch her take verbal beatings from her colleague one moment, only to bump fists when given a compliment directly after. This dysfunctional dynamic powerfully mimics the tenacity required to endure in a male-dominated work environment and makes her a standout moral anchor amidst the chaos.
It’s Deeper Than It Looks (If You Want It To Be)
Beyond the central whodunit, the show skillfully explores deeper concepts like secret trauma, self-destructive behaviors, classicism, and privilege. These themes add a rich texture to the narrative, informing the characters’ maddening decisions and the town’s dark secrets.
Crucially, the show isn’t forceful with these ideas. If you’re just here for a propulsive mystery, you can easily enjoy it on that level. However, for those who choose to look deeper, engaging with these underlying themes can unlock more clues to what’s going on within this small town, adding another rewarding layer to the viewing experience.
“HIS & HERS” thrives precisely because of its bold and unconventional choices. It presents maddening, unlikable characters and a central mystery you might solve early, yet it remains one of the most compelling and tense thrillers on the platform. Its efficient, no-nonsense pacing and excellent characterizations by a stellar cast make it an absolute must-watch for any fan of the genre. It leaves you with a final, thought-provoking question: In an age of endless content, is a show that respects your time and intelligence the ultimate prize, even if you can’t stand the heroes?
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