Channel 5's latest thriller, The Feud, plunges viewers into a nightmarish scenario for any homeowner, where an argument over a house extension spirals into violent chaos as neighbors reveal their horrific secrets. Set in the seemingly idyllic suburban street of Shelbury Drive, the show stars a lineup of well-known actors, including Jill Halfpenny and Rupert Penry-Jones, who bring to life the dark and twisted dynamics of neighborhood relationships.
Jill Halfpenny plays Emma Barnett, a criminal lawyer whose attempts to save her crumbling marriage by focusing on a kitchen extension lead her into a web of deceit and violence. Halfpenny expressed her surprise at the show's progression, stating, "I didn’t predict how it would end. I never imagined it would turn quite so gruesome, and I never expected it would go as far as it goes when it starts out in such a domestic setting." This unexpected turn sets the tone for the thrilling narrative that unfolds.
Emma's husband, John Barnett, portrayed by Rupert Penry-Jones, is not only dealing with his own insecurities stemming from unemployment but is also hiding secrets that threaten to unravel their lives. Penry-Jones noted their previous on-screen history, having played characters with difficult relationships in 2021's The Drowning, which adds a layer of complexity to their current roles. He humorously remarked, "We’re very good at playing people who don’t like each other very much," highlighting the tension that underpins their marriage.
The couple's neighbors, Sonia and Alan Spence, played by Amy Nuttall and Ray Fearon, respectively, add another layer of intrigue. Sonia, a schoolteacher, shares an uneasy friendship with Emma, while her husband, Alan, finds the familiar setting of the drama reminiscent of his own childhood. Fearon reflected on this, saying, "The scene reminded me of where I lived in Wembley, which was a similar street where all the kids played outside and everybody knew each other, but you didn’t know what was going on behind closed doors."
Adding to the tension are Barbara and Derek Abshire, played by Tessa Peake-Jones and James Fleet, who oppose the Barnetts' extension plans. The couple harbors dark secrets, particularly concerning their long-lost son, which creates a palpable sense of unease. Peake-Jones expressed her excitement about working with Fleet, stating, "We’ve known each other for over 40 years! To work with him has been a joy." Their on-screen volatility contrasts sharply with their real-life friendship.
Chris Gascoyne, known for his role in Coronation Street, plays Lee, the grumpy builder hired for the extension. His character adds a comedic yet menacing touch to the narrative. Penry-Jones described Gascoyne as "a very good actor" who brings a surprising depth to his role, noting the fun they had together on set.
The show also features Larry Lamb as Emma's father, Terry, whose character is described as being more villainous than supportive. Halfpenny noted the impact of this strained father-daughter relationship on Emma's psyche, explaining, "She probably puts up with a lot more than she should because she doesn’t have great support." This dynamic contributes to Emma's feeling of isolation and her desperate need to manage her chaotic life.
Jamie-Lee O'Donnell, from Derry Girls, plays PC Gallagher, a police officer who becomes embroiled in Emma's legal troubles. O'Donnell described the challenge of portraying a manipulative character, stating, "I really enjoyed the struggle of holding in her excitement and control, and the manipulation was very interesting to play." This adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding drama.
The series opens with a gripping scene where a potential homeowner inquires about the previous owners of a house, only to be met with the chilling revelation that they were murdered. This dark beginning sets the stage for the unraveling of secrets and tensions among the residents of Shelbury Drive.
The Feud's narrative cleverly keeps viewers guessing, as the identity of the murder victim remains a mystery. The show explores themes of obsession, paranoia, and the facade of suburban life, where neighbors appear friendly on the surface but harbor deep-seated resentments and hidden lives. As the plot thickens, viewers are drawn into a world where the quest for a dream home turns deadly.
Despite some initial criticism regarding perceived underwhelming acting and an intrusive soundtrack, many viewers took to social media to praise the series. One viewer remarked, "I rather enjoyed the first episode. Good cast of dodgy characters and a brisk pace. The flash-forward opener was a great hook." Another added, "After watching the first episode of #TheFeud I can say 'This is right up my street.'" These positive responses suggest that the show has struck a chord with its audience, offering a compelling mix of drama and suspense.
As the series continues, the tension among the characters is set to escalate, with Halfpenny teasing a "gruesome" finale that promises to leave viewers on the edge of their seats. She stated, "No one is being honest about what they're doing or how they're feeling, which makes for exciting television." The Feud airs on Channel 5 at 9 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and is available to stream on My 5, ensuring that audiences can follow the unfolding drama closely.
With its star-studded cast and gripping storyline, The Feud is poised to become a staple of Monday night television, drawing viewers into the dark underbelly of suburban life, where appearances can be deceiving, and secrets can have deadly consequences.
