'Cheat': All the reasons why you should watch the gripping psychological thriller starring Katherine Kelly and Molly Windsor
May contain spoilers for 'Cheat'
It seemed to be a problem that could easily be nipped in the bud — a problem that any professor could have solved without a sweat. But Leah is not that professor.
'Cheat' opens on the sprawling grounds of the Cambridge University (although the series isn't exactly set there). It tells the story of university lecturer Dr. Leah Dale, played by Katherine Kelly, who prides herself on her academic integrity.
So when Molly Windsor's Rose Vaughn, a final year student, submits an exceptionally well-written essay, Leah is obviously suspicious. In fact, she refuses to believe that Rose is capable of writing an essay that even her doctorate husband Adam (Tom Goodman-Hill), who teaches at the same university, found praiseworthy.
In fact, Leah's academic integrity is one of the driving forces of the series — it is what pushes her to keep pursuing the cheating instance — she doesn't give up. On not one but several instances, Leah persuades Rose to tell the truth.
But there is more going on than what meets the eye — Rose is not one to back down and just give up. She takes up the challenge on a personal front.
Spread over four episodes, 'Cheat' begins as a seemingly open and shut case of academic deception. Rose has cheated on her final year paper and must bear the consequences of it. But the issue goes deeper and quickly spirals out of control.
What follows is a devastating sequence of events that threaten to engulf both Rose and Leah. But more importantly, what makes 'Cheat' a worthy watch is the pure terror that makes up the show's characters.
As Rose Vaughn, Molly Windsor delivers a chilling performance so much so that at one point in the series, you no longer know which woman you are rooting for — Rose or Leah?
As a character, Rose is exceptionally written. You can see her anger and pain, but will it be wise to sympathize with her? Probably not since Rose is a character written in layers. You are well aware that something on the show has gone wrong, but even so, you cannot put a finger on it.
What makes 'Cheat' thoroughly watchable is that its lead female protagonists are not essaying the roles of damsels in distress.
Both of them, Rose and Leah, are fighting their battles bravely. Regardless of the nature of their battles, the female protagonists of the series shine throughout the four episodes.
'Cheat' is actually a story based on principle. It explores how far one is prepared to go to stand up for what they believe is right and the cost that they are willing to pay for their beliefs.
At the end of the series, the main question pretty much remains unanswered: did Rose really cheat on her academic paper?
And perhaps it is going to be a question that you will walk away without any possible clues. Yet it is not going to be the most burning of all the questions you will be left with at the end of the mind-bending series.
Created by newcomer Gaby Hull, 'Cheat' will constantly ask you if you are rooting for the right person. 'Cheat' will see its exclusive US premiere on November 21 on AMC Networks' streaming service Sundance Now.
