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‘Thrilling drama at its best!’ Michelle Keegan's ‘brilliant’ Netflix show ‘Fool Me Once’ has viewers hooked

'Fool Me Once', an eight-part thriller series on Netflix has garnered praise from viewers despite receiving mixed reviews from critics

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: It looks like Harlan Coben's thriller series has captivated viewers' attention once again! 'Fool Me Once', an eight-part thriller series part of the Harlan Coben Televisual Universe on Netflix has garnered praise from viewers despite receiving mixed reviews from critics.

The New Year release is an adaptation of Harlan Coben's 2016 novel of the same name, boasting a cast that includes Michelle Keegan, Richard Armitage, Adeel Akhtar, Emmett J Scanlan, and Joanna Lumley.

Despite facing negative reviews from critics, 'Fool Me Once' is defying the odds and gaining extreme fan praise on the Internet. 

What is the plot of 'Fool Me Once'?

Maya Stern and Joe Burkett, a married couple with a 2-year-old daughter named Lily, face tragedy when Joe is killed in a robbery. A friend gives her a nanny cam to ease Maya's concerns about Lily's care.

However, when Maya reviews the footage, she witnesses the seemingly impossible: Joe, alive and visiting their daughter. This eerie sight prompts Maya to delve into the mystery surrounding her husband's death.

In her investigation, she discovers a disturbing connection between Joe's murder and the previous death of her sister, Claire, both linked by the same gun. 

Richard Armitage, a regular in Coben adaptations, takes a backseat in this installment, with Michelle Keegan at the forefront. 

Netflix viewers can't stop binge-watching 'Fool Me Once'

The reception of 'Fool Me Once' has been a mixed bag, with critics slamming the TV series for its incredibly overdramatic and convoluted plot. Despite this, fans have shared enthusiastic appraisals of the series on X, formerly known as Twitter.

One netizen said, "Anyone else smashed in the entire of #FoolMeOnce today? Absolutely brilliant! @michkeegan has made me question my sexual preference once again... absolutely superb...I love her!!!" Another said, "I did not expect to end #FoolMeOnce in floods of tears but that was BRILLIANT."

Asking Harlan to "keep them coming", one user commented, "First binge watch of the year! Amazing limited series was at the edge of my seat all day. All the suspense, twists and that ending though..😮‍💨 Harlan keep them coming!" Another said, "Oh my God I am watching the show. It’s the best show. I have watched it a long time. Thank you Netflix awesome. Awesome show."

One user said, "Oh my goodness !!! I’m hooked !!!" Calling the show "a must-watch", one netizen tweeted, "What a series ! Binged them all today ! A must watch." Another said, "Absolutely Brilliant! Great story, well told, @michkeegan is on fire atm, the top of her game. Another brilliant performance! Gritty, thrilling drama at its best!"

Meanwhile, some viewers also questioned the plot with a "that's dumb" GIF, "#FoolMeOnce spoilers// Why is Maya following a car with a helicopter, with a student." Another said, "#FoolMeOnce the worst thing I've seen on telly this year."

One also wrote, "I'm watching #FoolMeOnce and Maya keeps investigating and telling everyone what she's found I mean no secrecy, no moving in silence ?"