The original post: /r/television by /u/In_1871 on 2025-08-19 05:39:59+00:00.
I was searching for something to watch on another sleepless night, thanks insomnia, and stumbled across Eric. As soon as I saw the description I knew I’d be invested so got to binging.
Firstly, the acting was incredible. Standouts to me were Benedict Cumberbatch and Mckinley Belcher(detective Ledroit), but the overall cast were also solid.
Next is what divided me. On one hand I loved the investigation side of the plot and felt excited and hooked every time a new plot point was introduced. Things flowed nicely and most new reveals felt earned. However, the other side of the story often felt disjointed and like it should have been a separate show. The dynamics between Edgar and his parents did not feel developed enough and I felt disconnected from the feelings the show tried to portray.
I also felt the show took on too many issues and couldn’t give each of them the time they deserved. The grandfather felt especially undeveloped.
Lastly, my biggest issue, the mum. It felt like the show really wanted me to feel more for her than the father but I just couldn’t bring myself to do so. She accused him of murder, got pregnant by her ex student who was 20 years younger, ignored his warnings about the grandparents and often played herself of as angel against this toxic demon of a partner. I understand characters shouldn’t be too one dimensional but the show should also treat her with as much suspicion and fault at times and it just didn’t in my eyes.
This is still a solid show overall. The performance of Benedict Cumberbatch and a few others really did save the family side of the plot. I’d probably say it’s a 6/10, maybe rising to a 7 on a second viewing.