The Affair is such a time suck.
But don’t take my word for it. See it for yourself on Netflix. [See: The Affair]
Like many other compelling shows found online, The Affair is one of the best arguments for binge-watching (which, come to think of it, isn’t exactly such a healthy habit to indulge in).
I, for one, limit myself to only two episodes a day, one in the morning and the other at late night (yes, even during holidays), as part of a supposedly balanced life that involves reading books, listening to music, enjoying ice-cold beverages responsibly, and yes, slacking off with wild abandon.
But I digress.
The Affair, admittedly, is not on any of my friends’ must-watch lists.
After all, the show risks being perceived — incorrectly at that — as being too conventional since it doesn’t involve zombies, warriors, or politicians (including the those forced to establish connections with the porcine species).
Starting out with a simple enough storyline — a writer who seeks widespread acclaim and steps into a landmine of lust and ambition — The Affair, in fits and starts, also becomes a murder investigation, a highly-publicized trial, and, ultimately, a reimagination of the truth as seen and acted upon by the leads themselves.
In turn, the narrative expands to take in the motivations of other characters (i.e., a rich abandoned divorcee who gets it on with a surgeon, a daughter who wants to skip college to become a model, and a stubborn detective set on nailing the protagonist).
The Affair is as complex as The Wire with a whiff of Californication without the comedy and its campy stuff. [See: The Wire, Californication]
In short, it is high-quality drama that makes my Netflix subscription more than worth it. And to think that I’m not even done watching the series yet.