The Affair

:

Season 5
  • Network: SHOWTIME
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 12, 2014
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
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Critic Reviews

  1. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Amanda Bell
    Aug 27, 2019
    80
    The central character list might be a bit slimmer, but the suffering is still the same in The Affair's fifth and final season.
  2. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Hank Stuever
    Aug 23, 2019
    80
    The first three episodes, made available for this review, are fine as they are, even if the loss of two of the show’s best characters and cast members (Ruth Wilson as Alison Bailey and Joshua Jackson as Cole Lockhart) is difficult to overcome. ... Yet, to be entirely honest, I’d probably follow these characters (even Whitney) for an indefinite number of seasons — partly because of the sucker that I am, but also because “The Affair” can never be completely considered down for the count.
  3. Paste Magazine
    Reviewed by: Liz Shannon Miller
    Aug 21, 2019
    80
    Paquin’s performance fits perfectly into the show’s emotionally raw vibe. ... The only true thing this show believes in: there is no such thing as the truth. It’s an undercurrent which can sweep you away into an ocean of uncertainty; hopefully, this final season of The Affair finds a way to remain true to that ethos, while also delivering an ending that may not reveal all, but still proves satisfying. Based on the first three episodes, that possibility is real.
  5. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Jen Chaney
    Aug 22, 2019
    70
    Tierney’s performance as Helen is what really anchors this season and makes it as watchable as it is. ... Paquin’s portrayal of Joanie is enigmatic, but that seems deliberate. ... What purpose does she serve within the broader context of this series? What exactly does she know about her parents and, specifically, about how her mother died? It’s unclear after three episodes.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17
  1. OlivierPiel
    Sep 3, 2019
    2
    77 rating by "professional" critics. That is impressive for a soap opera riddled with ridiculous ex-machina plot twists and so many deaths of77 rating by "professional" critics. That is impressive for a soap opera riddled with ridiculous ex-machina plot twists and so many deaths of 40 year old characters that you would think the average life expectancy in America is about the same as in ancient Rome. Its one trick, viewing the same scene now from 3 or 4 different perspectives, has become as nuanced as the upper and lower parts of a Rothko painting, without sadly the corresponding artistic value.
    77 can be explained: The writers have ceremoniously peppered the show with all the PC clichés that prevent any critic to issue a negative opinion.
    Only the acting of the two main characters deserve recognition. I just hope for their sake that the boozing on the show is real and helps them get through the day to their paycheck.    … Full Review »
  2. asmanraj
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    I really miss Alison and Cole. However, their departure may be a blessing in disguise, since Anna Paquin has joined to show to play an adultI really miss Alison and Cole. However, their departure may be a blessing in disguise, since Anna Paquin has joined to show to play an adult Joanie, and Joanie is this season's most intriguing character. Moreover, The Affair has now become the most important scripted show on TV, because it shows how Montauk becomes ravaged in the near future as a result of humans not taking action against anthropogenic climate change. (Another recent drama that takes place in the near future, HBO's Years and Years, ignored the effects of anthropogenic climate change to focus on political chaos.) It is delusional to think Montauk will stay the way it is now if we don't take action against anthropogenic climate change.… Full Review »
  3. AMC4x4
    Nov 13, 2019
    9
    I didn't know how this show was going to continue without Allison, but I should have had faith in the showrunners and writers of this intenseI didn't know how this show was going to continue without Allison, but I should have had faith in the showrunners and writers of this intense show. There are so many topics covered in this season - from questions surrounding redemption, to the complexities of long-term relationships, to the fear of raising children in a world that's dying. I haven't read all the reviews here, but I haven't seen any callouts for Emily Browning, who deserves some special mention especially for episode five of this season. As I write this, series co-creator Sarah Treem just signed an overall deal with Fox 21 Television. Can't wait to see what she does next.… Full Review »
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