TV fans are completely hooked after just one episode of ‘superb' thriller
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A twisty new Channel 5 thriller has been hailed as a 'sheer joy to watch' by viewers.
The Game tells the story of Huw Miller (Jason Watkins), a retired police detective still haunted by the one case he failed to solve – a stalker who taunted his town, mercilessly toying with his victims before eventually killing them.
When new neighbour Patrick Harbottle (Robson Green) moves in and utters the chilling phrase 'catch you later' – the sign off the stalker used to taunt Huw during the investigation – Huw is determined he's finally got his man.
What follows is a high-stakes game of psychological chess between the two neighbours as Huw's world begins to crumble around him.
On X, viewers hailed The Game as 'superb' after watching the first episode last night.
Among them is @terrettcorey, who said: 'Really enjoyed #TheGame on Channel 5. Tense, twisty and thrilling. Robson Green still has it.'
Echoing their sentiment, @Johnboy_Cook wrote: 'Jason Watkins is just superb in everything. #TheGame.'
@DebbieBlackma14 commented: 'I already love the premise of it. Hooked already #TheGame.'
@SouthernCazza1 also added: '#TheGame is going to be a sheer joy to watch. A stellar cast and a storyline that's already sucking us in and it's not even begun yet! Pure kudos.'
However, not everyone was sold on The Game, including @CheNirvana, who said: 'Channel 5 drama team seem to be obsessed with paranoid neighbours and voyeurism. We had the partner swapping one a while back .. then the magpies one with Jill Halfpenny the other week .. Now an ex-cop with a thorn in his side. How about a new idea? Shake things up. #TheGame.'
@Invisible_Lady1 commented: 'Another @channel5 drama that we'll all pick holes in on X but will be hooked until the end. #TheGame.'
@sajamor added: '#thegame I might go back if I read a review which shows this first episode's got better. So far it's been a real bore with the only likeable character being killed off. Perhaps he had the right idea sparing himself any more of life in that road!.'
Speaking about The Game, Robson, 60, described the cat and mouse thriller as 'an unforgettable journey.'
He said: 'The psychological thriller aspect of the story promises to be a gripping ride, and I can't wait to dive into the cat-and-mouse dynamics that [screenwriter] Tom Grieves has crafted. It's going to be an unforgettable journey.'
The Game is not the only Channel 5 thriller to have gripped viewers.
They admitted they were afraid of approaching their neighbours after watching the suburbia crime drama The Feud.
Starring Jill Halfpenny and Rupert Penry-Jones as couple Emma and John, the five-parter follows their idyllic family life — which implodes after they decide to add a kitchen extension to their home.
Emma and John's once friendly neighbours, including Sonia (Amy Nuttall), Alan (Ray Fearon) and Barbara (Tessa Peake-Jones), turn nasty when their planning application is submitted, setting in motion events that have dark consequences for the entire neighbourhood.
The synopsis adds: 'Laced with menace, The Feud reveals how Emma's aspirational dream turns sharply into obsession, paranoia, and fear.' More Trending
On X, viewers said The Feud had made them think twice about their own living arrangements.
Among them was @KathrynAnneTM, who said: 'This is why you should never get to pally with your neighbours #TheFeud'
@StevenRoutledg7 added: 'Is suburbia always this ghastly #thefeud.'
The Game continues tonight on Channel 5 at 9pm.
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MORE: Jo Joyner: 'People think my TV thriller is the new Big Little Lies – I'm flattered'
MORE: 'Compelling' thriller lands 100% Rotten Tomatoes score after two-year wait for season 2
MORE: All 8 episodes of 'exceptional' thriller finally dropping on streamer for free
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