As a long-time fan of both Dexter and darker, thought-provoking television shows, I must say that Sweetpea has certainly piqued my interest. From what I’ve gathered from the descriptions, it seems to be a compelling exploration of female empowerment and trauma through the lens of a morally ambiguous protagonist – much like Dexter before it.
As a movie enthusiast, I eagerly awaited the premiere of “Sweetpea” – a dark comedy-drama that graced our screens on Sky Atlantic on October 10, 2024. This series, starring the talented Ella Purnell, who’s famously known for her roles in ‘Fallout’ on Prime Video and ‘Yellowjackets’ on Showtime, has generated quite a buzz. In this gripping tale, Purnell plays Rhiannon, a tormented soul pushed to the brink, transforming into a cold-blooded killer.
How Rhiannon in Sweetpea Connects to Dexter
In the novel “Sweetpea“, Rhiannon’s story unfolds. She’s a timid young woman working in an office where she’s often overlooked and mistreated. People around her, from her family members to strangers on the street, seem to ignore her presence. However, her father is the one person who acknowledges her, offering friendship and support. When tragedy strikes with her father’s passing, her dog getting hit by a car, and her old high school tormentor returning, it proves to be more than she can bear.
In an unexpected turn of events, after a contentious encounter with her old tormentor doesn’t go as anticipated, Rhiannon commits a heinous act – she cold-bloodedly kills an unsuspecting man, disposes of the body, and then returns home in shock over her own actions. Yet, there’s a strange sense of pride within her for asserting herself.
Characters similar to Rhiannon in the TV show and the CJ Skuse novel share a common trait: they maintain professional facades while harboring dark secrets. Just like Dexter Morgan from “Dexter,” who hid his identity as a serial killer behind a friendly demeanor at work, Rhiannon also attempts to keep up appearances by being cordial with colleagues despite their indifference.
In a roundabout way, both Dexter and Rhiannon conceal their inner turmoil, a turmoil born from the loss of a parent during their childhood. For Dexter, it was the brutal murder of his mother when he was merely an infant. Similarly, they each employ their professions to cater to a peculiar pastime:
The Differences Between the Two Killers
To put it differently, their reasons for behaving as they do vary greatly. Rhiannon yearns for human interaction; she seeks love, acknowledgement, appreciation, and understanding. Conversely, Dexter went to great lengths to avoid drawing attention. He participated in social events such as parties and bowling leagues merely to maintain appearances and conceal his identity as a heartless murderer. Rhiannon might eventually develop similar tendencies, but at first, she genuinely seeks the limelight.
The methods of their killings differ, but both Dexter and Rhiannon are individuals who take lives. Dexter, a self-proclaimed vigilante, targets criminals he perceives as undesirable, such as rapists and child abusers. On the other hand, Rhiannon seems to strike out when provoked or when she feels wronged, acting more impulsively than methodically. Her killings often stem from personal issues and can be messy due to her emotional state, while loneliness may also play a role in her actions. Dexter, however, is calculated, maintaining a clean and orderly approach to murder, and deep down, he feels compelled to kill, a need his father helped him channel for what he believes is the greater good. Both characters employ self-talk to rationalize their actions, assuring themselves that they are doing what’s right or necessary in a given situation.
She’s the Female Dexter Because of How She Makes You Feel
Is Sweetpea more similar to the character of Dexter in terms of how viewers connect with them? While both characters deal with complex themes such as empowerment and trauma, Sweetpea tackles these issues from a unique female perspective, presenting a different kind of internal struggle that Dexter cannot escape. The show has been described as a fusion between “Dexter” and “Fleabag”, referencing the British series about a strong-willed, confused woman living in London. Unlike Dexter, Sweetpea does not kill out of necessity but because of her anger.
Purnell’s remarks to Cinemablend also bring to mind the TV series Dexter, as she points out that viewers sympathize with Rhiannon not just through her words and feelings, but also her reasons, even though they don’t condone her actions. This is similar to how fans feel about Dexter. Many people didn’t approve of his methods – hunting down individuals, drugging them, dissecting them on a table, murdering them, cutting up their bodies, and disposing of the remains in the ocean. However, Dexter remains an appealing character who seldom (or never) deviated from his personal “code.” He targeted people who committed heinous acts and circumvented the law, essentially keeping the streets clean and indirectly saving lives.
Just as viewers find themselves cheering for Rhiannon, they empathize with her suffering. Over the years, she’s been subjected to terrible treatment, and now she’s getting a chance for revenge. As she brutally murders an innocent man who disrespected her, viewers can’t help but cheer, their fists raised in solidarity. Despite acknowledging that her actions are heinous and unimaginable, a part of them sympathizes, thinking, “How much can one person endure?” A tiny piece of them feels a sense of pride. (Purnell’s quote is slightly adjusted for clarity.)
Both series delve into the lives of killers who blend seamlessly into society, making it almost unthinkable that they could be the perpetrators of such horrific crimes. This underscores the notion that individuals who may appear insignificant or quiet, like the man in the corner meticulously examining blood trails or the young woman constantly sorting mail and answering calls, should raise suspicion because they might unexpectedly prove to be quite formidable.
When to Watch Sweetpea
For the debut season of Sweetpea, there will be a total of six episodes, each airing weekly in North America starting October 10, 2024. The premiere episode was released first, followed by subsequent episodes that are broadcast every Friday night at 10 p.m. The series, which Purnell describes as a “coming-of-rage” tale, has garnered an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics particularly admiring Purnell’s acting performance.
Sweetpea and Dexter may not share the same level of complexity, nor does their gender-swapped narratives closely resemble each other beyond the shared theme of a murderer concealing themselves among everyday people. However, an intriguing commonality between these characters is that viewers find themselves subtly cheering them on, albeit with a sense of unease and discomfort, as they engage in heinous acts.
Stream Sweetpea on Starz.
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2024-10-17 01:01