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‘Furious’ Review: This Female Killer Shatters Every Trope
Hulu’s "Furious": A Serial Killer Show That’s Really About Relationships
What Is "Furious"?
Furious is a new TV series that premiered on Hulu. At first glance, it looks like a typical serial killer thriller — a person killing multiple victims. But don’t let that fool you! This show is actually much more about human relationships, trauma, and justice than it is about the murders themselves.
Important Point
Think of it like this: If most serial killer shows are like Criminal Minds (focused on catching the bad guy), Furious is more like a drama about why people do what they do and how they connect with each other.
Who Made This Show?
- Creator: Elizabeth Meriwether (she also made New Girl and Dying for Sex)
- Inspired by: The 1987 movie Black Widow (but only borrows a few basic ideas)
- Directors: Brian Kirk directed the first two episodes
Meet the Main Characters
1. Catherine (played by Lola Petticrew) — The Killer with a Mission
- Not your typical villain: She doesn’t kill because she has to (compulsion) — she kills for a specific reason (a mission)
- Master of disguise: Uses wigs and fake names to hide in plain sight
- Complex character: You’ll find yourself strangely rooting for her, even though she’s a murderer
- Tragic backstory: Had a terrible life that explains (but doesn’t excuse) her actions
2. Alice Black (played by Emmy Rossum) — The Hunter
- Former NYPD detective: Now stuck answering phones at the FBI
- Got pushed out: Her police boyfriend (Marshall, played by Jake Lacy) put her in the hospital, and when she reported it, her colleagues turned against her
- Damaged but determined: Has her own trauma, arranges violent dates, but is brilliant at her job
- The emotional center: Everything in the show revolves around her
3. Danny Kelly (played by Scoot McNairy) — The Loyal Friend
- Alice’s only ally: He believed her when no one else did
- Warm and human: Brings heart to the show
- Asks Alice for help: On a case that connects to Catherine
4. Nora Washington (played by Quincy Tyler Bernstine) — The Tough Boss
- Runs the FBI unit Alice wants to join
- Hard exterior, hidden depths: Drinks, quotes famous writers (Balzac, Beckett), tells Greek myths
- Mentor figure: Has important lessons for Alice
What’s the Story About?
Without spoilers, here’s the setup:
- Opening scene: We see Catherine commit a murder
- The connection: Danny notices this murder looks like an older case
- The investigation: Alice gets pulled in to help — she thinks it might involve sex trafficking or a cold case (a "Jane Doe" — an unidentified victim)
- The chase begins: Alice and Catherine start circling each other, but there’s a strange emotional pull between them
- Deeper themes emerge: Abuse, exploitation, power, and what "justice" really means
Why This Show Stands Out
The Good Stuff
| Element | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Acting | All four leads give incredible, layered performances |
| Character depth | No one is just "good" or "bad" — everyone is complicated |
| Themes | Tackles abuse, trauma, and systemic failure honestly |
| Pacing | Crisp direction that lets actors shine |
| Supporting cast | Hope Davis and Steve Way (as Alden, Catherine’s friend) add warmth and humor |
Important Point
Steve Way, who plays Alden, has muscular dystrophy and uses a motorized wheelchair. His character brings genuine humor and humanity — not "inspiration porn," just a real person being funny and kind.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
- Some predictable twists: You might see certain reveals coming
- Stretched credibility: A few plot points require "TV logic" to work
- Familiar tropes: Police vs. FBI turf wars, office jealousy — seen these before
What Makes the Performances Special
- Emmy Rossum (Alice): Acts like she’s in a Greek tragedy — intense, raw, committed
- Scoot McNairy (Danny): One of TV’s most naturally likable actors — brings instant warmth
- Lola Petticrew (Catherine): Balances manipulative fox with wounded bird perfectly
- Quincy Tyler Bernstine (Nora): Takes a "tough boss" cliché and finds fresh, surprising notes
Summary
Furious is a show that looks like a serial killer thriller but feels like a character study. It uses the cat-and-mouse game between a killer and a detective to explore:
- How trauma shapes us
- How systems (police, FBI) fail victims
- The blurry line between justice and revenge
- Unexpected connections between damaged people
Bottom line: Come for the mystery, stay for the acting and emotional honesty. It’s not perfect, but it’s compelling, well-acted, and thoughtful — a cut above typical crime TV.
FAQ
Is this show very violent/graphic?
The show deals with murder and abuse, but it doesn’t wallow in gore. The violence serves the story, not shock value. If you’re sensitive to themes of domestic violence or trafficking, proceed with care.
Do I need to have seen the 1987 movie Black Widow?
Not at all! The show only borrows a few surface elements (names, female killer + female hunter dynamic). It’s its own complete story.
How many episodes are there?
The review doesn’t specify the episode count, but as a limited series on Hulu, it’s likely 6–8 episodes total.
Is the ending satisfying?
The review mentions an "upsetting late twist" but says the show doesn’t wallow in it. Without spoilers: expect a conclusion that’s emotionally complex rather than neatly tied with a bow.
Who would like this show?
You’ll probably enjoy Furious if you like:
- Character-driven dramas (Mare of Easttown, Broadchurch)
- Complex female leads (Killing Eve, The Fall)
- Shows about systemic failure (The Wire, Unbelievable)
- Great acting over twisty plots
