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‘Furious’ Review: This Female Killer Hides a Shocking Secret
Hulu’s "Furious": A Beginner’s Guide to the Twisty New Thriller
Important Note: This article is based on a professional TV review. It explains the show’s plot, characters, and themes in simple terms—like you’re hearing about it from a friend over coffee. No spoilers for the big twists!
What Is "Furious"?
Imagine a TV show that looks like a typical "catch the serial killer" story—but quickly turns into something deeper. “Furious” (premiering Monday on Hulu) is exactly that.
- Created by: Elizabeth Meriwether (the mind behind New Girl and Dying for Sex).
- Inspired by: The 1987 movie Black Widow—but only borrows a few names and the core idea of a female killer and the woman hunting her.
- Genre blend: Part police procedural, part relationship drama, part character study.
- Big themes: Abuse, exploitation, love, trauma, and justice.
Meet the Main Characters
The show revolves around four incredible actors playing complicated people. Here’s your cheat sheet:
| Character | Actor | Simple Description |
|---|---|---|
| Catherine | Lola Petticrew | A tiny, chameleon-like woman who wears wigs and uses fake names. She kills people—but not because she’s "crazy." She has a mission. Think: a wounded bird with sharp claws. |
| Alice Black | Emmy Rossum | A former NYPD detective now stuck answering phones at the FBI. Her ex-boyfriend (also a cop) put her in the hospital. She’s tough, messy, and desperate to prove herself. |
| Danny Kelly | Scoot McNairy | Alice’s old partner. He’s the only one who believed her. Warm, loyal, and isolated at work because he backed her up. |
| Nora Washington | Quincy Tyler Bernstine | Alice’s new boss at the FBI. Runs the sex crimes/child crimes unit. Brilliant, cynical, quotes Balzac and Greek myths when drunk. Has a hard edge and a drinking problem. |
Key Insight: The reviewer says Alice is the "hub"—everything spins around her. But Catherine isn’t just a villain; she’s almost a co-protagonist. You understand why she kills, and part of you even roots for her.
The Story (Without Spoilers)
- The Hook: Catherine murders someone in the opening scene. It looks professional, mission-driven.
- The Call: Danny asks Alice to help investigate. She spots a link to an old case—and possibly a sex trafficking ring or a "Jane Doe" cold case.
- The Team-Up: Alice and Danny work under Nora. Jurisdictional fights (police vs. FBI) and office jealousy ensue—classic TV tropes, but done well.
- The Dance: Alice and Catherine circle each other. There’s a strange, emotional connection. Flashbacks reveal Catherine’s horrible past and Alice’s trauma.
- The Twists: Sad ironies, a late gut-punch reveal, and a mission that keeps shifting. The show doesn’t wallow in gore; it focuses on why.
Why It Stands Out: The "Secret Sauce"
The reviewer admits the plot isn’t perfect (some things are predictable, some strain belief). But the acting makes it unmissable.
Performance Power Rankings
- Emmy Rossum (Alice): Attacks the role like a Greek tragedy. (The hair alone makes a statement.)
- Scoot McNairy (Danny): TV’s "most likable actor" brings instant warmth and humanity.
- Lola Petticrew (Catherine): Masters "broken innocence"—manipulative yet deeply sympathetic.
- Quincy Tyler Bernstine (Nora): Takes the "tough boss with a drinking problem" cliché and finds fresh, surprising notes.
Scene Stealers
- Hope Davis: As the sister of a victim (connected to a powerful, shady mogul).
- Steve Way (Alden): A force for good in Catherine’s life and comic relief for us. He has muscular dystrophy, uses a motorized wheelchair, and delivers brilliant physical comedy. (Correction: An earlier version of the review misstated his condition.)
The Good vs. The "Meh"
| What Works | What Doesn’t |
|---|---|
| Four powerhouse lead performances | Plot points you see coming a mile away |
| Deep, messy relationships (not just clues) | Some twists strain credibility |
| Smart themes: abuse, power, trauma, love | Standard "cops vs. FBI" turf wars |
| Direction stays out of the way (Brian Kirk, eps 1-2) | Professional jealousy subplots feel old-school |
| Catherine = killer but NOT the villain |
Summary
“Furious” is a serial killer show that refuses to be just a serial killer show. It uses the "hunt" as a frame to explore damaged people trying to survive, connect, and do something that feels like justice. The plot has bumps, but the acting is elite—especially Rossum, Petticrew, McNairy, and Bernstine. If you love character-driven thrillers with moral gray areas, give it a watch.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Is "Furious" based on a true story?
No. It’s fiction, loosely inspired by the 1987 film Black Widow (which was also fiction). The creator, Elizabeth Meriwether, made it original.
Do I need to watch Black Widow first?
Not at all. The show only keeps a couple of names and the basic "female killer vs. female hunter" dynamic. It’s its own thing.
Is it super gory or scary?
No. The review emphasizes it’s not a horror movie. The killings happen, but the focus is on psychology, relationships, and consequences—not blood or jump scares.
Who is Steve Way, and why is he mentioned?
Steve Way plays Alden, a friend to Catherine. He’s a real-life actor with muscular dystrophy who uses a wheelchair. The reviewer highlights his excellent physical comedy and how he brings warmth/humor. (The article originally had a correction about his condition.)
When and where can I watch it?
Premieres Monday on Hulu. All episodes may drop at once or weekly—check Hulu’s schedule.
Final Thought: Sometimes the best mysteries aren’t about whodunit—they’re about whydunit and who gets hurt along the way. "Furious" seems to get that.
