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Paul Mescal has swiftly become a familiar face in the entertainment world, thanks to his remarkable transformation for “Gladiator II” and his standout portrayal of William Shakespeare in “Hamnet.” While Mescal is widely recognized for his cinematic endeavors, his television work also deserves attention, particularly his role in the gripping miniseries “The Deceived.” Unfortunately for his American fans, this series isn’t available in the United States but can be streamed for free in the UK.
“The Deceived” unfolds the mystery surrounding Ophelia, played by Emilie Reid, who becomes entangled with Michael, a married professor portrayed by Emmett J. Scanlan. As Michael disappears, Ophelia embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about his wife’s fate. Spanning four episodes, the series is rife with unexpected twists. Although Mescal’s character, Sean, doesn’t take center stage, his presence is undeniably magnetic, as noted by The Irish Times, which described him as “charismatic” despite his smaller role in the intricately woven plot. The series made its debut on Channel 5 in the UK in 2020.
Mescal’s breakout moment came earlier in 2020 with “Normal People,” a drama miniseries adapted from Sally Rooney’s acclaimed novel. In the series, Mescal portrays Connell Waldron, a well-liked high school athlete who navigates a clandestine romance with Marianne, played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, the daughter of his family’s housekeeper. Their relationship faces numerous challenges as they transition to university life, ultimately leading to a satisfying resolution.
“Normal People” was lauded for its faithful adaptation of the novel’s often intense and unsettling themes, especially as it delves into Connell’s personal struggles and Marianne’s encounters with manipulative partners. The performances of Mescal and Edgar-Jones received widespread acclaim, propelling both actors into the limelight.
Paul Mescal’s other 2020 miniseries overshadowed The Deceived
Hulu/Enda Bowe
While “The Deceived” premiered in late summer 2020, “Normal People” was released in April, during a time when global audiences were largely confined indoors. Despite this, “The Deceived” did not reach U.S. audiences, unlike “Normal People,” which was accessible on Hulu, BBC’s Channel Three, and Ireland’s RTÉ One. Consequently, “The Deceived” failed to capture the same level of attention despite Mescal’s rising star, leaving American fans eager to explore his expanding body of work.
“Normal People” received acclaim for how well it captured the tone of the book, which at times can feel bleak and unnerving, particularly as Connell works through different events in his personal life and Marianne becomes involved with controlling men. Mescal and Edgar-Jones’s performances were praised, with the miniseries being widely credited for catapulting both of their careers.
“The Deceived” came out in late summer 2020, while “Normal People” was an April release, benefiting from a quarantined audience. Even then, U.S. viewers had no way to watch “The Deceived,” while “Normal People” was simultaneously on Hulu, BBC’s Channel Three, and Ireland’s RTÉ One. Despite having more eyes on him, “The Deceived” was overshadowed, and now isn’t available for those in the United States who want to dive into Mescal’s growing filmography.