It's almost a cliché in crime dramas that the lead detective has some sort of a tragic flaw - they're an alcoholic, they're struggling with past demons, they have an unresolved murder in their own family. With Mare of Easttown the story isn't just about that one character and what they endure. It's about an entire community.

Some regions of Pennsylvania struggle against immense poverty coupled with sky-high addiction rates. There's a number of factors which converge to cause this, and the end result is families pulled apart, children left without parents, and a endemic sense of despair. It's not just one generation afflicted with this shadow. Generation after generation after generation gets stuck in the mire.

We see this first-hand in Mare of Easttown. The community members know each other intimately; their lives interweave and snake underneath each other. Sisters reach their breaking point with brothers. Parents struggle to help their kids escape the trap. All the usual challenges of growing up and finding your way are exacerbated when drugs are within easy reach and home is somewhere to flee from.

It's fair to say this isn't a "happy show". It's a realistic view into the depths of how a community of people scrape by day after day. For a portion of watchers who are looking for sitcom-style escapism, this show is definitely NOT that. But for the people who are looking for a story of how a community, even in dark times, can find a way to draw together and lean on each other, Mare of Easttown provides that stretched-out hand. Addiction is real and insanely powerful. It rakes through lives like a scythe. Despair and depression can make facing a new day seem near impossible. It can be easy to lose all hope. But if one can nurture precious connections with family and friends, and persevere against the dark, there is a light out there.

Highly recommended.

I like Kate Winslet but I was very disappointed when, around the 3rd episode, it became clear this was going to be yet another procedural where the victims are young women who are sexually brutalized and killed. Old trope. Can’t writers come up with something more interesting or is this kind of violence against women such irresistible entertainment? Sheesh, come up with a new storyline already.

The story line is riveting. I felt like I was right there at the kitchen table working through the feels with them. In all seriousness, great writing, great acting.

Kate Winslet is a tour de force. Her portrayal of Mare is believable and she mesmerizing. The story is full of twists and turns and her character is so flawed and yet so sympathetic that one can't help but fall in love with her. She is fearless is exposing herself. Bravo. Love the location - for anyone who knows the Delaware County area west of Philly, each episode is a treat as are the accents, the bravado and the mannerisms. Loved it!

I loved this. Winslet is excellent, as are the whole cast. There are many twists and turns. Near the end when I discovered who is really responsible for the whole mess, I was really pissed at the perpetrator! That person hurt so many lives with stupid decisions. Ultimately it’s a devastating ending. Well done series!

We have a family friend who is a lady cop with more than a passing resemblance to Mare of Easttown. Her life is not so horrible as Mare’s but it is still kind of spooky for us to watch. Kate Winslet absolutely owns the role and not only captures the time and place perfectly, she’s completely into the mind of her character. Our friend has had a few weeks in her career like Mare’s days, but given some dramatic license it is pretty realistic. It is also quite downbeat and adult in tone so if you are looking for an episode of Monk this isn’t it. Excellent series though. I hope there will be a second season.

Rarely pay extra for video content but this was worth every penny. Just sorry I've finished it. Hope there will be a 2nd season!

I enjoy most of my purchases from Amazon Prime. I did not complete my recent purchase of the first series of Mare of Easttown. It is too risque for my liking. I should have rented only one episode.