BBC iPlayer audiences are being urged to abandon their plans and watch the eight-episode thriller He Had It Coming "immediately". The relatively unknown Australian drama stars British actress Lydia West, known for Channel 4's Big Mood.
Plot and Cast
West portrays Elise, a socially awkward scholarship student who develops an unexpected friendship with influencer Barbara, played by Liu Bordizzo. Following negative encounters with men, the pair vandalise a statue of their university's male founder during an alcohol-fuelled evening, intending to make a covert political point.
Their act takes a sinister turn when the university's leading athlete is found dead at the base of the statue, implicating them in a murder investigation. As detectives search for the perpetrator, the girls must eliminate evidence linking them to the crime.
Critical Reception
Though British viewers are only now discovering the drama, it debuted last year for Australian audiences and garnered favourable reviews. Women's magazine Mamamia proclaimed it "the best whodunnit in years", with a review stating: "He Had It Coming is the rare show that delivers a fast-paced, twist-filled, genuine murder mystery while simultaneously offering sharp, funny, and utterly unforgettable social commentary on modern gender politics."
Nick Lee, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, commented: "He Had It Coming is a fun, pacey campus whodunnit with a vibrant poke into gender politics. It's deliciously dark, comic and has a very bingeable vibe." An IMDb user remarked: "Great binge series. Keeps you keen and interested. Has lots of twists and turns and thrilling entertainment. However, the worst thing ever is the series ending on a cliffhanger where who knows if there's going to be a season two?"
Broadcast Details
The drama has not yet secured a second series commission. He Had It Coming is available to stream on BBC iPlayer and will begin broadcasting on BBC Three at 11.15pm on Friday, August 14.
