ITV viewers were quick to share their thoughts on the first episode of The Party, with many saying the same thing as the drama aired on Sunday night (October 11).
The five-part series opened with Luke Evans as Martin Gilmour alongside his pregnant wife Lucy Farni, played by Sarah Solemani. However, it was clear Martin was indifferent to her as he made some rude remarks as they prepared to head to Ben Fitzmaurice's (Tom Cullen) birthday.
Confusing Timelines
Throughout the series, viewers will see various timelines unfold, including the present time, after an incident happens at the party, with Martin in the police station, covered in blood. Another timeline includes the night of the party and the build-up to what happened, while there are also flashbacks to Martin and Ben's time at school, where they first met, after Martin won a scholarship to attend an elite boarding school.
However, it wasn't long before people watching shared their thoughts on the new ITV drama, with many saying the same thing. One person on X said: "This is SO confusing." Another person commented: "#theparty another bloomin drama, backwards and forwards." With someone else saying: "Gave up after 30 mins #TheParty"
Graphic Scene Sparks Backlash
In another scene, a flashback saw a young Ben and Martin pheasant shooting with Ben's family. Although when Martin successfully got one down and went to check on it, he brutally killed it by hitting it on the floor many times, causing people to turn over.
One person said: "Did not like that #TheParty" As another added: "Me neither, I'm off." Someone else commented: "Not for me anymore. That was totally unnecessary." While someone replied: "Was horrible wasn't it?"
Although it doesn't seem like everyone has the same thoughts as one person said: "I'm hooked already... Great first episode, got my attention straight away. I'm going to love this one." As someone else shared: "Just finished binge watching #theparty best thing I've seen in ages!"
Luke Evans on Audience Response
When asked how he hopes people will respond to the ITV show, actor Luke Evans said: "I think they will be fascinated by it and be desperate to tune in for the next episode."
"It's very intriguing. We never leave you with all the answers. That's a great way of writing an episodic drama where you don't answer every single question early on."
"You feed people the information as you go along, and I think that's really interesting. But also, I think it is a riveting story about the need to be wanted, and the need to be accepted, but also the question of how far would you go?"
"What would you sacrifice for somebody? The tragedy of Martin's life is that he wastes so much time focusing on the wrong things, hurting himself and other people in the process. But above all, I want people to thoroughly enjoy it. The Party is something that really grips you. It's like a speeding train and a roller coaster in one!"
The Party is available to watch on ITVX.
