ITV audiences have expressed dissatisfaction with the broadcaster's newest programme, The Party, which premiered on Sunday evening (October 11). The opening instalment stars Luke Evans as Martin Gilmour, alongside Sarah Solemani as his expectant wife Lucy Farni.
It quickly became apparent that Martin was indifferent towards her, making disparaging comments while they prepared to attend Ben Fitzmaurice's (Tom Cullen) birthday celebration. The ITV series presents viewers with multiple timelines, including the present day following an incident at the party, with Martin bloodied and being questioned at a police station.
Viewers share confusion and complaints
A separate timeline depicts the evening of the party itself and the events leading up to what occurred, while flashbacks show Martin and Ben's schooldays, where they initially met after Martin secured a scholarship to an exclusive boarding school.
Before long, viewers began sharing their opinions on the new ITV drama, with many expressing similar concerns. One person wrote on X: "This is SO confusing." Another remarked: "#theparty another bloomin drama, backwards and forwards." Someone else stated: "Gave up after 30 mins #TheParty"
Graphic scene prompts viewers to switch off
In a separate scene, a flashback showed young Ben and Martin pheasant shooting with Ben's family. When Martin successfully brought one down and went to inspect it, he brutally killed it by striking it against the ground repeatedly, prompting viewers to switch channels.
One viewer remarked: "Did not like that #TheParty" while another stated: "Me neither, I'm off." A third person observed: "Not for me anymore. That was totally unnecessary." Another responded: "Was horrible wasn't it?"
Mixed reactions and star's hopes
However, not everyone shares the same view, as one viewer declared: "I'm hooked already... Great first episode, got my attention straight away. I'm going to love this one." Another enthused: "Just finished binge watching #theparty best thing I've seen in ages!"
When questioned about his expectations for audience reaction to the ITV programme, actor Luke Evans commented: "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.
