Suranne Jones and Jodie Whittaker star in Frauds, a new six-part drama about two conwomen reuniting for one last heist. Jones plays Roberta (Bert), who is released from prison into the care of her former partner-in-crime Sam (Whittaker) after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. The series, co-created by Jones and Anne-Marie O'Connor, explores themes of friendship, betrayal and love against the backdrop of a meticulously planned art theft.
The story unfolds in the Andalucian hills, where Sam has been living a quiet life, burdened by guilt over a botched job that landed Bert in prison a decade ago. Bert, however, has other plans and gradually reveals her scheme to steal Salvador Dalí's The Great Masturbator from the Museo Reina Sofía. The narrative plays with timelines, showing the heist's set-pieces before explaining how they come together.
The pair recruit a forger with a gambling problem (Elizabeth Berrington) and a ruthless feminist art collector (Kate Fleetwood) to help execute the plan. Their old boss Miss Take (Talisa Garcia), a modern-day Fagin, also looms as a threat. The series balances thrilling caper elements with a deep exploration of a toxic friendship, likened to Bert's cancer in its inescapability.
Jones delivers perhaps her finest performance as the damaged, resentful Bert, while Whittaker provides strong support. The show is praised for its stylish direction, emotional depth and feminist undertones, making it a triumphant piece of entertainment.
