8.0
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The Fear fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, emotionally cool.
Energy
Brutally violent and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
- Violence9
- Adrenaline8
- Tension8
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Pathos5
- Catharsis5
- Family Dynamics5
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor3
- Situational Comedy0
World
Crime, everyday modern life, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Intrigue8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighBrutally violent and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
The Fear is brutally violent, thrilling, and tense.
All energy traits
- Violence9Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline8High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
All heart traits
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumCrime, everyday modern life, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around crime, everyday modern life, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Crime10Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Historical5Period settings and real events.
Craft
HighSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
| Season | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 3 not rated |
| Episode | |
|---|---|
| Episode 1 | |
| Episode 2 | |
| Episode 3 | Episode 3 not rated |
| Episode 4 | |
| Episode 5 |
About
The Fear is a five-part television drama produced by Thames Television subsidiary Euston Films for ITV. Broadcast from 17 February to 16 March 1988, the serial follows Carl Galton, the enterprising leader of a criminal gang running a protection racket in North London. Young and ambitious, Galton represents a new breed of criminal who seeks to expand his underworld empire and takes on the old East End firms. 1980s materialism clashes with old school London villainy as Galton rises to power, yet his ruthlessness carries a personal cost, especially on his wife Linda and best friend Marty.
Gritty Crime DramaGangland Power StrugglesAmbitious ProtagonistUrban UnderworldIntense & ViolentMoral DecayPeriod Crime ThrillerCharacter-DrivenBleak Realism
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Fear
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Fear worth watching?
65
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 65/100 (IMDb 8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Fear rated?
ViolenceStrong languageDrug use
Content advisories: violence, strong language, and drug use.
How many seasons does The Fear have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 5 episodes of about 60 minutes each.
When did The Fear air?
S1
It ran from 1988 to 1988 and has ended.
What language is The Fear in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.