Fake (Season 1) series narrates a heartbreaking love story of contemporary times from down under. In this Australian drama, we see the ugly side of modern-day love affairs, where one of the partners is a fraudster.
Birdie Bell (Asher Keddie) and Joe Burt (David Wenham) play the two lovers. This series is based on Stephanie Wood’s “Fake: A Startling True Story of Love in a World of Liars, Cheats, Narcissists, Fantasists and Phonies“.
Fake (Season 1) Depicts Love Is Blind, As It Exposes Modern-Day Love-Scamster
Spoilers Alert:- The summary of Stephanie Woods’s said book
Across the world, women are taught to hope for and even expect to find the man of their dreams, get married, and live happily ever after. In this real-life memoir, Stephanie Wood (Birdie Bell in the series) finds herself in an exhilarating romance with a kind man who owns a farm and property. He seems to be compassionate, honest, and loving, discussing plans with her. As she falls in love, she also becomes increasingly troubled by the elaborate excuses he gives for frequent cancellations and no-shows. This prompts her to question the true nature of this man.
After ending the relationship, Stephanie reactivates her journalistic instincts and exposes a tale of astonishing deceit and manipulation. She discovers that she is not the only one; countless intelligent, confident women have been victimized by dishonest, deceitful, self-absorbed, delusional, and fake men who excel at trickery.
Trailer: Fake (Season 1/2024) Series
Spoiler Free Review: Fake (Season 1/2024) Series
The storyline/plotline/summary/synopsis
Birdie Bell (Asher Keddie), a features writer for a magazine, meets Joe Burt (David Wenham), a successful grazier, on a dating app. Soon, she starts to believe she has finally found her soulmate. However, as their relationship progresses, Birdie struggles with conflicting emotions. She is torn between Joe’s magnetic personality and her growing suspicion that he may not be as genuine as he appears. This drama focuses on the life and the psychology of individuals who have fallen victim to a love scam.
We liked the insightful storyline of this drama
Across the world, women are brought up with the hope, and even the expectation, of finding the man of their dreams, getting married, and living happily ever after. It has a well-written and eye-opening storyline. But quite a few times, we felt a sense of surprise and bewilderment, as the elaborate modus operandi of such con artist unfolded right in front of our eyes. And we could do nothing but watch the game of fake love.
This Aussie series brings to life a timely tale about the so-called LOVE scamster (s) in today’s era. Of late, we have been hearing and reading a lot about the LOVE fraudster (s). More so in a world dominated by digital media and online dating apps. So, it was scary to see an on-screen drama of such a scammer. Strangely, it also reminded us of the recent Ripley (2024) series.
Writers, Directors & Actors have done well
We liked the slow-burning tale by its writer Anya Beyersdorf, as she uses a detailed spider-web-like set-up to explain the catching and hunting of potential prey (s) by the fake lover. The direction by Emma Freeman, Jennifer Leacey and Taylor Ferguson has been good too. Interestingly, Anya, Emma, Jennifer and Taylor have used their feminine touch to give us a perspective of a female victim in this show – Birdie Bell (Asher Keddie).
Some people have rightly claimed that ‘love’ is ‘blind’. After watching this love tale and the action of the protagonist Birdie Bell (Asher Keddie), we have to say that the love is blind and deaf. This is especially true for all those vulnerable (middle-aged) people, who seek love but somehow they end up being exploited psychologically, emotionally, physically and monetarily by swindlers like Joe Burt (David Wenham) in the most cruel manner. Love hurts.
The ensemble cast is led by the lead pair – Asher Keddie (Birdie Bell) and David Wenham (Joe Burt). With their wonderful acting, both Asher and David have brought alive the gripping story of fake love.
We remember watching the talented actress Heather Mitchell in the Love Me (2023) Series, in the past.
The conclusion
This is a fascinating dark love tale about the blind love that hurts people the wrong way. However, it is also about the resilience and fightback of the victim of the fake love. Selfish and manipulative people like Joe, do not stop playing their con games unless they are stopped and punished by society. The ending of the show suggests that there is more to come in the fake love saga of Birdie and Joe. Now, let us wait to see its season 2 soon.
Rating: Fake (Season 1/2024) Series
| FM Rating | 3.75/5 |
Poster: Fake (Season 1/2024) Series
Key Details: Fake (Season 1/2024) Series
| Genre | Drama |
| Original Language | English (Australian) |
| Season | One (1) Season |
| Episodes | Eight (8) Episodes {Released on July 4, 2024} |
| Creator | Anya Beyersdorf |
| Writers | Hyun Lee, Jessica Tuckwell, & Anya Beyersdorf |
| Directors | Jennifer Leacey, Emma Freeman & Taylor Ferguson |
| Cast | Asher Keddie (Birdie Bell), David Wenham (Joe Burt), Heather Mitchell (Margeaux), Nicholas Brown (Anton), Spencer McLaren (Tovey), Ming-Zhu Hii (Kirsty), etc. |
| Taglines | Love can blind you. |
| Network | Paramount+ |
Spoilers Alert: Summary of 8 Episodes
Summary of 8 Episodes of Fake series
First Episode (S1, E1)
Writer Birdie hopes for a love story when she matches with wealthy grazier Joe on a dating app. Despite a bad first date, she doubts her instincts and agrees to a second. As the chemistry escalates, Birdie swiftly starts falling in love.
Second Episode (S1, E2)
Ahead of a trip Birdie shuts down a co-worker’s offer of a background check on Joe. When a family emergency pulls Joe away, he arranges a night at a luxury hotel, but it’s soured by sad news and a glimpse of Joe’s ulterior motives.
Third Episode (S1, E3)
Birdie, guided by her therapist, agrees to host her family on Joe’s boat despite her anxiety. As the day passes without Joe’s arrival, her turbulent romantic past becomes the day’s amusing narrative.
Fourth Episode (S1, E4)
Birdie interviews Tina’s family and learns that she has always been a fantasist. With this in mind, Birdie’s sure she understands Joe, when he makes grandiose promises about a magnificent property he plans to buy for them.
Fifth Episode (S1, E5)
Birdie is elated to attend Anton’s wedding with Joe, but their plans derail when Joe urgently needs funds for a property deposit. With their future hanging in the balance, Birdie rushes to gather the money before the deadline.
Sixth Episode (S1, E6)
Joe raids his family, reunites with his girlfriend Kristy and refuses to sign divorce papers. He negotiates a deal with Allan, faces an altercation at his old school and scrambles to cancel the auction of his family home.
Seventh Episode (S1, E7)
Birdie arrives at the wedding, covering for Joe. Her lies escalate, even when presented with evidence. Edged closer to the singles table, Birdie goes through the motions of speeches, before lashing out at Margeaux.
Eight Episode (S1, E8)
Birdie picks herself up and starts investigating Joe. Through Allan, she discovers his con was never about her, she was a pawn in a scam. Birdie publishes her article, hoping for closure, but finds she’ll now be stuck with Joe forever.
Poster and Featured Image of the Fake (Season 1/2024) Series are credited to Paramount+.