When I first heard about He Had It Coming, the new comedy-drama and murder mystery acquired by the BBC, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of intrigue and skepticism. On the surface, it’s a classic whodunnit with a feminist twist, but what makes this particularly fascinating is how it blends dark humor, activism, and a murder mystery into a single narrative. Personally, I think this combination is bold—almost daring—especially in today’s cultural climate where gender politics are both hyper-visible and deeply contentious. The show doesn’t just dip its toes into these waters; it dives headfirst, and that’s what makes it worth discussing.
The Unlikely Alliance at the Heart of the Story
At the center of He Had It Coming is the unlikely duo of Elise (Lydia West) and Barbara (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), two women whose paths cross in the most chaotic way possible. Elise, an awkward British scholarship student, and Barbara, a fashion influencer, are hardly the poster children for feminist solidarity—and that’s precisely the point. What many people don’t realize is that the most compelling stories about activism often come from flawed, relatable characters rather than idealized heroes. Their drunken decision to deface a statue of the university’s male founder is both impulsive and symbolic, a reminder that activism doesn’t always start with grand intentions. It’s messy, spontaneous, and often born out of frustration.
When Art Activism Meets Murder
Here’s where the show takes a sharp turn: the girls wake up to find a murdered athlete at the foot of their vandalized statue. This isn’t just a plot twist; it’s a commentary on how movements can be co-opted, distorted, or even weaponized. From my perspective, this raises a deeper question: Can activism ever truly control its own narrative? The killer’s decision to use their feminist statement as a backdrop for murder is chilling, but it also forces us to consider how easily intentions can be misconstrued. It’s a detail that I find especially interesting—the show isn’t afraid to complicate its own message, and that’s rare in today’s black-and-white discourse.
Gender Politics on Campus: A Microcosm of Society
The university setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. Campuses are often seen as microcosms of society, and He Had It Coming leans into this by exploring rising gender tensions. What this really suggests is that the show isn’t just about solving a murder—it’s about dissecting the power dynamics that make such a crime possible. Detective Shepherd (Liv Hewson) adds another layer to this, as her investigation becomes a metaphor for the scrutiny activists often face. If you take a step back and think about it, the show is asking us to consider who gets to tell the story of a movement and at what cost.
The Bingeable Factor and Its Broader Appeal
Nick Lee, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, describes the series as ‘deliciously dark, comic, and very bingeable.’ While I agree with the first two, the ‘bingeable’ label is what I’m most curious about. In an era where audiences are drowning in content, what makes a show truly binge-worthy? Personally, I think it’s the balance between tension and release—the show’s pacing and its ability to keep you guessing. But what’s more intriguing is how it manages to be entertaining without sacrificing its thematic depth. It’s not just a murder mystery; it’s a conversation starter, and that’s what will likely keep viewers hooked.
The Creators and Their Vision
Created by Gretel Vella and Craig Anderson, with a team of writers and directors who’ve worked on everything from Totally Completely Fine to The Good Doctor, He Had It Coming feels like a culmination of diverse perspectives. One thing that immediately stands out is the show’s willingness to take risks. It doesn’t shy away from humor in the face of darkness, nor does it simplify complex issues. This isn’t just a show about a murder; it’s a show about the chaos of trying to make a difference in a world that often resists change. What this really suggests is that the creators understand the power of storytelling to challenge, entertain, and provoke—all at once.
Final Thoughts: A Show That Demands Reflection
As I reflect on He Had It Coming, I’m struck by how it manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s not perfect—no show is—but its imperfections feel intentional, like part of its charm. What many people might miss is that the show isn’t just critiquing gender politics; it’s critiquing the very nature of activism and accountability. If you take a step back and think about it, the real mystery isn’t who the killer is—it’s whether the characters (and by extension, we as viewers) can reconcile their ideals with their actions. That’s the kind of storytelling that stays with you long after the credits roll.
