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Betrayal
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Bland soap opera features sexual situations and violence.
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Based on 4 parent reviews
Very good
Be patient, it wont be a good show if the climax coming too soon
What's the Story?
Based on a popular Dutch TV show, BETRAYAL is a dramatic series starring Hannah Ware as Sara Hanley, a professional photographer who is seemingly happily married to high-profile Chicago prosecutor Drew Stafford (Chris Johnson). Sparks fly when she meets Jack McAllister (Stuart Townsend), who serves as in-house counsel for corrupt entrepreneur Thatcher Karsten (played by James Cromwell). As Sara and Jack sort out their feelings for each other, Jack's wife Elaine (Wendy Moniz), who just happens to be Karsten's daughter, is building her own café business while trying to distance herself from her shady father. Things get even more complicated when McAllister acts as the defense attorney for Thatcher's mentally challenged son T.J. (Henry Thomas), who is facing a murder investigation headed up by Stafford.
Is It Any Good?
Thanks to the flawed -- but somewhat likable -- ensemble cast, Betrayal offers enough compelling narratives to create a knotty soap opera world in which (not surprisingly) infidelity, murder, and mystery are central themes. Also adding to the show's appeal are some titillating moments designed to push the edge of suitable content for prime-time network television.
Despite the edgy content, the show is a bit bland thanks to its failure to offer characters and stories that are particularly unique or clever. It's enough to satisfy folks looking for a simple guilty pleasure, but for those looking for a more interesting and sophisticated drama, Betrayal will simply be forgettable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the characteristics of a TV soap opera. What makes them different from other dramatic programs? Is it the cast members? The story lines?
What are some of the differences between the content that is shown on American TV versus shows from other countries? For example, why are some countries comfortable with featuring nudity, sexual activity, and strong language on their local programs but not violent images?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 29, 2013
- Cast: Chris Johnson , Hannah Ware , Stuart Townsend
- Network: ABC
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: September 2, 2023
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