Intruders
Common Sense says
- BBC America
- Drama
- 2014
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Intruders centers on a series of violent murders and mysterious disappearances that involve children and adults alike. Violent acts can be bloody and seriously unsettling, from a teen committing suicide to a young girl intentionally drowning a cat. There's sex, too, although no sensitive parts are shown, and some characters drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes. You'll also hear gateway terms such as "damn" and "hell" but nothing stronger.
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What's the story?
After moving to the Pacific Northwest to leave his past behind him, a former LAPD cop (John Simm) sees his quiet life turned upside down when his wife (Mira Sorvino) disappears without a trace. But the plot thickens when an old friend (Troy Kittles) turns up on his doorstep seeking help with a mysterious murder case, prompting Jack to get involved despite his skepticism. What he finds is a mesmerizing web of clues with sinister overtones and surprising INTRUDERS.
Is it any good?
Sprung from the mind of X-Files writer Glen Morgan, Intruders makes a concerted effort to be creepy, and, in many ways, that thoughtfulness pays off. The series' initial moments are both artful and awful, and the first episode concludes with a well-timed sense of dread. But everything in between is less compelling -- and needlessly confusing -- taking Intruders from a "must-see" to a "maybe."
Simm, a British actor, is more or less believable as an American cop (albeit bearing a nagging resemblance to fellow English actor Martin Freeman), and you instantly relate to him as a likable hero. But the "villains" elicit a far less visceral response, mainly because the series wants to keep their motivations as murky as possible.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about Intruders' depiction of violent acts -- particularly those that involve children -- and the series' intended audience. Is the show appropriate for older teens, and was it even meant for them? How can you tell who's being targeted?
How does the fact that Intruders is an eight-part series (as opposed to traditional U.S. series with much longer runs) affect its structure and pacing? What series length do you prefer?
How does Intruders relate to British author Michael Marshall Smith's The Intruders, the novel upon which it's based? How many creative liberties does the series take with its source material -- and does it matter?
TV details
- Premiere date: August 23, 2014
- Cast: John Simm, James Frain, Tory Kittles
- Network: BBC America
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-14
- Available on: Streaming
- Last updated: March 13, 2020
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
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