Linda Cardellini and Christina Applegate in Dead to Me. Image courtesy of Netflix.
The plotting is fairly workmanlike and straightforward, leaning into soapy tropes. Each episode doles out a reveal that is supposed to keep us interested, but plays like a game of building blocks. However, the acting of Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini is so good, the chemistry so good, that it single-highhandedly elevates the show and keeps you wanting to watch it. Does it treat the messy, conflicting emotions of post-tragedy coping with honesty? Yeah, I’d say that is does. Clunky plotting, but good writing, whip-smart acting and a realistic little dive into what a sudden death might do to an unhappy marriage made it a compelling show. I doubt I would want to watch Season 2 though.