I have had this series on my hard drive for about two months now and last Sunday, I finally decided to watch it. I was a bit sceptical, especially because I was afraid the plot would be a bad re-make of White Collar and anyone who has watched White Collar knows Neal Caffrey did no wrong. But with nothing to do on a Sunday afternoon, I decided ‘why not? What’s the worst that could happen really?’
Deception is a story of a magician who helps the FBI solve crimes, so that they, in turn, can help him solve a mystery of his own.
Cameron Black, portrayed by Jack Cutmore-Scott, is the world’s greatest magician; together with his team of assistants Gunter (Vinnie Jones), Dina (Lenora Crichlow) and Jordan (Justin Chon), he is able to pull the greatest magic tricks and stunts ever – until his biggest secret is revealed and he is involved in a murder charge.
Enter the FBI.
A team of detectives led by Kay Daniels (Ilfenesh Hadera) and Mike Alvarez (Amaury Nolasco, you may remember him from Prison Break) are investigating a crime which Cameron thinks he can help them solve, in turn, they have to help him in his investigation and clear his name of the charge.
Thus results in their relationship which takes you through 13 episodes of a passable TV show.
The series is set in New York City and each of the 40-45 minute episodes revolves around Cameron and the FBI trying to solve crimes through Cameron’s unique and cheeky ability and Kay’s hardworking resourcefulness.
We are also taken into the world of magic in some episodes where Cameron reveals how several tricks are actually pulled off and his own hunt for the person that scandalized him and ruined his career.
The series is generally light-hearted; although it lacks originality, it makes up for it in good humour and light-hearted moments between the cast. The writers try to evoke several emotions out of the viewer and one is pleasantly surprised by how they manage to build up intrigue and suspense in a few of the episodes.
There aren’t many subplots in this series except the budding romance between Mike and Dina and the flashbacks to Cameron’s past. We are only directed in two ways; helping Cameron to solve the mystery and trying to help the FBI find the culprit of the day. In some episodes, the two premises actually intertwine, with the solving of a crime bringing Cameron closer to the truth.
I, personally, enjoyed this show. I wouldn’t say it was memorable enough to remain in my collection but it made for good entertainment. If you are into complicated and thoroughly developed plotlines then this series is not for you. However, if you do enjoy a one-off story that isn’t badly written but doesn’t have much of a plot/premise either then this might be for you.
What I can guarantee is that it is not boring. I would prefer you watched it on a Sunday afternoon over a bowl of noodles or potato crisps.
The series has also not been renewed for a second season.
Title: Deception
Genre: Crime Drama
Cast: Jack Cutmore-Scott, Ilfenesh Hadera, Lenora Crichlow, Justin Chon, Laila Robins, Amaury Nolasco and Vinnie Jones.
Runtime: 40-45 minutes
Rotten Tomatoes: 60%
Looking for more series to watch? You might like ‘The Kids Are Alright’.
