‘Clickbait’ is murder-miniseres watchbait

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If you’re looking for a show that you can binge, the new miniseries “Clickbait” is a great option. This Netflix murder mystery delivers suspenseful scenes, sudden turns and a twister ending all in eight episodes. Despite mediocre acting, the use of lessons such as the anonymity of the internet and the prevalence of cancel culture help drive the plot along and keep viewers fully engaged.

Devoted husband and father Nick Brewer (Adrian Grenier) is kidnapped and forced to hold up signs saying, “At 5 million views I die,” and “I abuse women.” After the videos go viral, Nick is eventually found dead, but no one can figure out the reason why someone would do him in. Each episode of “Clickbait” offers the point of view from a key character, such as Nick’s sister, his wife and a reporter, to show different aspects of Nick’s life—and eventually death. Having each episode dedicated to one person’s POV offers details into the personal life of each character.

Throughout the series, alleged details about Nick’s private life are revealed to the viewer, adding potential motives and suspense over who did the murder and why.

What separates this crime story from others is the overwhelming presence of the internet in Nick’s death. Online dating apps that Nick was supposedly using to chat with numerous women make it seem obvious to the audience that Nick was a serial cheater, despite claims from his family that he would never do such a thing. Also, the internet plays a significant role in the tracking of Nick’s killer. The only problem with “Clickbait” is the overuse of red herrings. At least five times, the director includes some crazy plot twist to keep the viewer interested, just to have it refuted in the last two episodes. By the end of the show, the trick has been used too many times.

Grade: B+