“The Deceptive Reality: Unveiling the Fabricated Events Beyond a Drama”

“The Following Events Are Based on a Pack of Lies” Explores Deeper Themes in BBC Drama

Exploring the Intersection of Con Artistry and Domestic Abuse

The new BBC drama series, “The Following Events Are Based on a Pack of Lies,” produced by transatlantic production company Sister, delves into a world beyond your typical con-man narrative. Created by sisters Penelope and Ginny Skinner, the five-part series ventures into the complex realm of con artistry, but with a twist. Starring Alistair Petrie as Rob, a perennially successful con artist, the story takes an unexpected turn when his former wife Alice, played by Rebekah Staton, joins forces with his current mark Cheryl, portrayed by Marianne Jean-Baptiste, causing Rob to lose control of the situation.

One of the central themes in “Pack of Lies” is control. “Penny and Ginny had been really interested in how there is a crossover and a pattern of behaviors that you see in con cases and in domestic abuse cases,” explains Lydia Hampson, executive producer at Sister. The show explores concepts such as coercive control, gaslighting, and elements of narcissism that are present in both contexts.

The development of the series coincided with a surging interest in con artists during the pandemic. Numerous podcasts and documentaries centered around con men, such as “The Tinder Swindler,” emerged during this time. Additionally, the U.K. passed stricter domestic abuse laws that now encompass coercive control. These real-world influences informed the themes within “Pack of Lies.”

Fictional vs Real-life Inspiration

Despite the various influences, the character of Rob is not based on any specific real-life con artist. According to Hampson, in a fictional story, there is more freedom to push the boundaries of the character and their actions. The creative team aimed to explore the extremes of the con artist archetype and play with the narrative in unexpected ways.

Nevertheless, even with fictional plotlines and characters, the creative team felt a sense of responsibility in portraying the story authentically. “The responsibility is in the message that this can and does happen to anyone and everyone every day,” says Hampson. The shame and embarrassment often associated with being a victim of con artistry can prevent individuals from seeking justice or sharing their experiences, which ultimately allows con artists to continue their harmful actions.

Exposing Vulnerabilities and Empowering Characters

The characters of Cheryl and Alice are designed to showcase how despite coming from different backgrounds, they both fall prey to the same con artist. Cheryl, an Oxford-based best-selling author, and Alice, an under-confident designer, are representative of the fact that vulnerability transcends socioeconomic status and career success. Cheryl, who recently cared for her husband through dementia until his death, finds herself isolated and looking for a fresh start. Con artists are skilled at exploiting emotional vulnerabilities rather than intelligence, making Cheryl a perfect target.

The show aims to debunk the myth of the glamorous con artist perpetuated in films like “The Talented Mr. Ripley” and “Catch Me If You Can.” In reality, the experience of being conned is often grimy and bleak. However, “Pack of Lies” strikes a tone of “joyful rage,” as described by Hampson. The show’s focus is not on trauma porn or harrowing experiences but rather on empowering its characters and exposing the truth behind the deceptive facade of con artistry.

An Offering of Triumph and Discovery

Early reviews of “Pack of Lies” have been positive, reflecting the show’s ability to resonate with audiences. However, its impact goes beyond entertainment. Hampson hopes that the series will shed light on the experiences of those trapped in troubling domestic situations. Gaslighting, a form of manipulation that warps someone’s perception of reality, is a prevalent theme in the show. By highlighting the commonness of such abuse and its ability to affect anyone from any walk of life, the creators aim to offer solace and understanding to those who may have experienced similar situations.

In a world that increasingly blurs the lines between reality and fabrication, “The Following Events Are Based on a Pack of Lies” provides a reflective perspective on the nature of deception and the power of unveiling fabricated events. Through its intricate exploration of con artistry and domestic abuse, the series invites introspection about personal vulnerabilities and the significance of collective triumph.