The Fall Season 3 Overview: Who Is The Cat & Who Is The Mouse?

I didnt realize there was a season 3 of "The Fall" until a friend saw it on NetFlix. For those unfamiliar, the show takes place in Northern Ireland and originally aired on BBC Two. Gillian Anderson is Detective Stella Gibson. She is brought in to investigate a killer known as the "Belfast Strangler". Paul Spector (played by Jamie Dornan of "50 Shades of Grey" fame) is a grief counselor, family man and fetish killer.

Over 3 seasons we watch a cat and mouse game between Stella and Paul. We are at times unsure who is the cat and who is the mouse. I'm also never clearly understand Spector's motivation. His charm, appearance, and mannerisms make him especially deadly.

Season 3 picks up after Paul is seriously wounded. His would-be-victim Rose is found in a trunk and barely clinging to life. They are both taken to the same hospital (because there is apparently only ONE hospital in all of Belfast). Paul somehow manages to recover. But there's a new twist. He has amnesia and doesnt remember anything that happened in the past ten years... or does he? Stella is not sold (and neither am I). It's all too convenient. If he IS telling the truth, how terrible to suddenly be told you're a killer but have no recollection of what you've done.

We see the effects of Paul's actions on Rose and her family. She attempts to lead a normal life afterwards but it's very difficult. We also see what becomes of Spector's wife Sally Ann. She knew nothing of his crimes (and is genuinely a good person). But the media and the police demonize her none of the less. This leads her to attempt suicide by driving into the ocean with her children.

Spector is sent to a psychiatric facility where we he interacts with Dr Larson and some patients. Too bad the show wraps up so quickly. I would have enjoyed spending more time there. Spector's interactions with one of the patients (Bailey) reminds me of when Norman first goes to the hospital in "Bates Motel".

Do I buy the ending? Not really. It seems serial killers love themselves too much to simply give up (unless they're completely cornered). Paul could have escaped into the night instead. It seems like they had to close up shop because Jamie had other projects. Either way, Paul Spector got what he deserved in the end and the citizens of Belfast don't have to worry about the Strangler anymore.

Grade: 5 Monsters (out of 5). A excellent character study of two fascinating and very hard to read people. Just dont expect a quick "Law & Order" type pace or you'll be disappointed. This show takes it's own sweet time but is well worth the investment. With only six episodes per season it's still a quick watch. Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan do what may be some of their best work. Dornan is MUCH better here than in the snooze-fest "50 Shades of Grey". Hopefully this isnt the last we see of DSI Gibson. There have to be some other cases around that she could solve.