Devotees of Harlan Coben's intricate thrillers have been left utterly astounded by the latest offering from the master of suspense. Lazarus, the newest drama streaming on Prime Video, has delivered what many are calling Coben's most chilling narrative to date, complete with a ghostly twist that has viewers reeling.
A New Benchmark in Coben's Thriller Catalogue
For those seeking a binge-worthy series filled with unexpected turns and relentless mystery, Harlan Coben's Lazarus emerges as an essential addition to any watchlist. While previous adaptations like Fool Me Once, Safe, and The Innocent have solidified Coben's reputation for crafting edge-of-your-seat entertainment, this latest venture pushes the boundaries into darker, more unsettling territory.
The series, featuring acclaimed actors Bill Nighy and Sam Claflin, has generated significant buzz for its elaborate plot mechanics and shocking revelations. As Nighy, who portrays the enigmatic Dr Jonathan Lazarus, notes, the programme is meticulously designed to keep audiences hooked. "The shocks and surprises are scheduled perfectly... There's always something perhaps halfway through an episode and then at the end of an episode; they hit you with a real cliffhanger to keep you coming back," he explained.
Unravelling the Sinister Premise
Lazarus opens with the apparent suicide of Dr Jonathan Lazarus, a seasoned therapist whose death is anything but straightforward. He leaves behind a cryptic clue—a drawing of a stool—that sets the stage for a complex investigation. His son, Joel Lazarus, played by Sam Claflin, is a therapist himself, grappling with profound personal trauma, including the unresolved murder of his twin sister, Sutton, years earlier.
As Joel delves into his father's past, the narrative takes viewers through a labyrinth of false starts and elaborate twists. A central element of the story involves Joel seemingly communicating with ghosts, including his deceased father and former patients of Jonathan's. However, in a masterful stroke of storytelling, it is revealed that these apparitions are not supernatural but rather Joel reliving recordings of his father's therapy sessions while in a severely traumatised state.
The Chilling Revelation That Left Fans Stunned
The plot thickens as Joel becomes convinced that a serial killer is behind the tragedies plaguing his family. The truth, when uncovered, delivers one of the most shocking twists in recent television memory. Jonathan Lazarus himself is revealed to be the serial killer, having taken the lives of his patients under the twisted belief that they were beyond help and he was doing them a favour. His suicide, contrary to Joel's initial doubts, was a calculated end to his macabre actions.
This revelation has sparked intense reactions from viewers, many of whom are long-time fans of Coben's work. On platforms like Reddit, discussions are rife with bewilderment and debate. "I have so many questions," wrote one viewer, while another admitted, "I kept watching until I got super disappointed with the ending." Yet, amidst the confusion, a third watcher conceded, "I didn't see the twist coming," highlighting the narrative's unpredictable nature.
Mixed Critical Reception and Audience Engagement
Despite its ability to captivate and surprise, Lazarus has not been universally praised. The Guardian offered a scathing review, labelling it "woeful," and the series currently holds a modest 44 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. Nevertheless, the show has succeeded in drawing in audiences eager for another Coben thriller, whether on Prime Video or through his other adaptations on Netflix.
The combination of psychological depth, stellar performances, and that infamous twist ensures that Lazarus will be a talking point for some time. As fans and critics alike digest the implications of Jonathan Lazarus's actions, one thing is clear: Harlan Coben continues to redefine the thriller genre, leaving viewers both stunned and eagerly anticipating what he will conjure next.
