'The Cry': Jenna Coleman's New BBC Drama Leaves Viewers Totally And Utterly Confused

With a ‘Bodyguard’ shaped-hole in the Sunday night TV schedules, the pressure was on the BBC’s new drama ‘The Cry’ to get us all hooked.

Sadly, though, it seemed to miss the mark for some viewers with its first episode, with many left utterly baffled as to what was going on.

Starring Jenna Coleman as new mother Joanna, the psychological thriller focuses on the disappearance of her son.

However, the series jumps between numerous points in time, with the present day featuring a court case involving Joanna, interspersed with therapy sessions which indicate she’s not of sound mind.

The convoluted, twisting narrative left many struggling to keep up with what was going on...

15 minutes into #TheCry and I haven't a clue what's happening. I have a look on Twitter for help and everyone else seems as lost as me. We'll get through this together.
— Joseph Burns (@retlivdead) September 30, 2018

They seem to be jumping back and forth between different points in the narrative rather a lot. That’s an interesting method of storytelling I suppose. #TheCry
— Matt ™ 🏳️🌈 (@Mr_W101) September 30, 2018

Given up on The Cry after 20 minutes. The jumping back and forth in the story is pointless and distracting. WHY??!! JUST START AT THE BEGINNING AND SEE IT THROUGH TO THE END!!! @BBCOne #TheCry
— Paul (@stoneorder) September 30, 2018

If you’re watching #TheCry on BBC1 and wondering WTF is going on you’re not alone.
I had to watch it twice.
Still no idea.
— Ian Hyland (@HylandIan) September 30, 2018

Here's an idea BBC.
Do a drama like a story with a beginning, middle and end and stop switching back and forward to different moments in time.
I have no idea what's going on in The Cry other than a baby keeps effing crying.
It's really annoying#TheCry
— Michael (@ronniekray79) September 30, 2018

Can someone else watching #thecry PLEASE tell me they’re as confused as I am from the constant scene flashbacks.
— Paul Broughall (@paulieblogger) September 30, 2018

Well I'm somewhat confused as to what is going on in #TheCry hopefully next week things become a bit clearer! pic.twitter.com/dPmykWlpsP
— Shannibal Lecter 🎃⚰️🕸 (@NerdyGirlShay) September 30, 2018

#TheCry is ridiculously tense, but I haven’t a scooby what’s going on.
— Kate Wright (@Wrightgal80) September 30, 2018

Trying to act like I know what’s going on #TheCry pic.twitter.com/zCXuyA55aE
— Kelly (@kellymydear_) September 30, 2018

Really struggling with this programme. I haven't got a clue what's going on, it's switching back/forth too much and it's so slow #TheCry
— Aarun Kane (@AarunKane) September 30, 2018

The cry is too complicated for my brain. So many questions, I don’t have a clue what is going on!! I’m going to have to keep watching until it’s spelled out for me. #TheCry
— Izzy (@IzzyCSCx) September 30, 2018

#TheCry. Not a fucking clue what’s going on. Why on earth are they doing so many time hops. Just cut it out!
— David Macdonald (@Neidr67) September 30, 2018

There were some, however, who had read the book of the same name by Helen FitzGerald, who promised that things would soon start to become clear...

Ahead of #thecry tonight I read Helen Fitzgerald’s book from cover to cover without putting it down! I haven’t read a whole book since I left university over 20 years ago. Outstanding...
— Catriona Renton (@BBCCatrionaR) September 30, 2018

If you didn’t understand #TheCry that’s okay, just keep watching and you will understand it, I didn’t stop reading the book because it flipped backwards and forwards in the timeline, it makes sense in the end, keep watching and you won’t regret it
— bobbie🐝 (@karensmyidol) September 30, 2018

me reading the tweets of all the people who haven't read the book #TheCry pic.twitter.com/7d5syHBem0
— bea loves twelveclara (@dutiesofcare) September 30, 2018

Okay so I actually know what’s going on because I read the book. Shit will clear itself up fear not you lot #TheCry
— undead issy 🦇 (@tbhplatz) September 30, 2018

Loved the first episode of #TheCry, which is based on the brilliant book by @FitzHelen (Helen Fitzgerald). If you’re unsure about what’s happened, brace yourself because it’s shocking - or just go and buy the book now!
— Mark Edwards (@mredwards) September 30, 2018

I genuinely don't understand how so many people couldn't follow the time jumping in #TheCry? I thought it worked great for the sake of keeping certain plot points secret for later episodes, and I just read that the book was structured in the same way. I didn't mind it at all.
— Amber (@rollyjogerjones) October 1, 2018

The first episode of ‘The Cry’ launched to a strong overnight audience of 5.7 million, becoming the second-biggest new drama launch of the year, overtaking ‘McMafia’, but falling behind ‘Bodyguard’.

However, it remains to be seen how many of those will tune in next week, or choose to give up altogether.

‘The Cry’ continues on Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.