New NBC Soap Opera Deception Premieres Tonight, What Do The Critics Think?

New NBC primetime soap opera Deception has its premiere on US television tonight (January 7, 2013) but it looks like it’s going to have to work hard to gain a following in the long term, as anticipation for the show has been somewhat muted thanks to a critical reception that can only be described as ‘meh’.

Critics don’t hate the Liz Helden-created program, but they don’t seem to be thinking much else about it either. “Viewed charitably, the series isn't bad as a sort-of "Dallas" knockoff, though it's worth noting TNT's rebooted "Dallas" covers similar territory in a more satisfying manner” writes Variety, while People Weekly offers: “It's a promising setup, but Deception doesn't allow us the dirty pleasure of enjoying the awful Bowers.”

The plot sees a famous fictional socialite Vivian Bowers found dead from what appears to be an overdose, causing her best friend Detective Joanna Locasto - played by Meagen Good- to embark on a quest to find out the truth of what really happened. The Washington Post isn’t too impressed with it, writing: “Deception falls prey to the exhaustive method of too-much-storytelling, adding layer upon layer of mini-mysteries and twists until the weary viewer needs a detailed map to keep track--or turns off the show entirely.” Newsday is more positive, but does point out “Been here/seen this - a lot - but familiarity could work in favor of Deception.”