The Last Thing He Told Me
The Last Thing He Told Me is a mystery thriller drama series streaming on Apple TV+, adapted from Laura Dave's bestselling novel. The plot centers on Hannah Hall, whose husband, Owen, mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind a cryptic note instructing her to protect his sixteen-year-old daughter, Bailey. As the FBI investigates Owen's disappearance amid a corporate fraud scandal, Hannah and Bailey, who initially have a strained relationship, must form an unexpected bond to uncover Owen's true identity and the secrets of his past. The series explores themes of family loyalty, trust, and the pursuit of truth under immense pressure. While offering an engaging and suspenseful narrative, the show contains mature content, including strong language and some suggestive elements, making it best suited for an adult or older young adult audience.
Concerns
Profanity
HighThe TV adaptation significantly increases the use of profanity compared to the original novel. Reviews specifically highlight the presence of "heavy swears" and numerous instances of the 'f-word.'
The TV series adaptation "decided to add a whole bunch more f-words" compared to the book. Reviews state that the series contains "heavy swears" that would likely make it unsuitable for most families.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe TV series adaptation introduces an LGBTQ relationship by changing the character of Max, originally a male journalist in the book, into a woman. This alteration creates a prominent lesbian couple within the series' narrative, specifically with Hannah's friend, Jules.
The character Max, a journalist, is gender-swapped in the TV series to be a woman, forming a relationship with Jules. This change establishes a "prominent lesbian couple" in the series, which was not present in the original novel.
Violence
MediumWhile the series is a mystery thriller, it is noted for a "lack of violence" compared to other books in the genre, relying more on slow-burning mystery. However, there are underlying threats from a crime syndicate, leading to tense situations and a chase scene.
Owen's late wife, Katherine, was believed to be killed in a "possible hit" related to a large crime syndicate, which prompted Owen to provide evidence against them. Hannah and Bailey are chased by Charlie, Katherine's brother, in a tense sequence as they uncover Owen's past.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe series features romantic elements, including implied intimacy and a few kisses. The central plot revolves around Hannah's love for her missing husband, and there is an implied romantic relationship between two female characters.
The relationship between Hannah and Owen is depicted with affection, including instances of kissing. Additionally, the introduction of a "prominent lesbian couple" involving Hannah's friend Jules and the character Max implies romantic and potentially intimate aspects, though explicit scenes are not detailed.
Substance Use
MediumCharacters are shown consuming alcohol. Specific instances include mentions of bourbon and general drinking in social or casual settings within the narrative.
Owen is mentioned to drink "bourbon Good Luck charms" in flashbacks. The house specialty at a bar visited by characters is noted as a "bourbon old-fashioned."
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe series is a mystery thriller that maintains a consistent sense of tension and suspense as Hannah and Bailey navigate the disappearance of Owen, an FBI investigation, and threats from a crime syndicate. This creates an intense, though not overtly scary, atmosphere.
The FBI raids Owen's workplace and federal agents arrive at Hannah's home, creating an immediate and intense situation. Hannah and Bailey are chased by Charlie, indicating a moment of physical peril and heightened suspense.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumOwen's teenage daughter, Bailey, initially displays significant disrespect and a rebellious attitude toward her stepmother, Hannah. This behavior is a prominent aspect of their relationship early in the series.
Bailey exhibits "angsty disapproval" and "eyerolls" toward Hannah, making their initial interactions difficult. Descriptions refer to Bailey as a "sassy, snarky teenager with an attitude" and that she "acts like a bratty teenager" early in the story.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowNo elements of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, spells, or supernatural themes were identified in the content analysis. The series is grounded in a contemporary mystery thriller genre.
No specific examples of witchcraft or occult content were found in the available information.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowNo explicit anti-Christian themes, mockery of Christian beliefs, or sacrilegious acts against Christian symbols were found. A brief mention of a church being closed for renovations is a plot detail rather than an anti-religious statement.
The narrative includes a plot point where "the church was closed for renovations during the 2008 season, indicating that no weddings occurred then," serving as a factual detail within the mystery rather than an anti-Christian theme.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
The series is recommended for viewers aged 16 and older due to its inclusion of strong profanity, themes of crime and peril, and the portrayal of an LGBTQ relationship. While it lacks explicit graphic violence or sexual content, the intensity of the mystery, frequent strong language, and mature relational dynamics suggest a more mature audience.
Additional Notes
The television series diverges from the original book by Laura Dave in specific ways, most notably the gender-swap of the character Max to introduce an LGBTQ relationship and an increased frequency of profanity. These changes impact the overall content profile compared to the novel.
Related Reviews
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