The Affair

The Affair is a deeply emotional drama centered on the complexities and destructive consequences of an extramarital relationship. Audience emotional responses are dominated by Sadness, stemming from the emotional toll on the characters, their families, and Alison's personal tragedy. Empathy is high as viewers grapple with the flawed yet relatable characters and their difficult choices, further amplified by the show's multi-perspective narrative. A pervasive sense of Melancholy underscores the series, reflecting the somber reality of broken relationships and unfulfilled desires. Guilt and Anxiety are prominent, mirroring the characters' internal struggles with infidelity and the constant threat of exposure. Anger may arise from the characters' actions and the pain they inflict, while Love exists in its complicated and often destructive forms. The unique narrative structure also elicits significant Confusion and Curiosity as viewers piece together the unreliable memories and motivations of each character.