He Had It Coming review: this Australian campus crime-comedy delivers a messy, provocative blend of satire and slapstick, exploring feminist rage with all the subtlety of a mallet to the crotch. The show, created by the team behind hit Aussie comedies, follows art student Elise (Lydia West) and influencer Barbara (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) as they accidentally spark a vigilante movement after vandalizing a statue. With its sharp social commentary and over-the-top violence, the series has become a talking point for its bold, if unrefined, approach to serious issues.
Plot Overview: From Art School Rebellion to Murder Mystery
The series opens with Elise, a scholarship student whose “feminist reimagining” of classic paintings earns scorn from her tutor, Professor Phoenix (Harry Greenwood). After a night of drinking, she and Barbara decide to vandalize the campus statue of the university’s male founder, only to discover the body of a rapist and bully beneath it—minus his penis. The show quickly shifts from campus comedy to a whodunit, as more victims turn up, each seemingly deserving of their fate.
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Key Themes: Feminism, Vigilantism, and the Messiness of Justice
He Had It Coming doesn’t shy away from heavy themes. It uses dark humor to explore how women’s anger is often trivialized, and how vigilante justice can spiral out of control. The show’s title itself is a provocative commentary on victim-blaming and societal double standards. While the writing sometimes feels like a sledgehammer, the performances keep it grounded.
Lydia West shines as the naive but determined Elise, while Natasha Liu Bordizzo brings a prickly charisma to Barbara. Their chemistry drives the series, even when the plot veers into absurdity. The supporting cast, including Harry Greenwood’s smarmy professor, adds depth to the satire.
Comparison: He Had It Coming vs. Other Dark Comedies
To understand where He Had It Coming sits in the genre, consider this comparison with similar shows:
| Show | Tone | Violence Level | Social Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|
| He Had It Coming | Messy, raucous | High (mallet, mutilation) | Feminist, explicit |
| Dead to Me | Dark, emotional | Moderate | Grief, friendship |
| Barry | Surreal, violent | High | Identity, morality |
| Fleabag | Witty, meta | Low | Sexuality, family |
Unlike the more polished dark comedies, He Had It Coming embraces its rough edges, often sacrificing nuance for shock value. Yet that’s also its charm—it refuses to be subtle, much like its protagonist’s art.
Key Takeaways from He Had It Coming
- Bold feminist themes that tackle victim-blaming and patriarchal structures.
- Strong lead performances from Lydia West and Natasha Liu Bordizzo.
- Dark humor that will polarize viewers—either you laugh or cringe.
- Unapologetic violence used as a metaphor for righteous anger.
- Messy plotting that keeps you guessing but may frustrate purists.
Is He Had It Coming Worth Watching?
If you enjoy crime-comedies that aren’t afraid to offend, He Had It Coming is a wild ride. It’s not for everyone—the humor is crude, and the social commentary is about as subtle as a sledgehammer. But for those who appreciate satire that pushes boundaries, this series offers a fresh, if flawed, take on justice and revenge.
The show’s setting in an Australian university adds a unique cultural flavor, with local slang and campus politics that feel authentic. The pacing is brisk, and each episode ends on a cliffhanger that makes binging easy. However, the tonal shifts between comedy and gore can be jarring, and some subplots feel underdeveloped.
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In conclusion, He Had It Coming is a messy, audacious, and thought-provoking series that will leave you both laughing and uncomfortable. It’s a must-watch for fans of edgy satire and crime-comedy hybrids.
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