House Rules review

The setup

The stepson arrives home to a quiet house, a father traveling for work, and a stepmom, Veronica, thrilled to have him to herself for seven days. She announces house policy in numbered form, starting with total obedience, and heads outside to heat the tub. He has a girlfriend, who picks that moment to call with news of a visit. Rule two follows immediately: no calling her today. He finally protests out loud. Veronica answers with a shower appointment, ten minutes, and a warning about keeping her waiting.

Episode 2

He shows up late for that appointment and refuses again, citing his girlfriend and his father. Veronica decides he simply needs time. That night he overhears her, clearly fantasizing about him, and spends the morning acting as if he heard nothing. Rule four bans exactly that. She guides his hand under her robe at the worst possible moment, the girlfriend announcing herself at the door, and makes it plain she wants him now, with the girlfriend stuck outside.

Who's who

• Veronica: the stepmom, who runs the house like a drill sergeant with a numbered agenda
• The stepson: home for the week, loyal to his girlfriend out loud, and only out loud
• The girlfriend: heard on the phone, then at the door, with impeccably bad timing

Verdict: 6.6 out of 10

The numbered rules are a smart device: they give a familiar fantasy structure, a sense of escalation and an easy way to end each scene on a hook. Veronica is all appetite and no hesitation, which makes her fun, while the stepson's protests run on repeat. The girlfriend works well as a ticking clock, first by phone and then on the doorstep. Nothing about it is subtle, but it moves, and the second episode ends at the exact point where most viewers will want the next rule.

Episode guide