The opening shot of The Watchful Eye is a slow pan across the imposing facade of The Greybourne, a Manhattan high-rise that looms like a silent sentinel over its residents. This striking visual sets the tone for Freeform’s 2023 series, a mystery-drama that wears its influences on its sleeve—think Rebecca meets The Nanny Diaries, with a dash of Gossip Girl‘s scheming undercurrents.

Created by Julie Durk and executive produced by Ryan Seacrest Productions and ABC Signature, The Watchful Eye follows Elena Santos (Mariel Molino), a nanny with a murky past who inserts herself into the lives of the affluent Ward family. The series thrives on its central premise: a woman navigating a labyrinth of secrets within a gilded cage. The first episode introduces a rich tapestry of characters, each with their own motives and hidden agendas. Mariel Molino delivers a performance that is both enigmatic and compelling, her Elena Santos exuding an air of quiet intensity. Warren Christie, as the grieving architect Matthew Ward, provides a steady counterpoint to Molino’s unpredictable energy.

The series excels in its atmosphere, with René G. Boscio’s score adding a layer of tension that lingers beneath the surface. The production design is noteworthy, particularly the depiction of The Greybourne itself—a character in its own right, filled with dark corners and whispered secrets. The pacing is brisk, with each episode unveiling new layers of intrigue, keeping viewers hooked.

However, The Watchful Eye stumbles in its execution of its myriad plot threads. While the premise is engaging, the first episode feels overly burdened by exposition, as noted by Decider’s review. The series struggles to balance its numerous subplots, leading to a sense of disjointedness. Some characters, like Tory Ayres (Amy Acker) and Mrs. Ivey (Kelly Bishop), feel underutilized, their potential sidelined by the narrative’s focus on Elena’s schemes.

The series also grapples with tonal inconsistencies. While it aims for a dark, suspenseful thriller, moments of levity—particularly in the interactions between Elena and the teenagers at The Greybourne—jar against the more sinister elements. This tonal whiplash undermines the series’ attempts to build genuine tension.

Despite its flaws, The Watchful Eye offers enough intrigue to warrant a watch. Mariel Molino’s performance is a standout, her portrayal of Elena Santos anchoring the series in a way that makes her both fascinating and frustrating.