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SPOILERS for Sirens are ahead!

It took me a couple of episodes from the recently released five-part miniseries, “Sirens,” which can be accessed with a Netflix subscription, to really get into it. Initially, I wasn’t fond of it and found myself criticizing it in comparison to “The White Lotus.” The main reason being the selection of music in “Sirens.” However, around halfway through the second episode, we were introduced to Peter Kell, a character previously shrouded in mystery, played by Kevin Bacon. This introduction piqued my interest significantly.

From the get-go, I took a liking to the character, and it wasn’t just because Kevin Bacon exudes an undeniable charisma, on-screen and off. Rather, what really drew me in was the sincerity of Pete. Prior to him, we had encountered quite a few unpleasant individuals, such as the manipulative Michaela Kell (Julianne Moore), her power-hungry assistant Simone DeWitt (Milly Alcock), and her troubled sister Devon (Meghann Fahy). Each of them had their own brand of irritation. But Pete stood out as a breath of fresh air amidst the cattiness.

He Was Nice To The Help And Seemed Down To Earth (For A Billionaire)

In a different tone, Pete is portrayed as the amiable billionaire in the story, despite possibly having trodden on many toes during his climb up the financial ladder. However, he was genuinely kind-hearted and took the time to get acquainted with those working under him, forming genuine bonds with several. Loyalty towards him seemed evident, even amidst group chats among staff members where they criticized Simone and Michaela, or “Kiki,” as she was affectionately called by her friends.

Over the course of the series, it appeared that Pete was being influenced by Kiki’s manipulations, much like everyone else in her circle. Despite his infidelity, which is often seen as unforgivable, we come to see how compelling Kiki can be, and I started to grasp how such a situation might have unfolded. Or so I believed, at least.

Despite this, Pete enjoys cooking clams and preparing clam chowder with his team in the kitchen. He occasionally smokes a joint and appears comfortable interacting with everyone he encounters; even the most eccentric characters on the show such as Devon and her father Bruce (Bill Camp). What stands out most is his dislike for some of the absurd demands made by his wife towards him and the staff, and he never shies away from expressing his straightforward opinions.

Boy, Was I Wrong About Pete, Though

Ultimately, it’s revealed that Pete is equally or even more unscrupulous than the other wealthy individuals depicted in Sirens, residing on some New England island. Pete appears to have a habit of infidelity, effortlessly transitioning from one partner to another. He shows little remorse for abandoning Kiki once she’s no longer useful, swiftly moving on to Simone instead.

At some stage, it becomes apparent that everyone works under Pete’s direction, although this isn’t evident throughout most of the series. Kiki appears to be in control of things, but as the story unfolds, we discover in Pete’s closing scene, during his toast at the garden gala with Simone by his side following his breakup with Kiki, that he shares the same cold and ruthless nature as other characters on the show. In fact, it seems he might be even more so.

As a movie enthusiast, I must confess that I, too, fell under Pete’s spell, captivated by his charm much like countless others. However, the sting of disappointment came when I discovered he was no different from the rest. Yet, it’s this very flaw that makes Kevin Bacon’s portrayal of Pete all the more remarkable and unforgettable.

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2025-05-29 21:10