Only murders in the building - Season 4
So far it’s wonderful, and my fears about it being too meta have vanished. This really works. And the real grief mixes splendidly with the humour.
Slow Horses - Season 4
Utter magnificence. The first two episodes are a total powerhouse already, with the most biting jokes coming in anything but slow pacing.
This is going to have repercussions on some of the currently most popular fantasy series - not that this would be so important in the greater picture. This will likely also affect The Sandman…
Thought of the members when I read this:
But… IP!
Let’s pour even more money in that!
I gave up on this show after two or three episodes. There was nothing in it that made me care for the tale and the general spirit of it was far from that of Tolkien‘s work.
I daresay this could have been a more interesting production had they just started it from scratch without the supposed Tolkien lore. There are some interesting elements that might have acted as more realistic/modern counterpoints to the mythology-based Middle-earth faerie tale. But nothing connects this blown up cash-burner with Lord of the Rings other than Amazon’s insistence.
Shogun on the other hand was truly a gem. I can’t remember enough about the book - read in the early 80s - to say how close it is to the source material. But the consequent use of Japanese dialogue gave this an atmosphere and depth entirely different from the Richard Chamberlain vehicle of the first adaptation. Well deserved accolades.
And “Blue Eye Samurai” which you praised won Best Animated Program
Deservedly so. This show is really a great Eastern adventure thriller in its own right. I’m not usually the target audience for animation, but this is as gripping and absorbing as some of the best live action shows.
The Allegation (2021 German limited series): We binge-watched this today. It’s seven episodes, but each episode is only half an hour. The subject matter is based on true events and deeply uncomfortable: child sexual abuse. The focal point is how what happens when children (or anyone, for that matter) are coached through leading questions and statements.
This has been tackled before (HBO’s Indictment: The McMartin Trial is one I remember). But what sets this apart is the setting in a small town in Germany, and the lead characters, defense attorney Dr. Richard Schlesinger and Azra (who reminded me of a more mysterious Villanelle from Killing Eve). The chemistry between two such dissimilar characters was compelling.
It was interesting how the first episode focused on a murder investigation and didn’t really delve into the child abuse plot line until the third episode. If anyone else has watched it, I’d be interested in your thoughts on the ending!
Took a few sick days this week and binged watched all of the Caped Crusader and the first episode of Penguin. Liked them both and thought they were better than the general reaction online.
I think the Animated Series is the best version of Batman we have (and I love Nolan’s films too’). So I was wondering if Caped Crusader could measure up. While certainly not as good or revolutionary as the Animated Series, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it is clearly directed at adults. Reasonably well written and I liked how there were some story threads that weaved their way through the season. Looking forward to season two.
The Penguin is very much influenced by the Sopranos (especially the portrayal of the Penguin). I thought it was well written and Colin Farrell was excellent. There were a few times I found it slow moving, but I think that is not uncommon with a first episode. Mad Men was often like this early in almost every season just to set up how things played out. Very curious to see how the season plays out and how far the Penguin will rise in the underworld. To paraphrase the Sopranos finale - we could win this!
Nobody wants this (Netflix)
I haven‘t seen a romantic comedy in ages which is this funny, poignantly written, beautifully shot, edited and scored - and cast so perfectly up to the most minor roles.
Absolutely fricking masterful.
Season four was splendid, with just the right amount of surprises/small divergences from the book. Hugo Weaving is the perfect fit for his part (and with each episode Jonathan Pryce looks more like George Smiley).
Currently watching The Flight Attendant on HBO. The main character is an absolute train wreck … and I guess that’s why we keep on watching. We’re drawn to the hope that she can redeem herself and sort this out. It will be interesting to see how it all resolves (or if it resolves). The series ran for two seasons, so we know there’s an endpoint.
I like Flanagan‘s work and I imagine the approach will feature lots of teenage angst, sexuality and religious fervor, so yes, it could work.
But the de Palma movie already is the definitive adaptation, the remake did not work as well, so doing this is just IP-milking once again.
I have yet to read any of the books (sadly, I do not read as much anymore - though I do audio books a lot now). That said, I binge watched seasons 2, 3 and 4 in about a month. They were all great. I liked season 4 a lot - but enjoyed season 3 more (though I seem to be in the minority).
“No glamour, no exploding watch”
That HURTS Paramount!
Trailer looks great. Hopefully the series will deliver but I miss that guy with the exploding watch. Hoping he will pop up again soon!