Just finished watching this on Netflix in the UK and I am both perplexed and severely disappointed that this did not get commissioned for a 2nd series.
Its a classic morality play, but with two differences/enhancements. One, it contains a decent narrative surrounding the politics of the time that a more simplistic series would ignore, and two, I have seldom watched a series with such tremendous strength in depth of leads. Seriously - whatever the Director did to enable these performances should be applauded.
The most prevalent 7 or 8 actors all bring their A game. There is nothing to separate them. Not one moment which elevates one above the other - all simply sublime. And the dialogue they get is excellent. My biggest pet hate is shoddy dialogue. Once I've winced a few times at either unnatural dialogue, or dialogue where the viewer is treated like an idiot (yes designated survivor, I'm talking about you), you've lost me. This managed to stay riveting but doesn't cut corners or - worse - becomes self indulgent rubbish. Perfectly balanced, perfectly paced. And wonderful cinematography too by the way.
I haven't felt this burned since Carnivale wasn't renewed, but the second series did stray from the path a little, so I kind of get that, if not condone it. This has been cruelly snuffed out in its prime.
Seth and Crealy had massive potential to have been cult icons. Who knew what this was building up to!! And ref my headline comment, this had all the makings of an American equivalent to Peaky Blinders. It deals with a complicated relationship between brothers, it has its basis in historical fact, its brutal on occasion, it deals with the harshness of the day very well, the characters are essentially anti-heroes with many redeeming qualities, excellent dialogue, nail biting twists and turns, fantastic ensemble .... I can't believe the execs decided it wasn't worth renewing.
I so hope another network picks this up....
Its a classic morality play, but with two differences/enhancements. One, it contains a decent narrative surrounding the politics of the time that a more simplistic series would ignore, and two, I have seldom watched a series with such tremendous strength in depth of leads. Seriously - whatever the Director did to enable these performances should be applauded.
The most prevalent 7 or 8 actors all bring their A game. There is nothing to separate them. Not one moment which elevates one above the other - all simply sublime. And the dialogue they get is excellent. My biggest pet hate is shoddy dialogue. Once I've winced a few times at either unnatural dialogue, or dialogue where the viewer is treated like an idiot (yes designated survivor, I'm talking about you), you've lost me. This managed to stay riveting but doesn't cut corners or - worse - becomes self indulgent rubbish. Perfectly balanced, perfectly paced. And wonderful cinematography too by the way.
I haven't felt this burned since Carnivale wasn't renewed, but the second series did stray from the path a little, so I kind of get that, if not condone it. This has been cruelly snuffed out in its prime.
Seth and Crealy had massive potential to have been cult icons. Who knew what this was building up to!! And ref my headline comment, this had all the makings of an American equivalent to Peaky Blinders. It deals with a complicated relationship between brothers, it has its basis in historical fact, its brutal on occasion, it deals with the harshness of the day very well, the characters are essentially anti-heroes with many redeeming qualities, excellent dialogue, nail biting twists and turns, fantastic ensemble .... I can't believe the execs decided it wasn't worth renewing.
I so hope another network picks this up....