Parish (2024– ) User Reviews

'Bad Director'

[sarikara · 6/10 · 11 April 2024]

If they wanted a text title about the Parish; Two words would be enough. 'Bad Director' You have a very good leading actor who is a world star >>>>Giancarlo Espasito.

There is a very good script with a 5-season guarantee.

But all of this was entrusted to a bad director who could not visually prepare and present it to the audience.

Is a bear running after the director? What's your rush? Is there a new art you want to give us with disconnected visuals?

David Benioff, D. B. Weiss, Alexander Woo.

You have to work harder to do a better job.

And that bad music? What is your problem? Half the battle is good music. You should find better music.

Shona accent

[robinsonchinyerere-94391 · 7/10 · 4 April 2024]

"Parish" is a highly engaging TV show that captivates viewers with its intriguing storyline and impressive production value. Set in the vibrant backdrop of Zimbabwe, the series offers a thrilling narrative that keeps audiences hooked. However, one notable flaw is the inaccurate portrayal of the Shona accent for its Zimbabwean characters. In this review, we delve into the strengths and weaknesses of "Parish" and address the disappointment caused by the inauthentic Shona accent.

Compelling Plot and Production Value: "Parish" takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride with its compelling plot, which seamlessly blends mystery, drama, and suspense. Set in the small town of Parish, Zimbabwe, the series follows a group of individuals entangled in a web of secrets and supernatural occurrences. The show's high production value is evident in its visually stunning cinematography, which beautifully captures the essence of the Zimbabwean landscape and adds depth to the storytelling.

Strong Performances and Character Development: The cast of "Parish" delivers commendable performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. Each character is well-developed, and their personal journeys are intricately woven into the overarching narrative. From the enigmatic town leader to the resilient young protagonist, the actors succeed in captivating the audience and forging an emotional connection with their characters.

Cultural Representation and Inauthentic Shona Accent: While "Parish" successfully portrays the cultural tapestry of Zimbabwe through its storyline, costumes, and settings, the inaccurate Shona accent for its Zimbabwean characters is a notable misstep. The Shona people represent a significant portion of Zimbabwe's population, and their language and accent are integral to the country's identity. Unfortunately, the show fails to capture the nuances of the Shona accent, resulting in a lack of authenticity that may disappoint viewers familiar with Zimbabwean culture.

Impact on Cultural Immersion: Authentic accents are crucial in creating a sense of cultural immersion and believability. The inconsistent and incorrect portrayal of the Shona accent in "Parish" compromises the show's overall authenticity. Viewers familiar with Zimbabwean culture may find it distracting and disengaging to witness characters speaking with an accent that does not align with the reality of the region. The missed opportunity to showcase the diversity of Zimbabwean languages and accents is a notable flaw in an otherwise well-crafted production.

Recommendations for Improvement: For future seasons or similar productions, it is essential to prioritize casting actors who are familiar with the Shona accent or are native speakers of the language. Working closely with dialect coaches and linguists well-versed in Zimbabwean culture would ensure accurate pronunciation and intonation, adding credibility to the characters and enhancing the overall viewing experience. By addressing this linguistic misstep, the show could elevate its authenticity and resonate more deeply with its audience.

Uhm, ok to watch

[yahaira-729-694701 · 6/10 · 6 May 2024]

I only wanted to watch this series cos of Giancarlo Esposito who is a dynamic actor. He was great Iin Breaking Bad. This series seems convoluted, the characters are stereotypical gangsters. The African mafia in New Orleans peddling humans. City officials double dealing for power with the crooks, bla,bla, bla. The script is not as interesting just madness, mayhem killings for power and prestige. Its gets confusing if this series is about the gangsters, or Parish as a victim. Its a sad story of the dissolution of a parent. He, Parish, suffers the guilt of his sons death and seeks revenge which is not coming.

Esposito deserves better

[underscore1 · 6 May 2024]

It felt like we were dropped into the middle of a season instead of the start of a brand new show. There's zero character development. You just have to figure it all out on the fly. We have no idea why Parish is who he is or why the bad guys are even the bad guys. Then there's Parish's family. These are all complicated characters but we get zero backstory. They just jump into the middle of things. And with that they give us only six episodes?

They also seemingly did things on as cheap of a production budget as possible. Some scenes it sounds like they were filming in a telephone booth.

This show might get a season 2 due to Esposito's popularity. Otherwise surely this would get canceled.

Recommended

[DaneliusUK · 7/10 · 7 May 2024]

Well, what can I say? I watched all six episodes back-to-back and was engrossed throughout. The casting was solid, with interesting characters. It had elements reminiscent of 'Ozark', 'Queen of the South', 'Banshee', and 'Nobody'. Worth a binge-watch if you're into crime drama thrillers. Fast-paced and straight into the narrative.

If you're a film junkie like myself then you'll appreciate the time and effort that Danny Brocklehurst, Sunu Gonera, Theo Travers and everyone else put in to make this happen.

I enjoyed it. Not my place to say where it could have been improved. It is what it is.

Thank you.

Fantastic!

[reggiemiller-59077 · 10/10 · 2 April 2024]

So I just checked out the pilot of the new show Parish and I was blown away. I really don't understand the negative reviews on here and the negative reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, but I truly thought the show was spectacular so far. I really don't know what people want anymore. With all of the garbage shows and movies that are out right now, you are really going to write this as a three-star show?? That is just absurd! Please folks form your own opinion of this show and go check it out. I feel you won't be disappointed. Oh and by the way, Giancarlo Esposito is amazing every show he's ever been in so why would this be any different? Another thing, how can you just judge a show on one episode?

Only 6 episodes, and who are all these new characters in the last episode?

[julieshotmail · 2/10 · 7 May 2024]

I keep at this week to week, mostly for Giancarlo Esposito. The series is brooding with enough mystery in the beginning so I'm game, and I tell myself it's only six episodes, so no fuss if it goes downhill. And downhill it goes fast. Esposito's legendary influence as Gus Fring from "Breaking Bad" cannot save the day, unfortunately. Here he is reduced to a disjointed man of emotions who turns up all over the place with no coherent continuity. The music in this show also becomes obnoxious at times. Then we get subject to these slow motion scenes that do nothing but embarrass the show. Worst of all, in the very last episode, suddenly a bunch of new faces are introduced for the mere purpose of closing the story. It is very lazy and an insult to the viewer who has stuck by for six weeks. Yikes.

Gustavo would be disappointed

[bubu5001 · 5/10 · 22 April 2024]

I am really trying to like this show, it's just trite and cliche so far. AMC and Giancarlo Esposito should be an instant hit with originality but this is not the case. Another mob related program but taking place in New Orleans. The location is different but the story is not. Nothing new or dynamic here. I'd recommend a pass as I doubt it's renewed for a season 2. Perhaps the writing could improve but it might be too late. Rewatch Boardwalk Empire or the sopranos. I'm three episodes in and am finding it difficult to not be bored. Maybe the season finale can turn things around but I won't hold my breath.

Excellent!

[vhuhwavhoemmanuel · 10/10 · 3 April 2024]

I must say this show is truly exceptional. The intricate plotline, suspenseful twists, and compelling character development make it a must-watch for any fan of the genre.

The storytelling is top-notch, keeping you on the edge of your seat with each episode as the mysteries unravel and the stakes get higher. The acting performances are stellar, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their roles, making you fully invested in their journey.

Overall, this show is a masterpiece in the crime and drama genre, delivering riveting entertainment that will leave you craving for more. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thrilling and well-crafted television experience.

Very meh tv show

[sleszowy · 3/10 · 1 April 2024]

"Parish" disappoints from the start with its attempt at thrilling car chases, featuring unrealistic sequences that leave viewers puzzled. In one instance, the main character stops for police only to flee when they're close, a baffling move that undermines the show's credibility. This lack of logic robs the action scenes of genuine excitement.

As the story progresses, typical financial drama unfolds with mounting struggles to pay the mortgage and afford basic necessities. Despite attempts to inject tension, the contrived situations fail to engage. It's clear "Parish" won't reach the heights of acclaimed shows like Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul.

Finally a vehicle for Giancarlo to drive

[hjjbruce · 9/10 · 7 April 2024]

I'll keep it short. I'm not a professional reviewer like some seen too be but I watch a lot of shows.

I like the dynamics in the relationships. I'm hoping they expand and develop over the course of the season but they are off to a good start. There needs to be done reason to drag Gray back into the life and while there are some cliche moments, it makes sense to avoid losing your home and your business after losing your favorite child (as far as his daughter is concerned), to get some cash the way you still can.

Negative reviews: This movie is not set in Zimbabwe, it is set in New Orleans. Sorry about the language issues but I'm not a speaker and i defer to you if you are.

Toilet paper on his shaving cut is a deal breaker??

Subtitles help to understand what is being said by Zimbabwe characters in front of the English speakers when they don't want to be understood. How are we supposed to understand the family conflicts that they are hiding from the English speakers?

It just doesn't work

[Xavier_Stone · 3/10 · 31 March 2024]

Creator Sunu Gonera is getting his first television show all to himself and it just continually falls flat. The first thing you'll notice is the frequent music score, and it is just over bearing loud and mostly annoying. Then once you start watching the simple high school simple dialogue is just too predictable.

The opening scene and the usual cut back to "7 days earlier" is just getting old with shows in a lame attempt to keep us watching and spoils any mystery.

As we find out more about the central family the obvious poor father tropes show up. Even the toilet paper piece when he cuts himself shaving. Ugh.

The gangster scene is just poor. I like Esposito and he was amazing in Breaking Bad, but here he is just tasked to carry the whole show and nobody else helps out.

I like the New Orleans setting, but the story is sub par. The heist itself is good, albeit 4 minutes worth. Then the episode ends with an after the heist meeting.

Not much of anything of substance here, 3/10, I'll watch one more but I think it'll all fall apart as it will be just all post heist drama, and the gangster group arguing amongst themselves.

I really wanted to like this, but it's just low hanging fruit created by a guy with limited film and writing experience which is expected, no surprises here.

Great start!!!👍🏿

[AGLew17 · 10/10 · 2 April 2024]

🎬📽🎞📺 Mannnnnnnn, I just finished Sunday nights premiere ep & mannnnnnnn, this joint is off the chain!!! Once again, "Big Brother Dean Almigh-tee"(IYKYK) is coming through strong!!! Now, while this is a story that has been told before...one time criminal is out of the game & his close friend who is now back at the crib from being on a government vacation has coaxed him back into the game...it just takes on a whole different level of dopeness when Giancarlo Esposito is involved! Will be interesting to see how the story unfolds as his character tries to juggle being a family man dealing with the loss of his son, which has weighed heavily on the fam, trying to work out his strained relationship with his teen daughter, trying to keep his luxury limousine business afloat, all while being caught up in the game with some ruthless African gangsters who are not to be mucked around with!! Can't wait to see how the season unfolds!!!

Hard pass

[axxmqmcy · 3/10 · 19 April 2024]

I've always thought Esposito was a great actor so I was happy to see his return to tv but I just don't think this is the role for him. Basically, it's "The transporter" with cheesy dialogue from "taken". The premise of the show is entirely on original. An OCD former criminal is sucked back into the world of crime and working for a family of foreigners who do nothing but constantly complain about how much better their home country is and yet they seem to be perfectly content being in America and making all their money.

The real trick with this show is that AMC gives you the first episode free in the hope you'll get sucked in, then they want you to subscribe to ALLBLK at $6 a month to keep watching. I won't be doing that, so I won't be watching this show and since most people are not going to pay for a subscription to a channel just for one show, it's basically a death sentence.

It may have survived a season or two if it had been left on AMC, but given the decision to move it to this other network, I look forward to it demise.

***the day after posting this criticism, the show was suddenly available on regular amc again. Not sure if Amazon realized it was an Id10t idea to put the show on ALLBLK or if some low-level lackey screwed up but it doesn't change my opinion that the show is completely unoriginal.

Off to a good start

[kdfrr · 10/10 · 11 April 2024]

I saw 2 episodes and I can't wait for the 3rd! We are getting to know the characters. Maybe the writers will take language suggestions into account for next season, no reason to slam whole show. I have to add this to another good series. I loved Breaking Bad. It actually reminds me of Your Honor. I love New Orleans. I hope it continues to heat up! The loss of his son and him saving Horse's son makes sense. I think he will always look out for him. I am interested where this will go. So far so good. I am still trying to figure out what everyone's involvement is and why his son died. Give it a shot, I enjoy it so far.

Boring snooze fest couldn't finish the first episode.

[compmend-60164 · 4/10 · 23 April 2024]

I saw the trailer for this show and was hyped for it. I like Giancarlo Espasito and most recently saw him in Abigail. I sat down to watch this and waited and waited for something to happen.

The pacing was slow and there was nothing in the story to make one scene stand out more than another. There was a somber melancholy that permeated every frame of the show, even the scenes that should have been exhilarating like fast driving.

As for the music, it was horrible and misplaced. The music didn't match the show and was like a shoe that didn't fit. My wife entered the room hands over ears and asked where the horrible music was coming from.

The icing on the cake of this horrible story was when Giancarlo's character, who has a luxury automobile, beautiful home and rather charmed life over all begins with the whole "we were both victims of the British..blah blah blah" when speaking with another posh and privileged character in the show. Just lazy writing and playing to stereotypes. This is where I cut off the show and decided to find something to watch that actually cared about my time as a viewer and would put in the effort.

Even for a die hard Giancarlo fan, this is a hard pass.

It has a nice intro and makes you want to see more.

[langskank · 10/10 · 15 April 2024]

Great serie som far. I'm so glad I stumbled over this serie when I was looking for something new to watch. Please check it out. If you like the taste och action and sudden incidents/twists at the same time as you get to know his family situation and the understanding of it. Check it out.

You probably have the same problem as I have finding new series to watch, to relax to and enjoy. Most of the time when I find something new to watch I loose interest after the first two or three episodes. This is for sure something else where the main character is drawn into something he really didn't plan for.

As I'm a fan of series like Breaking Bad that this actor features in and series like Ozark with cartells, this one is highly recommended.

Drab melodrama....

[NullUnit · 3/10 · 1 April 2024]

It's drab. Unexciting, and in fact, boring. There's nearly no tension built .. no excitement.. no intrigue. (in spite of what the soundtrack wants viewers to believe.)

The characters are fairly ridiculous and largely uninteresting. Especially "Grey" - the lead character.

Giancarlo Esposito was fantastic on Breaking Bad.. where he said very little. Here.. where he's being a "dad" and portraying a struggle with emotion and family.. it just doesn't fit the storyline they are clearly trying to tell.

This "ex-criminal" rolls over for the bad guys easier than a bowling ball. He spends a ridiculous amount of time buried in flashbacks... And not flashbacks that are character development or explain his supposed criminal history but rather pointless flashbacks about being sad ... he has 10 minute arguments with his old "crime buddy" about "jobs" done more than 20 years ago as if they happened yesterday. But ZERO history of his "criminal" life has been shown or even explained.

It's simply written poorly and more like a soap opera than a crime drama.

The initial "heist" was boring.... unexciting.. and the driving afterwards, which is supposed to be Esposito's charter's specialty..was.. absolutely nothing special. An Uber driver would have worked. And then the "bad guy" hires this 65 year old to drive him and his child when he doesn't even know the guy?? Instant trust in the criminal world? That's an odd take. And "Grey" does NOTHING to dissuade the guy or get out of the situation?? He just does what he's told without a word. He's a pushover.. a patsy... sheep.

I typically love Paula Malcomson's performances as well.. but just don't buy the relationship on screen - the relationship is portrayed as if it is new and she doesn't know her husband at all. Does or doesn't she know this unknown criminal history her husband is supposed to have? One scene you think yes.. the next you think no. In addition, It has a very Gus Fring and Walter White's wife (can't remember her name) air ... it's too close to Breaking Bad in appearance and fails to achieve what they are trying to achieve - they should have avoided blondes for the wife, or asked Malcolmson to die her hair for the role.. that alone was a misstep.

Honestly.. after 2 episodes.. there hasn't been a very good start to the series. I'll give it one more, but I am by no means vested in the show. I am merely curious if I can correctly predict the outcome of the episode 2 cliffhanger.

Don't listen to the bad reviews

[jpmock · 9/10 · 23 April 2024]

I cannot believe this show at the time of writing has not even a seven. I had to give it a nine just to balance things but I truly think it is at least a solid eight or more. The plot is interesting, acting (at least by the mains characters) is excellent, and the suspense is a plenty. I'm not sure what others were expecting. I guess you will either love it or hate it. It is actually so good I anticipate seeing the next one. It is action packed and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Nothing hokey either. Giancarlo is absolutely fantastic: What else would you expect? If you aren't hooked by 2 episodes then probably not for you but you will know after the 2nd whether it is worth your time to continue.

Incorrect portrayal of the zimbabwean shona culture

[lindalocadia · 1/10 · 7 April 2024]

As someone who is shona, I was thrown off by the misrepresentation of our language and culture. If you are going to try to act a movie based on other people's culture then please represent it well. I didnt even finish the first episode because of how our language was distorted and not in a good way. I love my language and I feel the series disrespected it. I don't think I will watch this series. Its so fake.

Another thing is, this movie is said to represent Zimbabwe, I do not see anything Zimbabwean in it. I tried to look at all Zimbabwean cities to see which one can be close to Parish but I couldn't find one. I am sorry but I do not know which country this series is trying to portray but its definitely not Zimbabwe. Its very offensive the way the series portrays the Shona language.

Heart Stopping Thriller

[swaiemanagement · 10/10 · 6 May 2024]

Great actors, especially. Giancarlo Esposito! There's suspense and mystery on every episode, so your mind is constantly excited to see what's going to happen next. I like the characters and the direction of each family on the show. It shows how every family has their own weaknesses, strengths and moral values based on their experiences and where and how they grew up. It also shows the different ways people deal with loss and love when it comes to protecting their own. I wish there were more than six episodes and hope there's going to be a season two! I look forward to the times and dates for the next season, because the end left too many things unanswered. Over all I watched every episode and at the end I was left wanting more.

Play stupid games....

[Fabedawgydawg · 3/10 · 7 May 2024]

This wasn't a bad show. Had some entertaining moments, decent acting, and sets. Overall pretty stupid though so don't use logic when watching. The last episode felt like the typical lib thought. His son(a grown black man) gets caught breaking into a vehicle, then runs toward the owner(white guy of course) while digging in pockets after getting caught, and guy being robbed shoots. Everyone in the show acts like the burglar was an innocent victim, they literally say that over and over. The guy gets kidnapped and almost shot cause he didn't call for an ambulance. New Orleans is the worst city in the US for crime. Unplanned murders happen daily. Thugs literally walk up to people and shoot them for a wallet or purse. Or it's a gang initiation. Carjackings happen all the time as well. Of course the guy getting robbed would rather be safe than sorry when robber comes at him but the show never mentions the whole play stupid games win stupid prizes. Not sure why libs don't believe self accountability. It's always someone else's fault. (The white man)

I feel like you left me on read 😊

[caraweathers · 10/10 · 6 May 2024]

I don't even know where to begin when leaving a review for this show. I don't watch tv hardly ever. I am a movie girl (if I have time and or energy) to even watch those.

I am a medical assistant who works with a cardiologist who travels to small towns throughout Kansas to see patients where there isn't any cardiologist. It is very tiring to travel and then work in the office with patients the rest of the time. So normally when I have time to watch tv I am way to tired. I also do not get into shows of this style. Totally not me. My husband yes. Not me. With that being said though:

THIS SHOW HAD ME FROM THE FIRST SCENE!!! It became my Sunday morning look forward to. Then by the 2nd episode I was hooked. Now I am no longer sleeping in on Sunday mornings (which is a HUGE DEAL), because I just have to get up and watch the next episode. Every episode left me hanging. Fast forward to this morning (5/5/24): I wake up to watch the last episode, I make my morning coffee, let the dog out and back in, sit on the couch and start the show. So many questions were getting answered. I started thinking that this definitely has to be the last episode, there is no way they could play off that, no way they could continue from there. Then things started happening and new questions started coming up. Like who? What? Why? Is he alive? Is he dead? Who is alive? Who is dead? Who will run things now? Why is he in town? OMG IT IS LIKE YOU LEFT ME ON READ!!!!!!! Come on how nice is that to do to a lady? I feel like I need an exam from my cardiologist tomorrow when I get to work.

So with all that being said, YOU HAVE TO DO A SEASON 2. You can't do this to a woman you finally found a show she loves and is willing to give up sleep to watch!!!!