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Reviews
Better Call Saul: Breaking Bad (2022)
A Solid Episode
I wasn't blown away by this episode, but I really enjoyed it and it certainly is a memorable one because of the cameos. The way they successfully intertwined the flashbacks with the present was super clever and creative. The phone call with Francesca was my favorite part of the episode, fan service whilst also setting up for Kim's final storyline. The cut from the grave from Saul timeline to Gene in bed was spectacular.
I do think it's an interesting decision to go small scale slippin jimmy schemes for 2 of the last 4 episodes and I did find myself becoming a bit impatient this episode as some scenes were maybe dragged out too long for how little time is left in the series. The show isn't building the tension I had hoped for leading into the series penultimate episode.
That being said, I know everything these writers do always pays off, just like with the Howard storyline, so as long as the finale really delivers, then all this setup is fine with me.
Overall very solid episode with some great moments, just felt like the pace dragged a little.
Ms. Marvel: Generation Why (2022)
Only MCU show that doesn't feel like a gimmick.
This is what I wanted from MCU shows in the first place. This feels authentic and like it's just going to be a realistic, believable, and grounded story with low stakes. As someone who really disliked how Moon Knight progressed, and has been disappointed with every MCU Disney+ show to date, this one seems to realize what the previous ones lacked: character development, focus on interactions over CGI, and building tension between characters. Iman Vellani was great it in this first episode and is very likeable, as opposed to her character's idol Captain Marvel. The editing is so awesome and unique, it's probably the strongest aspect of the show rivaled by the great cast of course. I also loved the world building of the overall MCU here with AvengersCon. It's not a 10/10 because it's still pretty basic and generic and doesn't have much rewatch value, but overall it's a great starting episode.
Not sure why a show with this little CGI couldn't have more episodes though.
The Good Place (2016)
The Perfect TV Show
I watched this show a few years ago when it was still running and I loved it, but I didn't find it super memorable. I just recently watched through the whole thing again, this time in a fairly quick amount of time with no ads, no week of waiting for one 20 minute episode... And wow on 2nd viewing this turned into my favorite show I've ever watched. Absolute perfection. The concept is absolutely brilliant and it just gets more and more bonkers as the show moves along.
The world and lore that the creators of show have developed to some of the most imaginative stuff I've seen. This is one of the few shows that doesn't hold back. It really does "go there".
What really makes this show is how lovable the characters are. Every main character is brilliantly written, funny, and lovable. They all complement each other so well and I've never felt such an attachment to a show's characters.
This show isn't for everyone, if you want to watch a show for a quick laugh there are certainly better options, but this show has the perfect combination of plot progression and comedy for me personally, and that's just one of the many reasons I would deem it the perfect show.
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part I (2022)
Extremely Mediocre Start
Disney's sole intent with these Disney+ shows (Star Wars and MCU) is to take all the soul from the movies and stuff it down the drain. Some of the acting in this episode is straight up awful, mainly because the writing and production is so "on-nose" that it's impossible to deliver in a way that doesn't sound cheesy. The plot is spoon fed so carefully that it made me forget that we have a national shortage of baby formula. The tone is bland and the Star Wars novelty just doesn't work like it used to. There's just no nuance here. Nothing memorable, just another piece of Disney content. This isn't art, this is a product.
Still, most people will probably like it, as this is yet another example of Disney only making shows for the broadest of audiences. It's not like episode this is awful, it's just boring and very telling for how the series is gonna play out.
It's Star Wars content so I'll watch the whole series, but it's just gonna be another lukewarm viewing experience. Not good not bad.
Moon Knight: Gods and Monsters (2022)
Predictably Underwhelming Finale
I was tempted to give this episode a 6 or 7 but after thinking about it a little, this episode is quite frankly inexcusable. Marvel/Disney+ is really dropping the ball with these shows with a lack of committal to trying certain genres and their inability to break from the marvel formula is leaves an empty feeling after finishing each show. Moon Knight had some serious highs and it's on par with Wandavision and Loki for me, but it consistently switches between dark/gritty and fun kids show.
This episode was just generic boss battle with no emotional stakes at all, which is quite the letdown after two fantastic episodes (albeit with their own issues). The runtime was a whopping 35 something minutes, which just shows that this episode was set up to be underwhelming because the series didn't build suspense and stakes and therefore didn't need much time for the finale.
Marvel needs to stop trying to apply the boring marvel formula which works for popcorn movies, not TV. Build stakes and focus on character interactions. Let the CGI come when needed, not rely on it.
I was still entertained by the episode and the post credits scene was fantastic, but it predictably ended in a generic superhero battle in a bland location with no stakes.
Moon Knight (2022)
Incredible Start
First off, this episode isn't perfect, it's too fast paced and there isn't enough time to take in everything. But it's one of the most entertaining opening episodes I've ever seen. This is an absolute HOOK that will almost for sure draw you in for the rest of the season. The jarring changes in perspective is one of the most intriguing concepts I've seen executed in the MCU.
This completely drew me in, and while I haven't been satisfied with some of the MCU shows (finales of hawkeye and wandavision, and everything about FATWS) this first episode gives me hope that disney+ can finally pull off a undoubtedly good show.
What If...?: What If... Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands? (2021)
Incredible Episode
This episode is a masterpiece. It does a good job at minimalizing the plot and the scope of the world being built to allow for a connection to be made to the characters and therefore letting feeling and emotion shine through. The actual animation was also the smoothest and best in the series so far. The ending is the chefs kiss.
I don't think they'll be able to top this episode at least in terms of emotion.
What If...?: What If... Zombies?! (2021)
Just OK
Following the incredible Dr. Strange episode, this one had little chance of improving on the previous episode as the last 3 did, but it was still an OK entry. Not a whole lot of substance in this one and everything seemed a bit forced and jarring much like the Captain Carter episode. WHAT IF definitely struggles when it tries to do too much but soars when it isn't overly ambitious in terms of the scope of the world it is trying to build in each episode. The comedy was forced and unearned in my opinion but there were still some funny moments. I think they would've been better off focusing on a few characters and making this a survival thriller rather a massive avengers comedy type plotline/feel.