ethomas274 Reviews

Succession: Connor's Wedding (2023) Season 4, Episode 3

King Lear

[10/10 · 10 April 2023]

The last thing he said to his kids was that he loved them but that they were "not serious people." With the exception of Roman of course.. Logan's last power play was getting Roman to fire Gerry. I think Logan knew how capable Gerri was and that she was one of the most likely to take charge after, and he didn't want that for some reason. Maybe he just wanted to be the anointer. But then also it begs the question, did Logan think this was coming? I think the craziest thing for me is that shiv would have been the first to know. She ignored Tom's call twice. He called her first. By the time she got there, she was talking to a dead man. Then the kids slowly fall apart and resort to their worst tendencies.. arguably the most glaring of which, Kendall launches into crisis mode and tries to set up a conference call in a last ditch effort to save his father. It's just a gut wrenching episode beginning to end, but this was the saddest moment. He's grasping at the only thing he knows well, and it's a byproduct of him being raised in a world where you can always have another meeting or there's another play up your sleeve. Until there isn't. Just devastating.

I'm excited to see how the power vacuum plays out. It's honestly anyone's game at this point. This show is so good.

Succession: The Munsters (2023) Season 4, Episode 1

In a class of its own

[9/10 · 27 March 2023]

All actors and the writing team are firing on all cylinders here. This is what succession does best: nerve-wracking, rapid-fire conflict>negotiation>partial resolution. As always, Logan is evil but we see a more personal side to him here. To me, the most interesting part of the episode was when he described how he felt about other people. Painting with a broad stroke, you really get an inside view into his psyche, and it's a soliloquy performed to a captive audience. "You're my Pal." I get chills just thinking about that scene. The real scene stealers this episode were Shiv and Tom (honorable mention to Karl. Love whenever that guy pops up). Also wanted to give a shout out to the directing/editing team. So much happens in this episode but it is not exhausting visually, in fact it is quite the opposite. This show is truly a technical masterclass and I am excited to see what happens in this final season.

Prehistoric Planet (2022–2023)

Planet Earth with Dinosaurs

[8/10 · 24 May 2022]

It was advertised as Planet Earth with Dinosaurs, and, that's what we got. It's nice to get truth in advertising for once. I just wish the series itself was longer (only 5 episodes?) and the behind-the-scenes looks were more in-depth. I wanted to hear more about the science behind how they knew all this stuff. Overall, really well done.

Pachinko: Chapter Eight (2022) Season 1, Episode 8

The Love Echoes

[10/10 · 29 April 2022]

As we move through life, we carry so much with us. Our ancestors. Our trauma. Our joy. Our sadness. These dichotomies are then passed on to those that succeed us: Our family, whether adopted or blood. And at the end of it all, when we die, our memories don't die with us, contrary to popular belief. They are passed on. Every event in our lives causes a ripple effect through succeeding generations. We might not even know the names of our great-great grandparents or further, but every decision that they made in their lives has led to the moments that make up our lives. Many shared moments are inherited and bear repeating. However, this does not deprive us of our agency. Every choice we make in our lives also causes ripple effects across generations and communities, whether positive or negative. This does not bring me anxiety as I believe the majority of these come with an undercurrent of love. This love for family, for friends, and for strangers is what binds us as people. This love is truly the most powerful force in the universe. As we move through our lives, our only hope is that the ripples we send out into the world are primarily founded on the basis of love and intention. In 100 years, in 1000 years, the love will be what remains. The love is what echoes across time. And that, in and of itself, is a reason to be joyful.

Pachinko: Chapter Seven (2022) Season 1, Episode 7

Excellent

[10/10 · 22 April 2022]

Having never read the book but being quite familiar with the historical background, I was wondering if there was going to be an episode that explored this horrific tragedy. I try to avoid spoilers of any kind in my reviews so I won't get any further into the plot of the episode; however, in typical Pachinko fashion, they render outstandingly realistic and humanistic portraits of people and communities that sneak up on you and stick with you. The writing and acting in this show is simply fantastic, it pulls you in and never lets go. So glad I stumbled upon this very special show. Shout out to everyone who made this show happen. Looking forward to next week's finale.

How to with John Wilson: How to Be Spontaneous (2021) Season 2, Episode 6

A classic in the making

[10/10 · 3 January 2022]

It's sad that the seasons are so short, but the amount of poignancy that John can pull out of everyday situations is, frankly, astounding. This episode in particular perfectly encapsulates everything there is to love about the show as John, once again, perfectly captures incredibly vivid portraits of humanity. I can't say much more without spoiling it, but this is probably the most emotionally resonant episode of tv I've seen this year. How To with John Wilson is a really special show, like a gift with a tidy bow on top. Shows like this don't come around often. HBO, please make a season 3. John is making history here.

Reservation Dogs: NDN Clinic (2021) Season 1, Episode 2

Excellent

[9/10 · 10 August 2021]

Wears its influences on its sleeve but wildly original at the same time. Very Coen-Esque. Interesting characters. Excited to see where this series goes.

Primal: Rage of the Ape-Men (2019) Season 1, Episode 5

Excellent

[10/10 · 24 April 2021]

Brilliantly animated, briskly paced, and emotionally affecting.