I've seen a lot of negative reviews about this show and this episode in particular, which mostly seem to convey some kind of disappointment because this show isn't like the movie which inspired it.
Well, of course it isn't. The movie was about two hours long, which doesn't provide much time for character revelation. The series does take the time to reveal character, and it does so very well. Esme Creed-Miles, as star of the show, has to bring a major presence to the screen and she does it. It's a role which tasks the actor, because this character was raised alone, knowing just one human for her entire life. Hanna has no emotional markers, no idea how to express how she feels, indeed no idea even what feelings mean. She has been taught since birth to focus on survival and emotions get in the way. This is a complex character mainly because of her enforced, and rejected, simplicity.
This episode brings Hanna to the world of humanity and gives her a friend. It's emotionally powerful. This series has some action but is primarily about this character, an incomplete soul who wants to fit in but is in constant danger. She has no idea how to live her life, but is determined to have control over it.
I saw the movie years ago, once. I recall being impressed. I don't recall much detail, and I didn't expect a whole lot from the series except that it might hold my interest, as many shows do not. Hanna holds my interest. It's a fine series, and this is a fine episode. It is not non-stop action. It's smarter than that.
Recommended.
Well, of course it isn't. The movie was about two hours long, which doesn't provide much time for character revelation. The series does take the time to reveal character, and it does so very well. Esme Creed-Miles, as star of the show, has to bring a major presence to the screen and she does it. It's a role which tasks the actor, because this character was raised alone, knowing just one human for her entire life. Hanna has no emotional markers, no idea how to express how she feels, indeed no idea even what feelings mean. She has been taught since birth to focus on survival and emotions get in the way. This is a complex character mainly because of her enforced, and rejected, simplicity.
This episode brings Hanna to the world of humanity and gives her a friend. It's emotionally powerful. This series has some action but is primarily about this character, an incomplete soul who wants to fit in but is in constant danger. She has no idea how to live her life, but is determined to have control over it.
I saw the movie years ago, once. I recall being impressed. I don't recall much detail, and I didn't expect a whole lot from the series except that it might hold my interest, as many shows do not. Hanna holds my interest. It's a fine series, and this is a fine episode. It is not non-stop action. It's smarter than that.
Recommended.