SamWam Reviews

True Detective: Black Maps and Motel Rooms (2015) Season 2, Episode 7

Excellent episode and one of the best episodes of the entire series to date.

[10/10 · 4 August 2015]

As everyone knows, This season of True Detective has been insanely controversial and divisive it seems like since before it ever even aired. I think when the season started no one knew what to expect, and a lot of people were already ready to be disappointed, Ready to look for anything and everything to criticize and rip to shreds. It has been plagued by hype and backlash since season one ended. I feel that the season has been strong all along and has been a phenomenal slow burning character driven mystery, But after this episode, I think it is at the top of it's game and that season 2 is easily consistent in quality and entertainment value as season one. All of the things that were planted throughout the season and might have seemed confusing or random to some viewers at first glance, Are coming together now in a great way.

The performances are all top notch and The directing and cinematography is excellent as usual. This is a complex and complicated story that requires full attention and patience, and as we have seen in these past couple of episodes, Rewards it greatly. Much like season one, This is a season that begs to be re-watched, Every viewing adds more layers to the experience and when people do watch this season over as time goes on, I think we will see this season getting more and more of the credit it deserves. It already seems like the overall attitude concerning this season is starting to shift with a lot of people.

This was a great episode of television and a great season of television. The finale looks to be great and intense, But regardless of how it turns out, I think this season has already proved itself. Anyone that is debating whether or not they should watch this season, If you get past all of the hype, expectations, gossip, and all of the other things that have seemed to hover around this show for some reason, I think you will find an incredibly solid, entertaining, well made, and rewarding season. In my opinion this is one of the best shows on TV and everything that I want from a great HBO drama.

Carnivàle (2003–2005)

One of television's finest moments.

[10/10 · 11 September 2014]

Carnivale represents HBO at their most ambitious moment. There has been nothing like it on Television, before or after it. Misunderstood at the time of it's original airing, it failed to gain a wide audience but, it is now a cult classic that is worth watching again and again. It is a true masterpiece of storytelling, direction, and cinematography. Very cinematic and epic in scope. It is one of the most original stories ever told on American television. It's Dust Bowl setting is something that has rarely been covered and never as well as it is here. Carnivale is on the surface, a good and evil story but underneath that, There are many complex and thought provoking undertones. Over the course of the series, The stories of each character come together in such a perfect way that it seems crazy that anyone ever questioned it. Carnivale is very much a slow burner for people that want complex stories that require full attention and commitment. The characters are all complex and engaging, The actors all fit perfectly into their roles and do a great job, and every aspect of production is handled perfectly. Way ahead of it's time, If Carnivale were to come along in today's age of TV, It would certainly be more welcomed and seen for what it is. That the show was tragically cut short of it's intended six season plan, Is nothing short of devastating. Even still, It is very much worth watching. By the end of season 2, It does a good job of closing up a lot of the loose ends while opening a few doors for future seasons that sadly never came. I don't know that there has ever been a better looking show either. It is beautiful to look at and hasn't aged a day since it aired. Anyone that enjoys committing to an original concept that requires patience, but also rewards it, Carnivale is the perfect show.

The Leftovers (2014–2017)

Character driven drama. Dark and complex. Great television.

[10/10 · 5 September 2014]

From the first episode, It is clear what type of show the Leftovers is. It is a character driven show about how human beings deal with loss, loneliness, and regret. Going into the season one finale, The Leftovers has more than found it's footing. It has become a top tier HBO drama. It is one of the best shows on TV. I feel many people were expecting another LOST, With a central mystery that will eventually unfold and be explained. This is not the case here. The "rapture like event" is what kick starts the series but, How the characters deal with the aftermath is what this show is truly about. There are mysteries however, Which seem to be unfolding nicely as the series progresses. The Leftovers is not a show that gives quick answers and wraps everything up in a neat package. It is very much a show for the people who like to think about what they watch and dissect. If you enjoy atmospheric storytelling with a slow burn pace, You will enjoy The Leftovers. It might not be for everyone but that is what makes it so great. It is destined to be a cult classic. Along the lines of Twin Peaks, Carnivale, etc. It is well establishing itself as one of the best show on television and it is getting better with each episode.

Hand of God (2014–2017)

Excellent pilot episode. Promising.

[10/10 · 29 August 2014]

This is by far the best pilot that Amazon has produced so far. It immediately draws you in and makes you feel what the characters are about. It is gritty, well written, and has a solid lead actor in Ron Pearlman. His performance is very grounded and natural. One of the best of his career in my opinion. The show explores pretty powerful themes and judging from the pilot, It does so in a way that is interesting and thought provoking. It is paced well and at the end of the pilot, It leaves you wanting more. Amazon needs to green light this to series and get it going as soon as possible. It could very well be the show that elevates them to the Netflix level of required viewing. It could be their House Of Cards.