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ecarl65
Reviews
McDonald & Dodds (2020)
Hidden Gem
I usually just try to watch shows with reviews in the 8's or higher. Life is too short and there's too much good TV. Then a show comes along that reminds me that my tastes are NOT always the same as the general public, when it's evident I enjoy a show much more than the average rating would indicate. I don't know what it is that makes other people only rate this in the 7s, but this is a delightful show. The mysteries are top notch. The acting is great. The characters are delightful. And the humor is surprising. I prefer when shows don't have too much drama between the main characters, this one straddles the line just fine. These two are such an unlikely pairing but somehow it just feels right and makes sense and is more and more enjoyable as time goes on. I haven't finished it yet, hopefully they finish the last season strong. But I've really enjoyed it.
Scott & Bailey (2011)
Something great but intangible
I love this show and I can't actually explain why. I'm a big fan of mysteries and cop procedurals, and there's something this show has that's just different than all the rest. I can't put my finger on it! I wish I could. I want to say it's some type of realism, but that doesn't convey the totality of what this show has that's unique. I usually don't like it when personal drama is injected in shows, and that's still true but this one does it better than most. The chemistry and acting of the two main actresses is fantastic, their mannerisms, expressions, turns of phrase, are all just so amusing and entertaining. The other thing I love is that the supporting cast is all excellent and they actually have speaking roles and act like real people.
Station Eleven (2021)
Great, if you know what to expect
This show was moving, touching, emotional, and absorbing. I started watching it on my own but my daughter happened to be in the room and got absolutely sucked into it with me. I loved almost everything about it, except for one major flaw.
(Minor spoilers ahead)
We really thought that this was going to be a sci-fi story that involved a space station, maybe time travel, a major mystery to unravel. But that's just not what it is... at all. It's a very human drama set in a difficult situation. And it would be pretty much _perfect_ if that were the expectation. But the way the show kept dropping these weird hints made us think there would be a major science fiction plot reveal at some point... and there wasn't. I'm tempted to remove the spoiler tag, because I feel like people would appreciate this show so much more if they understood this. I would know to appreciate it for the touching drama it is had I known that. But the directors seemed to push you in that direction without actually having anything happen along those lines.
As science fiction I'd give it a 7. As a drama a 9.
Midnight Mass (2021)
One of the best things I've ever seen
Perhaps it's my religious upbringing and subsequent loss of faith, but this show hit me so incredibly hard. The moments when Riley and Erin describe death in poetic and secular terms while "Nearer My God To Thee" plays in the background just destroyed me. This show was perfection throughout. Sure, it's horror, but it's so much more than that. The acting was superb, so touching and perfect. So raw and real. The horror medium belied an underlying moving story of interpersonal conflict and private demons. The religious portions were expertly done and there is something for everyone. Other than Bev, who is still unfortunately realistic,he other players felt legitimate and representative. This show had my daughter and I crying ugly tears.
Doctor Who: Heaven Sent (2015)
Fantastic episode (but one main nagging flaw)
I loved this episode. It was dark, but also portrayed the doctor's indomitable spirit. I thought the music was great, and really set the tone. I watched it with my kids and they loved it as well.
But one aspect just really bothers me, and I'm wondering if I'm missing the explanation (here's the spoiler). He says this process works because each room resets each day, meaning it must have memory. If that's the case, why doesn't the Azbantium reset as well?
Awake (2012)
What's wrong with TV viewers?
I would say the regular season is an 8 or 9. But the last 2-3 episodes were just expertly done, had the finish and acting and twists more like a top notch movie than a TV series. The only thing that's awful about this show is that it only lasted a season. I get SO tired of the formulaic tripe on TV and film. Unfortunately I'm left to lament the lack of imagination from most TV viewers, which is the only explanation I can think of for this show being canceled. Such an incredible waste.
This is one show with great acting in multiple roles, not just the lead. The two psychiatrists in particular are excellent. I imagine some people thought the lead actor was a little to stolid but I think it was acted perfectly. He really became the character. Plus given the nature of his "issue" that really was the most fitting way to approach the problem.