mhtannous Reviews

Trigger Point (2022– )

Season 1 review

[7/10 · 7 May 2024]

The storyline was slow, and while I can usually really dig a slow burn, this was a bit annoying at times.

What saves the show is Vicky McClure's phenomenal acting. It's unusual in a detective or thriller drama for an actor to give this much attention to their role. This was top notch acting on her part.

We don't have season two in the states yet but the reviews look better than season one, a rarity. I can only think they gave the actress better material to work with and she absolutely knocked it out of the park. I liked her alright, in line of duty. She was good. Competent. On this show she absolutely shines.

No Offence (I) (2015–2018)

Joanna Scanlan is a Thrill to watch.

[10/10 · 27 March 2024]

Joanna Scanlan has to be one of the best actresses of our time. In No Offence she has a role that allows some of her best acting chops to come out. It is a pleasure and a thrill to watch her lead this show. She sparkles in every scene.

However, the show is a great concept and she has a great team of backup actors. The pacing is good, storylines are inventive if not a bit far fetched. This isn't a "realistic" police procedural, but rather a dramatic one.

Plenty of great guest actors keep the show feeling fresh. It's been interesting to have storylines start and think "not this again, this has been done again and again" and then the show puts its own spin on it that holds my attention.

Ten stars for Joanna's performance.

The Regime (2024)

Absolutely Fabulous

[10/10 · 6 March 2024]

I have no clue what the low scores about. This show is going to be ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS.

The two main characters SO MUCH CHEMISTRY. Although chemistry is something Winslett is brilliant at. The two actors have a history in the movie a "little chaos".

The show is absurd, but I actually think it's going to become a toxic love story.

I can't wait to watch the rest.

The leader they are emulating, at least in this first episode has to be the absurd Nikolai Causcescu. (Sp) of Romania. Zubak is even a Romanian last name.

I love that there is a triangle here which adds the necessary tension a satire like this needs to pull off a love story.

10/10 episode one.

One Day (2024)

Better than the film, as good as the book

[10/10 · 13 February 2024]

I'm not sure how anyone can say these two don't have chemistry...

First of all, they are supposed to be a bit of an ackward pairing. Not each others type.

Leo does wandering, deep, aimless f@ck up so well. And she does insecure, trying to have it all together, and not lead on about how desperately in love she is... also very well.

They are a fantastic pairing, because the whole time you aren't sure if you are rooting for them to be together, or just waiting for the inevitable disaster if they do.

But the show grows on you, and the characters grow.

And by the time you are half way in, you are fully invested.

It's been a while since I've watched something so human and moving.

Happy Valley (2014–2023)

Sarah Lancaster has to be the best actress of her time

[10/10 · 30 November 2023]

I cannot watch her without feeling swept off my feet. Every moment of her portrayal of Catherine is perfection. Every minute detail of this performance is realistic. Her character so multifaceted, and nuanced, you wonder if Sarah IS Catherine.

I have felt a similar thrill watching Suranne Jones portray Anne Lister.

What an epic combination Sally Wainright is with the different actors she's chosen to partner with and write for.

I hope she turns our scripts for years to come. And I cannot wait to tune into anything Catherine does next.

As for Happy Valley, prepare to be taken on a dark, enthralling, and ultimately satisfying, adventure.

Tv at its finest.

Inconceivable (2020)

This show was infuriating

[5/10 · 5 November 2023]

This show was absolutely infuriating. It says it's premised on four friends. Only the woman who lost her baby was no friend. I could not believe how selfish she was, and how weak merieke was. At first Merike seems intent on helping her face the truth, instead of feeding her delusions, which is what good friends do. But it took a turn when Merieke prioritized her friends obvious narcissistic/psychotic break over herself, her job, and her family.

No woman like the blonde character, could ever love anyone. She definitely couldn't love the baby she stole because she didn't respect it. She cruelly separated it from its mother. What a picture of cruelty this show was.

Overall the storyline was intense, but also pretty triggering considering the content. Be warned.

Hijack (2023)

Excellent show could not have watched weekly

[10/10 · 8 August 2023]

I have no idea why they put these shows out weekly. It's stupid. It's as if they aren't in touch with people's watching habits.

There is no way I would have watched this weekly.

It was an excellent binge though. Looking forward to a season two.

I could have done with one more episode, though this was very taught, I would have liked to see a bit more on the criminal side. We never really did understand their motivations. Nor did we really get a sense of who the bad guys were. This was the only thing lacking in my opinion.

In season two Id love for them to flesh this piece out a bit more, do a bit more character development.

The Witcher (2019– )

I love this show but...

[8/10 · 1 July 2023]

I am giving it an eight for a strong start.

I'm trying to watch season three. I'm not kidding I restarted it more than five times. I'm having so much trouble staying engaged. I just keep finding other things to do.

This generally happens with me, when a story doesn't have any compelling storylines.

So I finally sat down to push myself to watch, and indeed there isn't really anything here.

It feels like it's jumping all over the place now. It's hard to know what is going on. It's strayed so far from the source material I'm not sure if I'll finish the whole series now.

The one benefit of Netflix is when they make a really good show, one can binge it immediately for the enjoyable experience, now they are even robbing audiences of this experience in that they are releasing series higher in popularity in batches. It's rude.

Alice, Darling (2022)

Shocked at low reviews

[10/10 · 30 June 2023]

Higher score to even out the unnecessarily bad ones.

I imagine the low scores come from people who could not connect with the subject matter.

This was such as superbly done, realistic portrayal of coercive control abuse.

And captures the inner effects of any kind of abuse in relationships.

I loved the obvious, but subtle concurrent storyline of the missing girl.

It's such a deeply contemplative film. The imagery is stunning. The way it takes a single moment and fleshes it all the way out is true artistry.

The simplicity of the storyline is what makes this such a good story.

It's vertical, deep. Not sweeping and horizontal.

Gentleman Jack (2019–2022)

It's hard to find something not to like

[10/10 · 19 June 2023]

As I said, this is as close to perfect as I've ever seen.

Surranne Jones - IS ANNE LISTER. She absolutely transforms into the embodiment of her character. Her performance is a perfect ten. She deserves all the awards.

I have frequently burst out laughing, at times become infuriated right along with the characters, and almost cried.

It's got a great mix of supporting cast. The malevolent, the idiotic, kind, and comedic.

The scenery is gorgeous, and they actually film at shibden Halll which was the real Anne' Lister's estate, and has been meticulously kept up over the years which only adds to the authenticity of the story.

Anything Sally Wainright Does is phenomenal.

Hope there might be yet another season, or a movie to close out the story!

You People (2023)

This would be a great sitcom if it had nuance

[10/10 · 1 February 2023]

I liked the characters. I'd love to follow their story. This would make an excellent sitcom if they had the ability and time to add more nuance. It's hard to do in a short movie. But longer form like 6-8 half hour episodes could have really done the source material justice. Overall it was a good movie. I know it wasn't everyone's cup of tea. It kind of got lost in its on stereotypes because of the lack of time to do nuance.

It was well cast. Eddie Murphy hasn't aged my whole life. That's pretty incredible. Dreyfus always delivers a quality performance.

Please make a longer format show with the same characters.

Ginny & Georgia (2021– )

Second Season even better than the first.

[10/10 · 6 January 2023]

I'm giving it a ten. In the days of streaming with millions of low quality options, I feel it's rare for a second season to deliver this well.

Lots of interesting storylines. And they are tight.

It's fast paced despite being 10 episodes long.

There are few more storylines I'd love to see fleshed out, but overall it had me interested and excited throughout.

It doesn't trail too far down any political agenda. Instead it handles issues around identity, gun safety and mental health with nuance. Which I appreciate.

I'm pretty liberal, but I'm not interested in PC agendas being shoved down my throat in one direction or another. Real like isn't that black or white. (No pun intended) Shows that promote them feel robotic and gross if they are too obvious.

I hope it comes back for a third season.

Harry & Meghan (2022)

A sweet yet equally powerful accounting

[10/10 · 22 December 2022]

It's a shame that people are unable to see it. The media has shamelessly done with this documentary exactly what Harry and Meghan laid out in the series. I read a heavily biased article this afternoon using words like "attack, lambasted, fired on". Harry barely mentioned the Royal Family. He was coming for the disgusting behavior of the press. So if you aren't watching this because you feel he betrayed his family... only the media would have you believe it. It isn't true. What is evident is that he feels hurt that the family didn't close ranks around him and his wife. Which also happened with Diana, when she was popular.

All in all, it was them saying their piece, elegantly and tactfully

For years the media and other nefarious players have made a fortune with their accounting of events. I see nothing wrong with Harry and Meghan speaking their side.

The Crown (2016–2023)

Huge fan, but season 5?

[8/10 · 9 November 2022]

What happened in season five?

I'm 5 episodes in and they seem to have abandoned their format.

Before it was real life historical events in Britain jusxtosposed against how the royal family was effected or involved.

This tension created the drama.

Without the historical Britain piece I am just watching boring, spoiled characters.

The show really suffered this season.

I was so excited for it. And it's just not the same show this season.

Characters are "all right". But their plots droll on.

There isn't enough to fill ten episodes.

I'm not British, but it does sort of feel like an agenda.

Or they over edited it after the Queens death so as not to "affect her legacy.

The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself (2022)

Not deserving of low reviews

[10/10 · 1 November 2022]

Like most shows, it's a disservice to watch 3 or 4 episodes and then run over here to rate the show.

Like we know from George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, most (all) scripts, like myths, follow an arch. The y have a beginning, middle, and an end. Admittedly, some shows fail to satisfactorily wrap their storylines. But this show isn't one of them.

Enough is available to leave us craving a season two.

This is a show that just kept getting better.

So my advice is, if this is a genre you like, ignore the bad reviews.

It's deserving of a second season.

And won't get one if you don't watch.

Watch until the end.

I promise it's worth it.

Characters keep getting more layered and nuanced as the show progresses.

The storylines keep getting deeper, and more interesting.

The Devil's Hour (2022– )

A little too much story, not enough time

[8/10 · 29 October 2022]

I'm someone who really likes a good mystery. I believe in reincarnation and karma. So I had my guesses around what was going on here.

The story is full of paradoxes as an experience. It's too short, and it drags. It's got some clearly defined arch's, but some of them don't get clearly resolved .

I didn't feel satisfaction after watching it the way I do other shows in this genre.

Still, it's interesting. The acting is phenomenal. Jessica Raine and Peter Capaldi turned in wickedly good performances.

As far as an existential head scratcher, and how it all wrapped up, it's good.

I've been rolling the ideas presented in the show around in my head all night.

The Sandman (2022– )

It's really good.

[10/10 · 5 August 2022]

Sometimes I wonder if the people who review either have no imagination, no joy, or no real happiness in their lives.

It isn't an exact replica of the comic. No. Should it be? I suppose if it was promised that it would be, then sure.

But on its own, when you go in with no comparisons, no expectations, it's an exceptional piece of art. Don't let the bad reviews away you.

Purple Hearts (2022)

It really is a good story.

[9/10 · 31 July 2022]

I rated this high on the strength of the story. Yes drama romances are often predictable. So I didn't give it a ten. But it was a story that kept me quite engaged. Very watchable movie. Good acting.

The Kardashians (2022– )

I have to say, it's Kim this time.

[10/10 · 22 May 2022]

I would catch KUWTK from time to time when I was nursing a hang over or a cold more than a decade ago. So when my daughter had it on the other day, I sat down to watch with her. Kim's journey, and the causes she's involved in, give this series so much more substance than before. I literally cried with Jones had his sentence commuted and when she passed the bar. Plus, the theme with the blended family is actually quite wholesome, and I feel ok with my daughter watching something that isn't just about fashion and cars.

I gave it a ten not because it's 10 worthy, but as an attempt to offset the reviews of people who obviously didn't even watch the show and don't realize that their criticism comes from being jealous.

The Essex Serpent (2022)

Excellent, slow burn, but exciting non the less

[10/10 · 13 May 2022]

Love the moodiness of the show. There are so many storylines that could be explored here. Danes does well with the English accent, which is something that always stands out to me. She's phenomenal in any project she takes on. However, I'm unsure how they will do Justice to the story in just six episodes. Perhaps like Handmaid's tale, we'll get a season two.

Bridgerton (2020– )

Season 2 not a winner

[2/10 · 26 March 2022]

Season one was great. The story in season two was great, but the actors just couldn't deliver it. It seems to be lacking some of the excess drama or sun plots of season 1. And the actress who played Kate felt absolutely lifeless and one dimensional. Always sad when this happens to a promising series.

The Last Kingdom (2015–2022)

I have loved this show since the first season

[10/10 · 10 March 2022]

Alexander Dreymon really hits the spot when you are looking for a sexy distraction.

Come for the sex factor, stay for the good story.

There isn't much else to say, other than watch it!

Britannia (2017–2021)

Marketing doesn't do it justice

[9/10 · 8 March 2022]

This is a phenomenal series.

I wish Amazon had kept it. Because some of nuance has been lost over the remaining two seasons.

BUT, it's an excellent show, covering a subject that isn't covered this well anywhere else on TV. There is so much more they can do with the show. So I hope they continue to flesh out the story.

I haven't any clue why the votes are so low. I usually wouldn't give a show with this rating a second look. And often find I align well with the consensus as far as imdb ratings go. But I'm at a loss for this one. It's really good.

It needs better marketing. I think that may be part of the problem. Jez Butterworth is a phenomenal writer. And the acting is good.

Makenzie Crook is first rate. No one can fault the professionalism and investment in character by the performers. It's all first rate.

Ali Wong: Don Wong (2022 TV Special)

She is just sooo good.

[10/10 · 14 February 2022]

The last ten minutes are worth the price of admission. Though she always says just what I'm thinking and has me rolling. I could have watched a few more hours.

Watch if you are married and need a Valentines Day laugh.

Last Tango in Halifax (2012–2020)

Fantastic Show, the actors all at career peak with their performances

[10/10 · 23 January 2022]

Though I can't decide if Celia's character (not Anne Reid who plays her) adds or detracts from the series. The acting is first rate.

I got increasingly angry and annoyed with her small minded, almost narcissistic behavior at times.

The creator/writer, Sally Wainwright, always did her best to redeem her. If anything, Celia is the villain.

Having said that, anything Wainwright develops turns to TV gold. She is a master at nuance, and small talk. Her characters so true to real life.

Ten stars from me. (Because every dynamic show needs a Gillian)