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The Irregulars (2021)
Reimagining the Sherlock Holmes Story
There have been many interpretations of The Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson story. Slight variences to develop different characters but, essentially similar arcs.
Some viewers have shown displeasure at this very different arc. However, the Holmes and Watson characters are still peripheral in the first few episodes.
It's not Sherlock story, it's a reimagining of the Irregulars. The street urchins, the 'runners and spies, the Irregulars have become the focus. It's an interesting way to bring well known characters into a new world and bringing us an arc with a very fresh slant.
Netflix have found a clever way to catch their viewers interest. Single season, limited episodes with a constant build in the tension with each episode.*
Fictional characters but shown in a reality almost representative to its timeline (with some director's licence and tweeking.)
The setting of the era has enough historical references to rattle your memory enough to check out the accuracy. It's accurate enough to a give a memorable dose of reality. A clever trick by Netflix to push your memory and increase your involvement.
The protagonists diversity is refreshing and believable. Frankly, and personally, I find it a direction the entertainment industry has taken too long to embrace.
Some people have complained that the diversity presented is not true to the era. Sorry, it's fiction, let it go.
Yes, all in all, it's all a brilliant romp into a fantasy which often has a deep or dark centre.
Sit back and enjoy the story, the characters, the simmering build as we head for the climatic end... and there's always a possibility of an ending epilogue to close the series.
*As examples of this new style of story
Bridgerton was a start to this new format, though it's presented as multi season.
Queen Charlotte followed it's success.
The Gentlemen is superb dark humour reminiscent of Breaking Bad. (same director)
Eric is one of the most outstanding shows for the depth of emotion and realism. It blew me away as I've memories of that era's dirty laundry. Eric will win awards.
Star Trek: Discovery: Jinaal (2024)
The Final Scene... Seriously?
Many of the negative comments in the reviews for this episode are very valid.
The whole focus on interpersonal relationships was truly overdone. Plonking focussed scenes for all the 'recognised' couples was just too much for one episode... Uggghh...
The final scene was a total cop-out by the writers. Yes, there's the villains in the wings for a scene ending blow. But, blow it with several contradictions. The Tal were warned. The Tal assured everyone their security was the best of the best of the best... Intense ceremony with secret rituals, the villain manages to infiltrate unseen, identify a weak target and plant a tracking device no security will detect. Undetectable, but capable of transmitting powerful tracking data for the villains.
But, there was enough to keep me interested.
The revelations which were referenced to Picard and TNG will have everyone searching for answers and info.
Plus rerunning these old episodes may result in fresh interest for TNG Easter eggs Perhaps more historical references in future spin-offs.
The cloaking beasties were pretty cool.
And, finally, a new snarky crew member will hopefully generate some better story lines by the writers... Or, has bad AI writing infiltrated already.?
Continuum: Second Time (2013)
Who's your Father, and other rabbit holes.
Paradoxically, the best episode so far. So many surprises, leading to so many story arcs, that you won't know which Continuum will prevail.
As the scene changes to each alternative timeline, several days in the past, leading to the escape in the future, become clearer.
The final scenes in the past, makes the future clearer. Very much a Continuum Conundrum.
But still, there's more, as this quote is very apt for the final episode in Season 2.
Which, of course, ends in a cliffhanger.
"Someone once said that every man is trying to live up to his father's expectations or make up for their father's mistakes." - Barack Obama.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith: A Breakup (2024)
Which way will it go?
I enjoyed the series as it has a lot of potential, but the ending annoyed me... reason coming and it's not what you think.
Though some of the story line was a little disjointed or missing key opportunities, it was easy to watch and also easy to ignore the bits that irked me.
For instance, one *cough* plot was so badly written and so obvious that the final ending with the second 'Smiths' was absolutely, totally and completely expected.
And so we come to my annoyance at the ending and my 5 Star review.
I feel the producers and financiers are waiting for these ratings to determine whether to make a second series. The 'Cliff Hanger' is yet again a device to either...
1. Cancel the series (They're all dead), OR
2. Continue with John #1 and Jane #1(they're loved! Let's continue into Season 2!)
Frankly, in my honest opinion,
1. Get better writers,
2. Maybe, this was a rush job after the end of the Writers Strike. So give the writers time to develop the characters and episodes properly OR
3. Don't ever again try to use an AI to write the scripts.
My vote? It has the bones to be brilliant. Give the writers the support and the time to develop this series into something the audience will love and watch.