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Too Old to Die Young: Volume 2: The Lovers (2019)
"I am the High Priestess of Death."
A masterpiece. This is mindblowing execution. While I absolutely love the first episode, this is even better, providing a bold look at what we thought was our antagonist but now realise is an additional protagonist with some of the most artistic and creative storytelling I have ever seen in a TV show.
Not that it matters, but I am surprised that this episode is drastically lower than the rest of the season here on IMDb. My guess would be because of the daring transition between this and episode 1, by literally showing us another 90 minutes of a completely different location, set of characters and more importantly a very different feel. Episode 1 was dark and bleak, this was peaceful and otherworldly and an extremely unique portrayal of a cartel, letting us take in the nature and warmth of sandy Mexico along with the characters. Personally, I'm in love with this episode. This is Nicolas Winding Refn at his best.
Too Old to Die Young: Volume 1: The Devil (2019)
A Bleak Dream
An incredible start. Nicolas Winding Refn is loudly boasting every ten minutes but I love it! I can understand someone finding the self-indulgence irritating but, as a fan of Refn, it's simply a feast. The blocking here is out of this world, which you can see in every single frame, of which has obviously had 100% effort put into it; literally every frame of this is carefully lit (very neon-orientated) and phenomenally blocked...it's surprising that something this clearly staged is so hypnotic from start to finish. Cliff Martinez once again blows me away with the music; he manages to create with some of his best work here, and Cliff's score combined with the gorgeous cinematography is impressive and entrancing, as it accompanies a limited yet still engaging plot both on and off the surface, with major help from a fantastic Miles Teller, who plays a very unique and morally ambigious protagonist.
Mesmerising television. If you are wondering why I didn't rate it higher, you should know that 8 stars for me means I loved it; I certainly loved this and it looks like it's about to lead to something for the history books.
Narcos: México: Just Say No (2018)
An outlier of the season
I haven't been reviewing this season, but just had to critique this episode in particular. The action, for most of the season, has been fairly poorly directed, but it hits an all time low with this episode. Its attempt at a one take fight (because, uh, you know, that's trendy now) is honestly laughable, and is also not a fitting cinematic technique for Narcos whatsoever. I hated the cinematography of the entire episode too. You can't just be glamorous for no reason. Here, none of the fancy shots have meaning and it's really distracting.
In addition to all that, I hated the editing of this episode, I hated the pacing of this episode, I hated the direction of this episode and, most importantly, I hated how much this didn't feel like the Narcos I love.
This is a definite outlier of this otherwise decent season (certainly the weakest season of Narcos yet though, without a doubt).
Daredevil: A New Napkin (2018)
Mr. and Mrs. Fisk
Not quite the bang I was hoping for but it's still a great end to the season. My only problem is that it's a very 'Marvel' type ending, in how the villain is defeated and the heroes have a happy ending, but have more trouble to come with a predictable ending that reveals a new villain for next season...and also, I'm disappointed Fisk didn't die. I thought that was what the whole season was setting up, because of Matt's whole separation from faith. I really thought Matt would kill him, but he's just done the same as he did in season 1. I'm sure all the corruption won't happen again because of his love for Vanessa, but man I'll admit I'm disappointed he wasn't killed.
Anyway, as you can see from the rating, I still really enjoyed this episode. Dex finally learning that Fisk has been abusing his emotions and manipulating him was a highlight for me, as well as the the brutal fight scene at the wedding. Other things I loved about this episode was how it gave Father Lantom the send-off he deserved, and the moment the title of the episode refers to: when they decide to start the law firm again, but with Karen as one of their attorneys.
If you compared the dark and depressing premiere to this feel-good finale, you would think it was two completely different shows, but it was still very enjoyable.
Season 3 episodes ranked: 1. Blindsided (episode 4) 2. The Perfect Game (episode 5) 3. Karen (episode 10) 4. The Devil you Know (episode 6) 5. Resurrection (episode 1) 6. Upstairs/Downstairs (episode 8) 7. A New Napkin (episode 13) 8. One Last Shot (episode 12) 9. Please (episode 2) 10. Revelations (episode 9) 11. Reunion (episode 11) 12. No Good Deed (episode 3)
13. Aftermath (episode 7)
Season 3 Rating: 8.3
Daredevil: One Last Shot (2018)
Death is the only way
Awesome episode. I thought these last two episodes were both going to be the climax but there's definitely more set-up here, which is fine...but if there's one thing I had to complain about this season, it is that half of it is build up. Having said that, this episode was really great and we did get a literal climax of one character, the likable Rahul Nadeem who sacrificed himself for his family, killed by the barrel of Dex's arguably naive obedience. Jay Ali did really well playing Nadeem, especially in this episode. There's one last ambitious grasp for hope when Nadeem tries to tell Dex that Fisk is manipulating him but Dex doesn't buy any of it, and it seems like he and his growing danger will be a huge part of the finale.
This all happened because of Vanessa, who requested for his death (although Fisk would've asked for the same). When she arrived at the beginning of the episode, I had a strong suspicion she had returned as a spy to get information out of Fisk, and especially later on when she is pushing Fisk to tell her the truth about his violent secrets, but clearly not after that evil decision from her.
The only way to stop Fisk now is to kill him, and Matt knows it.
Daredevil: Reunion (2018)
A set-up for a surely fantastic closing two episodes
The season continues to jump from 7/10s to 9/10s, because of the set-up followed by the climax pattern. Not that I have a problem with this style, it's just something worth knowing/recognizing.
The highlight of this episode, for me, was the reunion between Matt, Karen and Foggy. It was a delightful moment and is the scene the title is referencing. Other great scenes include Matt and Karen hiding from the dangerous FBI, with help from sister Maggie (Matt's mother). Speaking of her, I really felt that moment when she finds out father Lantom was dead. I really love what this season has done with those two characters and the themes or morality and religion.
Dex is trying his best to control his rage with the advice he received from Fisk: letting a "primal scream" out, however Fisk has other plans, releasing his rage on other people, like the scene where he beats a man to death after receiving news about Nadeem turning on him. That seemed to be a subtle way to show Fisk is back to his season 1 self.
The final few minutes involving Nadeem protecting his family from Fisk are extremely strong, and almost make it criminal to stop watching...so here I go, the last two episodes!
Wish me luck.
Daredevil: Karen (2018)
A perfectly placed flashback
An episode entirely dedicated to Karen was something I didn't know was needed until now. The episode begins with a 30 minute flashback, and it's just so damn good. It had my full attention from the opening scene. I had no idea she used to be a drug addict, and had no idea about her relationship with her family...and this was the perfect time to finally inform me. Then, when it flicks back to present day, Karen is receiving inspiring and wise words from father Lantom regarding her "troubled soul". Then that church scene happens, and even though it's all action and violence, the scene still feels very much about Karen rather than the action.
In so many TV shows, flashback episodes always feel like an outlier; like you could almost forget about the episode and the season would feel the same, but the polar opposite can be said with "Karen". She's a great character who gets a lot of undeserved hate, and Deborah Ann Woll absolutely gives us her best work on this show yet in this episode, and rightfully so.
The people giving this episode hate have very short attention span and have to see Daredevil fighting the villain over and over again, much like a children's superhero movie. This brilliant show is an 18 age certificate for a reason. It's a patient and dark programme that explores adult themes, and it's starting to feel more and more mature now, with season 3 being its most adult season yet.
R.I.P Father Lantom. So much wisdom and a kind heart. Such a good character.
Daredevil: Revelations (2018)
Fisk is in charge
Things are heating up now. Just as Matt edges closer to Fisk, he learns that he has to go save Karen. That just sums up how Matt's seek for Fisk has gone throughout the entire show really. He's always getting close but not close enough. It's frustrating him; so much so that he has a 'vision' of Wilson Fisk being brutally beaten by the hands of himself. Matt has also just found out that Sister Maggie is his mother, so it's an understatement to say Matt isn't going through the greatest of times right now.
This episode was good, but was definitely a set-up type episode. It was well directed and tense, but you could take out a lot of the actual events from this episode without it affecting the bigger picture...however, it did a marvellous job in both showing just how much power Fisk has and providing deeper insight to sister Maggie and father Lantom, as well as growing the character of Rahul Nadeem, who was particularly interesting this episode.
The opening was phenomenal, the ending was exciting and what was in between was fairly solid.
Daredevil: Upstairs/Downstairs (2018)
Let the primal scream out!
This was such an engaging and enjoyable episode, jam-packed with awesome scenes. Every character was great this episode: Foggy with his wonderful public speech, Nadeem and Matt with their search for proof about Dex, Karen with her courageous meeting with Fisk (what a scene!), Dex with a role that continues to impress the hell out of me and manages to draw a lot of sympathy out of me...and Wilson Fisk, the unbelievably cold-blooded and evil villain.
Every scene of this episode felt important, lots of the acting hits its peak of the season so far (especially Vincent D'Onofrio and Deborah Ann Woll), and the ending was a huge shock.
"Rage cannot stay inside, otherwise it will become a poison, and kill you from within."
Daredevil: Aftermath (2018)
Things cool down for a second
After the masterful previous three episodes, the season seems to settle down, following character's reactions to what happened in episode 6, most notably Karen and Foggy. It's an episode filled with emotion...and decent dialogue too.
There's barely any villain material, but Fisk is still connected with the storylines of agent Nadeem and Matt confronting Melvin (who worked for Fisk to make other Daredevil suits), both of which meet for the first time ever in a strong ending.
An OK episode that was needed, but not at this length. It honestly could've been reduced to 30 minutes.
Daredevil: The Devil You Know (2018)
Face to Face...with himself
Dex is at an all time low now, swarming his head with suicidal thoughts. He gets fired, turned down and humiliated by the woman he has been obsessing over, but through all of this, mastermind Wilson Fisk is the only one to 'look out for him'. Dex and Fisk set fire to the screen every time they have a conversation with one another.
This episode cleverly grows and grows at a steady rate until BOOM! That last sequence happens! An electrifying showdown between Dex (dressed as Daredevil) and Matt, and what a scene that was.
Brutal suspense.
Daredevil: The Perfect Game (2018)
Step aside Matt, Dex is emotionally unhinged too
This season is really starting to be something special now. After the fast-paced rollercoaster of episode 4, comes "The Perfect Game": one of the boldest episodes of the entire show. This episode completely ditches our beloved protagonist (with exception to a flashback towards the end) and replaces him with Dex, played impressively by Wilson Bethel. Before this episode, I was already loving this character's storyline but this episode just went to another level with it. The lengthy and artistic black and white sequence, where Wilson Fisk looks down at Dex's memories, was mesmerising and something I really wasn't expecting from this show.
Meanwhile, the FBI agent is sniffing around Karen and Foggy, which is a plot point that comes full circle with a fantastic scene from season 1 (where Karen shoots James Wesley dead), and that was really tense too, but if I'm honest, this was all Dex's episode.
Vincent D'Onofrio has had the spotlight in the last three episodes, but this episode belongs to Wilson Bethel!
"Hell's Kitchen needs a new villain, and I think I may have found him."
Daredevil: Blindsided (2018)
Where's my breath?!
Wow. Things really explode in episode 4. The previous two episodes did feel a lot like a build up to something, and that 'something' is one hell of a detonation.
I'm really liking the storyline of Dex so far, especially when you get extraordinary scenes like the one involving CCTV. The way those deep, cold eyes stared into the camera was unbelievable and sent shivers down my spine. I just can't get over how amazing Vincent D'Onofrio is as Fisk.
I just have to mention the fight scene though. This is, without a doubt, my favourite long take fight scene of the show. It's just pure adrenaline that doesn't seem to end. It's even more realistic than the hallway scene in season 1. The effort and preparation they put into this must be off the Richter scale. Well, it looks like the show's going to pick up another Emmy nod for stuntwork...
...and just when you think your jaw couldn't fall any lower, the episode ends like THAT and proves you wrong, sending your jaw to another world. I guess it's lucky these don't release weekly, because I wouldn't be able to handle the week after this ending.
Seriously impressive stuff; I'm addicted.
Daredevil: No Good Deed (2018)
The Devil, clawing at the back of your throat
An episode which further explores Matt's urge to emphasize the "devil" in his stage name. This is presented in a memorable on-the-nose battle with his left brain, personified as a vicious Wilson Fisk in an expensive white suit. There's no subtlety here at all, going as far as Fisk shouting "You can't even kill yourself" and "let the devil out", but it honestly works really well this way.
Other storylines include the meeting of Matt and Foggy, which obviously took the Confused Foggy by surprise, and the rise of Dex, a character of whom I'm very intrigued about.
It's an episode that leaves you wanting more as opposed to making you admire what you just saw.
Daredevil: Please (2018)
"Love is the perfect prison"
The great premiere is followed by more of the same emotional tone but this time, is centered around Wilson Fisk. Fisk is just such an astonishing character and Vincent D'Onofrio really knocks it out the park, and in this episode especially. As far as I can remember, we haven't had this Wilson Fisk in the show before. He's an emotional wreck and is not the brutal lump of rage like he was in season 1, as told in a rather literal sense in the opening scene, where he is attacked with a knife and nearly murders the attacker, but then leaves him alive after some thought. The violent Fisk was obviously great and iconic but I really like this change. That's not to say he will be like this all season though; I'm sure he will be back to his murderous ways in no time, but I'm more than happy with the Fisk we have at the moment.
This episode also saw Matt slowly returning to Daredevil, but without the faith this time. It also took a nosedive into Foggy's life and his relationship with his family, which was my second favourite part of this episode (behind Fisk's car monologue).
Not quite as effective as the premiere, but still a really good episode where Vincent D'Onofrio shines.
Daredevil: Resurrection (2018)
The most mature Marvel have ever been
This was such a great return. This episode is mainly just drama, and barely has any action or thrills (with exception to a couple of scenes), but that's exactly the right way to start this season.
I love how Matt is not a superhero, and is just so human. This whole 'vigilante' alter ego isn't an expression of kindness. He does it for himself before doing it for others...and I love that. In fact, this entire episode felt human. We got a minor glimpse of that in Wilson Fisk in this episode too...but only for a short time, before the end credits has other plans.
This episode had a very morbid and helpless feel to it. I'm not a fan of Marvel but the likes of The Punisher, Jessica Jones (season 1) and Daredevil really do showcase what can be done with these storylines and characters. There's no need to hold back an R rating to appeal to kids.
Brilliant stuff.