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Reviews
Shining Girls (2022)
Not a WHOdunnit, but a how and why
This mystery series follows Kirby (Elizabeth Moss, MAD MEN, THE HANDMAID'S TALE) , a survivor of a violent crime, whose life constantly changes around her in odd ways, as she helps the police track down her attacker before he strikes again.
After reading some reviews, I decided to write one of my own, because I feel like this show is being largely misunderstood. The show is slow to reveal new information, because they set the viewer up with a lot right from the get-go. We already know who the attacker is, he's a mysterious serial killer played by Jamie Bell (ROCKETMAN, SNOWPIERCER). What we do not know is how he's doing it, or what exactly he's doing. There appears to be some time-travel element to his killings, and his victims experience some sci-fi after effects.
I am thoroughly enjoying this show so far. Yes, it is slow burn. But it isn't boring, far from it. It feels like a crime-thriller told in reverse, with the attacker known, but the attacks a mystery. It isn't following the typical formula for crime thrillers, but it's trying something original. Very intriguing so far, don't miss out.
1883 (2021)
You couldn't find a more genuinely moving season if you tried
You don't have to like westerns, you don't have to like Elsa (though I think she's great), you don't even have to like Yellowstone (this series can stand on its own). I'm a big TV fan, and being a fan of Yellowstone, my expectations weren't very high.
Boy, was I not expecting this.
Though I'd like to reiterate that I love Yellowstone, 1883 is significantly more fast paced, thrilling, and one of the single most moving seasons of TV I've ever seen. It promises a rough road right from the first scene, and it very much delivers.
I've never cried on a show like I have on this one, and I mean that.
There's not much I can say to even do this show justice. But please, do yourself a favor and watch it. You won't regret it.
1883: This Is Not Your Heaven (2022)
I don't throw around the "best episode" for all of TV label around, however, these last two episodes are two of the all time greats
Wow. I was speechless after last episode, and this one kept that high. I'm not a cryer. I rarely have cried while watching shows before, and when I have, it's more of a misty-eyed, single tear thing. However, I bawled my eyes out on this. I know Elsa was a divisive character. Personally, I liked her a lot, but even if you didn't, this episode is so effective because it carries a weight greater than that of a simple character death. It's not because it's Elsa, it's because we're watching two people who've been through it all come to terms with the unspeakable - their child is dying and there's nothing they can do about it.
Yet, it's not emotional manipulation. Everything you feel here is as genuine as it gets while watching fiction. But it's so believable, and so well done, it's simply that effective. I really have to applaud McGraw and Hill. Like many others, I had my doubts when I heard they were cast. But they elevated this storyline to such a moving level that all of my doubts were killed in an instant.
What a beautiful, moving story. Despite writing all this, I don't even think words can do it justice.
Crime Scene Kitchen: Premiere (2021)
Entertaining! Needs work, but enjoyable.
I want to preface this by saying I'm unfamiliar with most reality shows, and I know little about culinary arts, so you can take what I say with a grain of salt. However, I found this first episode to be a fun break from the world for an hour. The format of the show is unique and the contestants were likable.
My biggest criticism would be that it felt very staged, with forced laughter, and rehearsed talking heads, which, of course, it is staged (it's tv after all). But I hope the host, chefs, and contestants will become more natural as the show progresses.
Joel McHale is always a great host, his quick wit and timing helps the episode progress and offers some humor. The judges are likable, and I really like that they were honest without being harsh. Overall, a good start. I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes!
Prodigal Son: The Last Weekend (2021)
It was always going to happen this way
On Twitter, Tom Payne (Malcolm) described the ending as "inevitable." And thinking of the series title now, it makes sense. Malcolm fulfilled the prophecy, so to speak. He is the "Prodigal Son." It's hard to accept that a series so full of witty characters and comedic moments would have such a dark ending, but thinking about it in the full context of the show, it is brilliant.
This was an amazing show with an amazing cast and crew. I truly believe it's a rare show that people will look back on and appreciate it, even if many can't appreciate it right now. Amazing show, I just wish it wasn't cut so short.
Prodigal Son: Speak of the Devil (2021)
Cue The Shining Theme
This episode was made for horror fans. From exorcisms, to the theme from "The Shining" on the piano, this episode included enough horror movie references to keep me excited. The case for this episode was clever, and the characters were sharp and witty as always. But I think this was the first time that the show might've addressed a trauma Malcolm has that wasn't from Martin. He clearly has a hostility towards religion that goes past the average non-believer, and I'm very intrigued to see where this point goes.
The acting, as always, in phenomenal. Michael Sheen brings horror and charisma to his character. Tom Payne continues to effortlessly show everything Malcolm is feeling through his facial expressions alone. Frank Harts continues to deliver an honest and heart-wrenching performance as a black man facing racial injustice. And those are just the actors highlighted in this episode.
I'm really not sure why other reviewers are being harsh, but I'll keep reading them and trying to understand. I hope all the people who are angry with the show will keep an open mind as well!
Prodigal Son: It's All in the Execution (2021)
Ignore the Political Reviews
First off, I'm giving this a 10/10 because the rating is unfairly low. Let me explain why - after reading the other reviews here, I felt the need to write one myself. I'm a big fan of this show, and couldn't wait for season 2. I'll admit, it wasn't what I expected. Certainly not bad, but a bit odd. Some of the major issues from last season weren't addressed, but it is clear that they will be showing flashbacks to fill in the missing time.
The Black Lives Matter movement was mentioned. How could anyone - from any political stance - expect the show not to? Prodigal Son has two main characters who are cops, played by Aurora Perrineau and Frank Harts. Both actors are people of color. Perrineau was targeted on social media for being a woman of color playing a cop. By including support for the BLM movement, the show wasn't taking a political stance, and in fact, mentioned on several occasions that they support cops. In season one, they had their white male protagonist say that he has "nothing but respect for the badge and those who wear it." I don't believe this was intended to be political either. But a show that centers around the NYPD is going to support cops, to some degree at least. It's the same thing with BLM. It's not about politics, it's about supporting two of their leading actors and acknowledging societal issues that they would be delusional not to address. Because the show has two cops played by people of color (a choice that I think is excellent, not to mention that the actors are phenomenal) it puts this show in the center of a key societal issue. This show acknowledges their respect for law enforcement, while also supporting people of color. It's a great balance.
That being said, nothing extreme happened. Nothing BLM related happened that hasn't happened in real life. So I really don't understand the people giving this episode a one star rating because of it.
I agree that this isn't the best episode of Prodigal Son, and I'd be concerned if it was. Because no season starter should be better than a season finale for ANY show. This was a pretty good episode overall. It was VERY good for a season starter.