It was a slog, even with only six episodes. Despite the performances, and the excellent full scale Eric, I wouldn't be able to explain to anyone the point of the show. Stuffed with social ills of the era, none were dealt with in a useful or satisfying way, it was window dressing. Meanwhile, the initiating crisis, being a missing child, was nothing more than a backdrop to explore a bunch of awful people, and a few earnest people. (Yes, the focus finally returns to the child in the last two episodes, it was a long interlude.) I couldn't buy into the unfeeling rich parents being the root cause of all that was wrong with a full grown man. Really? The death of Ledroit's partner could have been an opportunity for something deeper, but again, it was swept away within seconds.
Thanks very much Caz. I’m glad you and Nathan are on the same page as me. It was a very strange show. As you say, populated by horrible people that we’re meant to care about. The jump from episode 4 to 5 really caught me out and absolutely the death of Ledroit’s partner being almost glossed over was very strange and was then used as an opportunity to show how awful his parents were as well 🤦🏻♂️
It was an exhausting show to watch but the performances were good but I don’t think the neat ending was earned or particularly believable. Glad I watched it, but could have been so much better
Agree, the ending was an odd little bow, given everything that preceded it.
Inclusion of a gay detective, and the trite treatment of the death of his partner from HIV, saddened me. As did the missing black child / missing white child story line (alas, hardly a storyline that's in the rear view mirror).
Let's not overlook the unearned breaking of widespread corruption, which fell from the sky for our well meaning detective. (Such excellent CCTV footage for the 80s!)
Someone took a bite from every cherry in the bowl and ran with it.
Possibly there was a better story to be told, but then we'd be talking about a different show.
I love The Thing as well! One of my most beloved films, and I'm excited for the video game remaster in the near future. I have heard Star Wars has been lackluster as of late. I myself don't really care for the franchise, but I can understand fans being frustrated with the storytelling aspect. I myself have been disappointed as a fan with certain franchises like Resident Evil adaptations and Walking Dead as of late. And I'm not even going to talk about Silent Hill 2 remake (video game) that's upcoming. I already see so much wrong with it, but again, I'm fanatical with certain beloved pieces of art. I'm excited to know your thoughts on Godzilla Minus One. That film made me cry my eyes out - a Godzilla film!!!
The Thing is just the perfect movie, as I keep saying 😁. Looking forward to the game remaster as well.
I was speaking to a friend yesterday about Star Wars and other franchises and he had the same concerns, that people are being hired to write or direct these shows that are taking them too far away from the original source material and don’t understand the characters etc. I like change, but change for changes sake is never a good thing. It has to be earned and this is where the issues arise, so there legitimate concerns. It’s the folks who hate on things when it has nothing to do with the actual content that bother me
Really looking forward to Godzilla Minus One and thanks for the warning. I cry at most things so I imagine it’ll probably set me off too 😁
I heard some interviews that the writers and directors don't even consume the source material before making their movies or shows. This has been the case with some Marvel stuff like Thor, She-Hulk, Captain Marvel (or The Marvels now lol), etc. And it shows in the quality, the stories, and character development (or lack thereof). Why not just make something new and yours. Well I already know the answer. Same with some Disney films. So many remakes that are uninspired, but we go back to the originals every time because they're so vibrant and touching. Oh yes, well, I also cry like a baby, so prepare your tissues. It's going to be an emotional ride.
Excellent write-up, Dan. I so love these Watchlist posts and reading your thoughts.
Very much agree on Eric. My wife and I had pretty much the exact same thoughts. I found the crime investigative side of the show far more compelling and interesting with the way it blended in the societal issues, along with Ledroit's backstory integrated into the AIDS epidemic. The thing that I found weird with the whole show was Eric. He made snarky sarcastic remarks to Vincent but just felt like a bit of a gimmick to me. I thought he was going to play a bigger role in swaying Vincent's decisions, but that didn't really feel the case at all. Overall, it was an odd show. I was a bit bored midway through, despite some very good performances. It picked up towards the end, but if I had to rate it then it would have been a shrug-worthy 3 stars ;)
Thanks for your thoughts on the others. I now know with even more certainty that I'm not fussed about those.
During my recent convalescence, I did begin Godzilla Minus One, but Jo was out and wanted to wait to watch it properly with her and we haven't gotten back to it yet.
We're currently watching The Tattooist of Auschwitz, which might not be available in the UK. Not sure. It was/is a Stan original (Aussie streaming service). It's based on the book, not that I've read it. It flits between past and present, but the frame story ruins it in my opinion. The parts set in Auschwitz are really very good, but the frame story parts set in modern day are just cheesy and yank you right out of any immersion that may have been established.
That’s so interesting you mentioned how much Eric was on screen because I thought,after such a big build up, he played a really small part. I was going to mention it, but thought I would let people see for themselves. Maybe he just appeared at Vincent’s weakest moments, but he certainly could have been utilised better
I have serious reservations regarding watching shows about the Holocaust, so your thoughts on The Tattooist of Auschwitz are much appreciated. I just don’t think I could make it through the whole thing
Fatherland by Robert Harris is the best book I’ve ever read about it. Not because it deals directly with such horror but, instead, looks at the denial and cover up in a future world where no one can admit what they’ve done. Powerful stuff 👍🏼
It was a slog, even with only six episodes. Despite the performances, and the excellent full scale Eric, I wouldn't be able to explain to anyone the point of the show. Stuffed with social ills of the era, none were dealt with in a useful or satisfying way, it was window dressing. Meanwhile, the initiating crisis, being a missing child, was nothing more than a backdrop to explore a bunch of awful people, and a few earnest people. (Yes, the focus finally returns to the child in the last two episodes, it was a long interlude.) I couldn't buy into the unfeeling rich parents being the root cause of all that was wrong with a full grown man. Really? The death of Ledroit's partner could have been an opportunity for something deeper, but again, it was swept away within seconds.
What was it all for? I dunno.
Thanks very much Caz. I’m glad you and Nathan are on the same page as me. It was a very strange show. As you say, populated by horrible people that we’re meant to care about. The jump from episode 4 to 5 really caught me out and absolutely the death of Ledroit’s partner being almost glossed over was very strange and was then used as an opportunity to show how awful his parents were as well 🤦🏻♂️
It was an exhausting show to watch but the performances were good but I don’t think the neat ending was earned or particularly believable. Glad I watched it, but could have been so much better
Agree, the ending was an odd little bow, given everything that preceded it.
Inclusion of a gay detective, and the trite treatment of the death of his partner from HIV, saddened me. As did the missing black child / missing white child story line (alas, hardly a storyline that's in the rear view mirror).
Let's not overlook the unearned breaking of widespread corruption, which fell from the sky for our well meaning detective. (Such excellent CCTV footage for the 80s!)
Someone took a bite from every cherry in the bowl and ran with it.
Possibly there was a better story to be told, but then we'd be talking about a different show.
I love The Thing as well! One of my most beloved films, and I'm excited for the video game remaster in the near future. I have heard Star Wars has been lackluster as of late. I myself don't really care for the franchise, but I can understand fans being frustrated with the storytelling aspect. I myself have been disappointed as a fan with certain franchises like Resident Evil adaptations and Walking Dead as of late. And I'm not even going to talk about Silent Hill 2 remake (video game) that's upcoming. I already see so much wrong with it, but again, I'm fanatical with certain beloved pieces of art. I'm excited to know your thoughts on Godzilla Minus One. That film made me cry my eyes out - a Godzilla film!!!
Thanks Nadia 🙏
The Thing is just the perfect movie, as I keep saying 😁. Looking forward to the game remaster as well.
I was speaking to a friend yesterday about Star Wars and other franchises and he had the same concerns, that people are being hired to write or direct these shows that are taking them too far away from the original source material and don’t understand the characters etc. I like change, but change for changes sake is never a good thing. It has to be earned and this is where the issues arise, so there legitimate concerns. It’s the folks who hate on things when it has nothing to do with the actual content that bother me
Really looking forward to Godzilla Minus One and thanks for the warning. I cry at most things so I imagine it’ll probably set me off too 😁
I heard some interviews that the writers and directors don't even consume the source material before making their movies or shows. This has been the case with some Marvel stuff like Thor, She-Hulk, Captain Marvel (or The Marvels now lol), etc. And it shows in the quality, the stories, and character development (or lack thereof). Why not just make something new and yours. Well I already know the answer. Same with some Disney films. So many remakes that are uninspired, but we go back to the originals every time because they're so vibrant and touching. Oh yes, well, I also cry like a baby, so prepare your tissues. It's going to be an emotional ride.
Excellent write-up, Dan. I so love these Watchlist posts and reading your thoughts.
Very much agree on Eric. My wife and I had pretty much the exact same thoughts. I found the crime investigative side of the show far more compelling and interesting with the way it blended in the societal issues, along with Ledroit's backstory integrated into the AIDS epidemic. The thing that I found weird with the whole show was Eric. He made snarky sarcastic remarks to Vincent but just felt like a bit of a gimmick to me. I thought he was going to play a bigger role in swaying Vincent's decisions, but that didn't really feel the case at all. Overall, it was an odd show. I was a bit bored midway through, despite some very good performances. It picked up towards the end, but if I had to rate it then it would have been a shrug-worthy 3 stars ;)
Thanks for your thoughts on the others. I now know with even more certainty that I'm not fussed about those.
During my recent convalescence, I did begin Godzilla Minus One, but Jo was out and wanted to wait to watch it properly with her and we haven't gotten back to it yet.
We're currently watching The Tattooist of Auschwitz, which might not be available in the UK. Not sure. It was/is a Stan original (Aussie streaming service). It's based on the book, not that I've read it. It flits between past and present, but the frame story ruins it in my opinion. The parts set in Auschwitz are really very good, but the frame story parts set in modern day are just cheesy and yank you right out of any immersion that may have been established.
Thanks very much Nathan 🙏
That’s so interesting you mentioned how much Eric was on screen because I thought,after such a big build up, he played a really small part. I was going to mention it, but thought I would let people see for themselves. Maybe he just appeared at Vincent’s weakest moments, but he certainly could have been utilised better
I have serious reservations regarding watching shows about the Holocaust, so your thoughts on The Tattooist of Auschwitz are much appreciated. I just don’t think I could make it through the whole thing
Fatherland by Robert Harris is the best book I’ve ever read about it. Not because it deals directly with such horror but, instead, looks at the denial and cover up in a future world where no one can admit what they’ve done. Powerful stuff 👍🏼
Appreciate your feedback 😃
Adding that to my book list. Thanks for the info.
We recently watched The Zone of Interest. Equally powerful and affecting portrayal of the atrocity.