The Night Of (TV Mini Series) The Art of War (2016) User Reviews

The Other Side of Midnight

[lavatch · 9/10 · 2 July 2017]

The title of episode four, "The Art of War," comes from the classical military handbook written by Sun-Tzu. The context of this work is that it is one of the most popular library books of the inmates at Rikers Island. But the other book that is widely circulated is Sidney Sheldon's sleazy thriller "The Other Side of Midnight." That is work is much closer to the style and the content of this miniseries.

In this segment, the filmmakers are successful in juggling multiple subplots, including the following: • Although he is off the case, Stone continues to investigate the murder of Miss Andrea Cornish. He is in the background of her funeral and witnesses a heated argument between the stepfather and a mystery man. He later succeeds in gaining access to a file from the Invictus House that documents Miss Cornish's attempt at rehab.

• The spineless city attorney's office decides to offer a plea deal to Naz after a Sikh has been brutally attacked. The idea is to get the story of Naz Khan out of the news, infuriating Detective Box.

• Naz's attorney, Allison Crowe, shows her true colors when Naz takes a stand in the courtroom by refusing to admit that he killed Ms. Cornish. His decision was prompted by Chandra Kapoor, the assistant to Ms. Crowe, who essentially advised Naz to follow his heart. Ms. Crowe now resigns as Naz's attorney, assigning the case to Ms. Kapoor and now changing the terms of the original agreement from pro bono to full attorney's fees.

• The prison subplot finds Naz finally approaching Freddie Wright to ask for his protection, after he was seriously burned with hot liquid by a disgruntled prisoner, who believes that Naz is lying.

Another essential literary reference in this episode was Jack London's novel "The Call of the Wild." The story of survival in the pack is an appropriate metaphor for Naz's experience in the prison.

Naz trying to adapt to prison life, and his naiveness isn't going to help.

[jedly · 7/10 · 30 August 2016]

THE NIGHT OF, Episode 4, THE ART OF WAR (2016) finds Naz trying to adapt to prison life, and his naiveness isn't going to help. Naz's parents have become prisoners in their own home as the all of the media outlets in the tri state have camped out in front of their house, and despite being let go of the case, John Stone continues to investigate and passes the information he's collected to Chandra for a fee.

A prisoner named, Calvin Hart (Ashley Thomas) takes Naz under his wing; who to avoid, not to talk to, etc. Naz, for his part, continues to avoid Freddy even though Freddy is still trying to court him. Calvin, who is sick of hearing of how everyone in prison is innocent, betrays Naz, and burns him with acid. This leads Naz to accept Freddy's protection.

Meanwhile, Allison Crowe has negotiated a plea deal that will leave Naz only serving fifteen years. This, however, means that Naz must plead guilty. Initially, he agrees, but during the trial changes his mind. Feeling slighted, the reversal leads to Allison drop Naz as a client but not from the firm iteself. She makes Chandra the new lead attorney, and revokes the pro bono status.

This episode primarily focuses on manipulation and betrayal. Also, just about everyone believes Naz is guilty, and they act accordingly. John Stone, who questions some of Andrea's friends at her funeral, seems to have some doubt towards Naz's guilt. Although, he to realizes there's a mountain of evidence against Naz, and still advises him to take the deal. In fact, everyone advises him to take the deal.

The pace and flow of the episode is in line with the last three, and there's a consistent continuity there. We're not just thrown into chaos. The crumbling of Naz's world is gradual, but he is far too trusting of the people around him. Which is highly ironic, as the convicts he associates with constantly tell him to keep to himself, and keep his head down.

We also slowly starting to see how this affects his family, they own relationships toward each other, and towards him. THE NIGHT OF is very much a character driven show, not a murder mystery. We're four episodes in, and there still isn't any mention of alternative motives or suspects.

Part of me thinks it would have added the mystery and drama to the show if the first episode had started with Naz waking up in the kitchen, leaving the audience in the dark as to his guilt or innocence. As of right now, because we have insight into the events before the murder, we're the own ones who even might think he's entirely innocent.

Still, it's all around well acted, and well thought out, but I'd be lying if I said I was jumping out of my skin with anticipation of episode five and beyond. As it stands, I'm pleased enough with it to continue to recommend it.

On to episode five….

The Art of War

[bombersflyup · 2/10 · 11 June 2020]

Tame and weird, going nowhere at a staggering pace, losing all entertainment value. Naz says he's guilty, what if there were no follow-up questions... I'm done. Watch quality crime/drama/mysteries such as: The Killing - 2011 and True Detective - 2014, to see how good they can be.