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Reviews
The Bear (2022)
Slightly underwhelmed
After hearing so much enthusiasm about this I could not NOT see it.
I've been hooked on several series where I went through the day in eager anticipation about the next episode.
Not so in this case.
The acting was impeccable and I understand the slight feeling of claustrophobia adds to the experience of catareres in small kitchens.
After haven reached the end of the first series, it is clear that in later episodes we will get to know the individual characters (yawn) now that they have all been introduced. I know who we are supposed to like and who we should be curious about.
Obviously now that they've won all those prizes I realise the fault lies with me but this is where I leave you.
The Diplomat (2023)
Diplomatically I would say "interesting"
I accidentally came across 'The Diplomat' after watching 'The Diplomat' and being referred to the section:"more like this".
The difference, however, is HUGE!
Where the American version is exciting, funny, tense and captivating, with superb acting and well conceived characters, the British version is galaxies removed from "more like this"; it is, let's say "interesting".
After the first episode where the story and the actors lost all credibility, I could not bring myself to watching more.
It appears to be a beefed-up version of a very dull story wich was then set in an "interesting" setting ("but not too expensive, mind! And interject lots of shots with foreign looking stuff! Get some value for money!!"), some colourful characters and background storylines were added too spread everything out over more than one episode.
The writers must have sensed the dullness and predictability so they decided to add flashbacks to add some "excitement" and "mystery". It doesn't work.
It all makes it rather artificial and contrived.
The american Diplomat is something different all together. It moves at a stunning pace and really makes binge watching almost unavoidable. All characters have depth, presence, charisma and are there for a reason. The international conflict is looming in the background but it is still all about the people. There is humour, love, passion (and, I have to mention it:fashion!). Also politics, suspense, deaths, abductions and yes: diplomacy! So that is how it works: backdoors, staircases, rendezvous in shops and near rivers.
If I were you I would diplomatically suggest you go for The Diplomate!