"Ringer" Pilot (TV Episode 2011) Poster

(TV Series)

(2011)

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7/10
Creative but tainted production ; puzzling and intriguing thriller ; promising wicked connections and convincing acting
igoatabase14 September 2011
With The CW behind the show I was expecting an other episodic show but Ringer proves that the network is capable of taking risks. And who better than Sarah Michelle Gellar to carry a new production on her tiny little shoulders ? Considering Buffy the Vampire Slayer marked my teenagehood and that Dollhouse was disappointing, despite some undeniable qualities, my only worries beside the format were the characters and story.

Indeed when it comes to production Smallville has confirmed that TV can blow your mind when the money is well spent and that talents are united, expect for its finale of course. In this case some scenes impressed because of their creativity and well-polished execution. From a camera traveling behind spotlights to a stellar mirror feedback there were plenty of sequences to appeal the artist within. However a few others jarred with them and the cruise one will definitely make you laugh because it looked like the actress head was jumping the shark or something. You should also notice some glitches in the dual editing, when both twins are supposed to be there. So sadly from time to time your immersion will be broken but these disappointing moments aren't that numerous and shouldn't ruin your pleasure so overall the production quality is good and even top notch at times.

As for the story it should remind you of twisted and thrilling productions like Damages or David Fincher's The Game. I have to admit that I quickly gave up on the first despite its impressive cast and flawless production. I just didn't care about what was happening to the characters. Here it's about twin sisters ; like in Ghost Whisperer's Ghost, Interrupted ; but the lines between Bridget and Siobhan, both played by Gellar, are so contorted that you keep wondering what's really going on. It almost felt like reading a captivating detective story in the middle of the night. My only regret was that none of the characters really grew on me. Will you be able to identify with one of them ? As for the cliffhanger it was one of these wow moments that can only convince you to stick around for at least an other session.

American Beauty is also an other film that deserves to be mentioned because nothing is what it seems apparently. The more you scratch the surface the more you discover secrets. So if the writing keeps surprising us then Ringer could transport the audience until the end of its season. Add Nestor Carbonell (Richard on Lost) as a FBI agent, a few other characters who have potential and you get a televisual recipe that is both entertaining and puzzling. And Sarah, it's good to have you back !
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10/10
Ring in a Bottle
jm_516 September 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This show engaged me from the start. I thought it was well acted and directed. Some of the cinematography was sub par, but most of it was good. There was a CG scene that bothered me, but it is on a CW network budget. I don't think that most people will notice little technical things, and if so, will not be bothered by it. The story is about role playing. The idea of switching identities is not original as some will point out, so let us not, as so many different great stories often come from a simple premise like this one. This show has talented actors playing characters that will develop in time. Overall I am looking forward to seeing this show become a great drama mystery thriller prime-time soap opera. Identical twin sisters who other than looks are supposed to be as different as night and day wind up 'looking' quite the same at the end of the first episode.

Spoiler Alert!

The first episode set up Bridget well as the struggling ex- stripper/prostitute and recovering narcotics addict and left me wondering about Siobhan the wealthy sophisticate socialite, who was not seen that much. But Siobhan spoke volumes with her lifestyle surroundings (spacious rooms filled with gigantic images of herself) and the wedding ring she left behind in the bottle of pills before disappearing from that small boat at sea. Suicide or setup? I was suspicious at that instant, clips and trailers not withstanding. Did she know Bridget would take the bait and try to become her? And, ...why?
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