Counterpart (TV Series) Better Angels (2019) User Reviews

Howard's end

[kurt7825 · 10/10 · 28 December 2021]

The best show of 2021. I wish there was at least five more seasons. Howard Silk (the tough one) is cooler than James Bond. It's to bad it had to end. The end.

Bitter End

[Hitchcoc · 8/10 · 28 February 2020]

I knew there would be some open ended thing at the conclusion. Just about every series of this type concludes this way. How much of an effect will Yanek's condition have? Will he wipe out all of civilization. I would have enjoyed a more subdued ending. With all the murder and mayhem that took place in the series anyway, it would have still been satisfying to end on a positive note. When all actions lead to nothing, it seems that the heroes lose again. I suppose if there is anything good, it's that the next plague will only wipe out a few billion people and some will go on. That's cold comfort.

5 for season 1, 10 for season 2

[solonche-637-153706 · 8/10 · 21 March 2020]

I watched season 1 during a free Starz weekend and was disappointed. As a huge fan of Fringe, I thought that it was too derivative. When Peter Quayle says that no one knows how the split happened, I thought that the writing was lazy. The ending was predictable. Season 2, different story. The origin story, like Peter in Fringe, really sets things up, even though the flu as a plague upset me just a little. The character development, for the most part, was very good, although I had to stop to figure out who was who etc. Loved the ending. Having the man who created the mess it as the active ingredient of its correction (?) was outstanding. Mira was a truly devilish villian. I loved her. I wasn't crazy about having two of my favorites from Babylon Berlin playing secondary, if not tertiary, roles. Yep, I mean Liv Lisa and Leonie. Anyway, I loved the Howard's and the Emily. I shall miss them.

Impressive season finale

[johnnyan · 18 February 2019]

An impressive season (hopefully not series) finale for one of the best series I know, hats off !

A Mind-Bending Thriller of Parallel Realities

[sufyaanrashid95 · 8/10 · 3 January 2024]

Plot: In "Counterpart," Howard Silk, a mild-mannered employee at a Berlin-based United Nations agency, discovers a gateway to a parallel world, revealing an alternate reality mirroring his own. As the series unfolds, Howard becomes embroiled in a complex web of espionage, political intrigue, and moral dilemmas. The existence of the parallel world introduces a host of ethical and existential questions, blurring the lines between identity, loyalty, and the consequences of one's choices.

Season 1 introduces viewers to the discovery of the parallel world and the implications it holds for both Howards, setting the stage for a high-stakes game of espionage and personal discovery. In Season 2, the repercussions of the parallel world's existence escalate, leading to further conflicts and revelations that test the characters' loyalties and beliefs. As the two realities collide, the series delves into the moral complexities faced by its characters, painting a rich and captivating narrative.

Review: "Counterpart" is a gripping and intellectually stimulating thriller that seamlessly blends espionage with speculative fiction. J. K. Simmons delivers a tour de force performance in the dual roles of Howard Silk, infusing each character with depth and complexity. The series expertly explores themes of identity, choice, and the consequences of pivotal moments, all while maintaining a high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat narrative.

The show's intricate storytelling and meticulous attention to detail create an immersive experience that challenges perceptions and keeps viewers engaged throughout. "Counterpart" offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, morality, and the impact of life-altering discoveries. This mind-bending series is a must-watch for fans of intelligent, character-driven dramas and thought-provoking science fiction.

Better Angels

[bobcobb301 · 7/10 · 22 February 2019]

If this is truly the end of the show I thank Starz and Counterpart for the ride, but unfortunately this program never quite lived up to its potential.

A nice twist and cliffhanger with Mira poisoning her "father" as one last fail safe, but things wrapped up way too quickly. Both sides would have had answers and not just blindly followed "management" and their advice to shut down the crossing.

The end of a failed experiment

[mgl-92037 · 6/10 · 19 February 2019]

I mean the show itself and the story. I rather liked Counterpart, but the attraction had a very thin basis which was also quite abstract. How does the world affect development of a person?--i.e. nature vs. nurture. The novelty was that this age-old question was actualized, with the twist that you might be able to interact with another version of yourself, or other versions of your family and loved ones. The writers teased out some intriguing scenarios. The character development of the two versions of one self was best with Emily Silk. The writing there bordered on brilliant. I felt that the two Howard Silks were neither of them very interesting, nor were they differentiated except in broad, brute strokes. One major problem with the show was an almost total failure to develop a feel for two different worlds. One hardly knew which Berlin one was being shown, without being told. The failure of imagination in world building was the biggest problem with the show. An overly dark palette of colors veered on obnoxious at times. The acting was often hard to believe. In particular, I felt the presentation of the character of Ian bordered on unintentional comedy. I have mixed feelings about investing some time watching Counterpart. There were some genuinely interesting moments, some excellent writing, yet on the whole I feel quite unsatisfied with the show. I wish the writer future opportunities, future successes.

Not compelling... nothing to see here

[OCbeachdude · 1/10 · 18 November 2021]

I just wanted this failed experiment in drama to be over, already. I didn't care for or feel any empathy for any character, except perhaps Emily prime. Going forward, I promise myself to be more discerning in my television choices.

Better End.

[dreamingescapist · 5 August 2019]

I can't say that 'Better Angels' is a perfect ending for the whole series, but I was satisfied with it. I liked it. For me, it was a fantastic conclusion. And with that, I'm actually glad that they decided not to go into the third season. It probably would have felt forced, as it felt with some episodes in the second season.

Well, anyway, big thanks for the creators who managed to produce such a captivating series with a quite peculiar and original premise.

That was a very unsatisfying ending......

[hpringnitz · 3/10 · 11 December 2021]

.....to what could have been a great show. Even though I have to agree with Ms. Emily Latehla (God bless you Gilda) that I really hate to see this much violins on television and the pace was painfully slow, a good ending could have salvaged the whole thing. As it is, not so much.

Abandon hope all ye who enter here. Just pray these writers are not prophets.