State of the Union

The device of keeping each episode around 10 minutes of running time is absolutely brilliant, because it's definitely a show that you can have a bite at in-between more traditionally long shows, without getting burdened by its repetitive nature. And I say repetitive in a somewhat positive way: it features two characters talking to one another, mostly inside the same pub, and that's about it. Simple, but comforting.

And it works. Largely because the writing is sparkling; the two main characters deliver the dialogues with so much gusto, so much realistic ebbs and flows in mood that I couldn't help believing that they really had been a couple for many years.

Fast paced and purely entertaining from start to finish. The moment an episode ends, it'll leave you wanting more! Great performances and brilliant writing.

State of the Union follows a couple who meet in a pub immediately before their weekly marital therapy session. Each episode pieces together how their lives were, what drew them together, and what has started to pull them apart. Season 1 is pretty good. It follows Tom and Louise, who are trying to figure out how to do their marriage work if they even can. Both characters are complicated and relatable. And Chris O'Dowd and Rosamund Pike have great chemistry. Season 2, on the other hand, is hard to watch. It is just two people fighting. I didn't like the characters or care if they made it work or not. Plus, it was basically the same every episode. They also tried to add in extra characters, and there just isn't enough time in ten-minute episodes for more than two characters. Brendan Gleeson is a great actor, but he doesn't have much to work with. It was so bad I don't imagine I would watch a third season.

Season 1: 8 Season 2: 4.

Total rating : 7.

State of the Union

This was masterful writing, whilst we had two actors on screen seemingly representing two characters, there was in actuality very little or no differentiation between them, this was in fact, a soliloquy for two (duiliquy), or if you like a "talking head" in the form of an Alan Bennett monologue.

There was one single stream of sparkling undifferentiated thought ruminating over trust, betrayal, relationships and the human condition, split equally between the two protagonists. It was all served up using the device of metaphors often instigated by a single simple incident.

The chemistry was palpable between the two leads it was endearingly delightful, and they emanated the half of a whole relationship throughout.

Of course this is aimed at a very sophisticated viewer, the concerns expressed were the anxieties of the metropolitan bourgeoisie.

Brilliant writing, brilliant acting, brilliant directing 10/10

Everything about the show is great but one thing that kind of bothered me is the low amount of sequence shots and crazy amount of cuts in the cafe scenes. Considering the episodes are only ten minutes long, I don't know why didn't opt in for more continuity. The cuts honestly distracted me a lot. But at least this gets better after episode seven.

Regardless, everyone should give the show a try, whole season is 100 minutes and worth every minute.