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Luke Cage: They Reminisce Over You (2018)
Are IMDB users high?
Now, obviously 7.8 is not a bad score, but considering that this score is extremely low compared to usual highly praised episodes and considering the hate in the reviews, I have to ask users, were they watching the same thing I was? Anyway, I know these are all opinions and nobody is right or wrong, I'm just confused by the anger, that's all.
Are people seriously angry that Luke Cage decided to become a crime lord? Like really guys? This was his arc throughout an entire season. His methods were never enough, he was constantly stopping the same criminals from doing the same crimes over and over. There were barely any results, and that kept bringing out his darker side.
After Mariah was taken down, crime goes up. In this episode, gang wars start occurring and obviously neighborhood was in the crossfire. Every gangster in the town wants to take Mariah's spot. Luke Cage, seeing no other option, decides to take the position and stop the war from getting worse. This is an absolutely unique way to end a season. A character who went out of his way to stay an idealist, decides to compromise, because he wants to stop people from dying. Mike Colter does a fantastic job conveying his character's conflict, he is definitely the most underrated MCU actor.
Another great thing about this episode was Mariah's death. Alfre Woodard, who was absolutely phenomenal this season, brought such a wonderful character to life. Mariah went out in the best way possible, through the hands of a daughter she despises. In the end, she gives everything to Luke, in many ways, as a one last "F u" to her daughter. She is the winner here, because she managed to turn Luke, make him compromise. What a great way to send off a fantastic villain.
First season of Luke Cage was indeed wonky. It constantly bounced back and forth between being incredibly campy to pretty damn serious, and in my opinion, tone was all over the place. Even action scenes were very lacking. The best things about the first season were Luke Cage himself, Cottonmouth, the atmosphere, the portrayal of Harlem, and the music. The showrunner, Cheo Hodari, noted the flaws, and improved on every single aspect of previous season. This time, not only action was great, but every character went through a huge boost. Mariah and Shades, who were both pretty stale in season 1, went through a fantastic development, becoming great characters on their own. The another great villain was added, Bushmaster played amazingly by Mustafa Shakir, who's character was always fascinating to watch. Luke always had a dark side in him, but he often tried to tame it, in this season Cheo focuses entirely on that dark side of him coming out, and it's done amazingly culminating in this great ending. The tone was amazingly consistent this season too, clearly finding a perfect balance between camp and seriousness.
It's a huge disappointment that Netflix decided to cancel so many great shows, but I'm glad that Luke Cage went out on such a strong season.
24 (2001)
Love it despite all its imperfections
24 is revolutionary show that used to be considered to be one of the best shows in television. Surprisingly, just like Justified, Deadwood or Twin Peaks, it slowly started fading away from the public eye. I guess TV series don't have the same guaranteed timeless popularity that movies have. Anyway, this is one of the first shows that started the golden age of television, and it deserves to be regarded as a great piece of art.
The formula of the show is both it's biggest strength and weakness. The episodes running in real time allowed some incredibly exhilarating moments, but unfortunately you need to add a lot of filler to cover the time, because there are 24 episodes per season. The inability of the show to break away from the formula was certainly it's greatest weakness. Because of the issue of having to fit 24 episodes with content, writers constantly had to come up with sub plots, some infamously bad (I'm looking at you Kim, and at your amnesia, Terry), some really good (Martha Logan was just perfect).
Now, I know, I sound like I'm complaining a lot, but for the amount of restrictions and episodes they had, they did an incredible job. This formula, on paper, only works for a miniseries of sorts, but somehow they managed to really improve upon it and stretch for 5 beautifully crafted seasons.
The directing, the acting, the character development, the themes that surprisingly still hold up. Many people nowadays tend to look at it harshly because of its controversial use of torture and some choices, but it is seriously surprisingly more thematically reach and complex than it seems from an outside perspective. Jack Bauer may do terrible things to achieve some good, but the cost is always incredibly high. One of the best things about this show is definitely the emotional downfall of Jack, who slowly breaks down season by season losing his humanity. It's a really fascinating watch, something that I never thought I'll see in a Fox TV show.
Obviously, I can't ignore one of the most important and best aspects of the show - performance of Kiefer Sutherland. He manages to deliver an absolutely breathtaking performance from start to end, that brings a complex character like Jack Bauer to life. The cast constantly shifts from season to season, and for the most part majority of performances are absolutely solid. Dennis Haysbert, Carlos Bernard, Mary Lynn Rajsjkub
Unfortunately, it ran it's course. As I said before, the formula was really tricky. After phenomenal first 5 seasons, the last three felt a lot like a rehash. They were still quite entertaining, but the energy and uniqueness was gone. Fortunately, at least in my opinion, it ended with great miniseries, Live Another Day. The ending that many didn't like, but I loved, because no matter how depressing it was, it definitely was as fitting.
10 definitely seems like bit too much after all my criticisms, but no art form is perfect, it's the impact of it on an individual that counts. This show pulled all my emotional strings, and I will always remember it fondly. It may not be perfect, but damn it had a heart.
The Punisher: The Whirlwind (2019)
Ambitious, but not perfect
First season of the Punisher was absolutely fascinating. The showrunner, Steve Lightfoot, deliberately traded fists and bullets for brains and a heart. It offered uniquely and deliberately slow paced experience that built up to explosive last four episodes, and delivered a satisfying and emotional payoff. Therefore I was worried about the second season, worried that it may lose that great consistency that first season had, but fortunately for the most part, this season succeeds.
The main issue with this season was focusing on two storylines that were not connected to each other in any way but the main character. I understood why Lightfood did this - to show Frank being bombarded by the two different fronts making him lose more and more control as it keeps going on, also further thematically showcasing his character's duality. The intention is clear, and I wouldn't say that execution is bad, but unfortunately such a risky choice creates pacing issues, no matter how well it's done. Daredevil Season 2 tried to do the same thing, and it really hurt the flow of the story. Constantly jumping back and forth between two stories can become tiresome and messy, and it shows in this season.
That's not to say that this season is bad, absolutely not. It still has a lot going for it. Frank Castle is an absolutely brilliantly written character, and Jon Bernthal gives another Emmy worthy performance in the role. The greatest thing about the both seasons is that it never leans towards turning Frank into a hero or a villain. There's a genuine ambiguity in Castle's motivation, and you can see episode by episode how it affects people close to him. Giorgia Whigham is a great addition to this season, her chemistry with Bernthal was heart of the story and there were genuinely moving moments between these two. Jason R. Moore returns in this season as Frank's closest friend, Curtis, who gets lot more to do this season. Amber Rose Revah also comes back, and her character gets a much more interesting arc than the first season.
Ben Barnes does a phenomenal job as Billy Russo, who's character is perhaps the most controversial part of this season. Instead of turning him into a true Jigsaw, instead Steve decides to give him a more empathetic look, which is honestly a very bold move, which will work for some, but not for everyone. Another villain of this season, John Pilgrim, is played amazingly by Josh Stewart, who perhaps gets a more satisfying arc than Billy. One of the main themes of this season is how these two characters are connected to Frank - all three do horrendous things, all three believe that what they are doing is right, and all three are broken people with violent pasts. I just wish that this connection lead to a three-way confrontation, which could have tied the story in a more satisfying way.
This season, just like first one, is all about broken people driven by loss and anger. It still focuses highly on exploring mental illnesses and how they affect people. Frank Castle is in the middle of all this, and his main arc focuses on him accepting that he cannot live without an action. Can people so fundamentally broken change? Is there a way for someone like Frank to gain a normal life? Perhaps not, as the ending of this season suggests.
This episode in particular is very melancholic and somber, showing how Frank's actions have affected everyone around him. Some choices here will surely piss some people off, I personally was disappointed at times, but it delivers a more or less satisfying finale for a season and probably entire show.
Overall, season 2 for me hits more than misses. It made me think, cry, scream, etc. It surely has some flaws that affect the overall quality of the show, and while I do not agree with some of the decisions made in particularly finale, it's boldness makes me respect the showrunner and writers of this show. It will be a damn shame to lose such a complex and unique series because of nonsensical bureaucracy, especially because of how much more they can explore. If it's the end, it will hit me hard to see such a potential for great third season wasted. As of now, season is good, and at times even great, but it's ambition gets in the way of consistent storytelling. Oh well, I will go on beat myself about it some more...
Titans: Dick Grayson (2018)
Was that it?
"Was that it?" - This is the question that no season finale should ever leave a viewer with, yet this one did. On its own, it is a good episode that develops Grayson's character to a great extent, but as an end to a season? No, just no. This felt like it was more of a mid-season finale.
You see, seasons of TV shows in many ways should be developed as movies or books. Meaning they should have a clear beginning, middle, and the end, while also leaving something for the next season. You don't end your season in an episode that feels random. The fact that there were behind the scenes shots of Starfire with an actual costume, the producers teased us with Grayson becoming the Nightwing by the end of a season, and that it was originally intended to be 13, then cut to 12 and for some reason 11 episodes now, it's clear that this was never intended to be the end of a season and some content was left out. What happened? Maybe they wanted to work more on those episodes? Was there some budget cut?
Anyway, basically Titans never really came together this season, over 90% of story threads weren't resolved, and it did not feel like an epic finale that Titans deserve. This is sad, because episode is really great, if it wasn't a season finale, I would've easily rated it higher because it is a really intense and well done. Unfortunately, it is a finale, and it did leave mixed feelings after it ended. A fantastic season of television, a great episode, but a really strange choice for an end to such a great season. I am excited for a season 2, and I really hope they don't end that one the same way.
Daredevil: Karen (2018)
One of the most unique episodes in Daredevil
This episode we were building up towards since the start of the show. Karen's past was always covered in mystery, we only saw hints of it in the past. This episode takes us back to to see what drives her and what made her go completely suicidal on Fisk. This is a solid character work for one of the best characters in all of the Marvel/Netflix run, who went through an immense development throughout all these shows, and I'm happy that creators of DD felt confident enough to put that in.
This first half of the episode made second half all the more intense. I thought throughout that entire battle that this is going to be end of Karen, and episode really plays with that idea throughout.
In the end it was an episode that once again proves why these Marvel/Netflix shows are so good - they are not afraid to focus on characters first and foremost. Action in these shows was always secondary and should be, instead every action sequence is all the more interesting and intense because we care for these characters.
Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)
A good sequel with a glaring flaw that keeps it from being as good as the original
I am huge fan of Taylor Sheridan. Hell or High Water, Wind River, and Sicario are some of my favorite movies I have ever watched. The themes he explores are always complex, Sheridan never shies away from showcasing grey moral area, which is part of the reason why his movies are so gripping and unique to the point where they stick with you forever. Sicario: Day Of The Soldado was one of my most anticipated movies of the year, I was really scared for this movie, as first one didn't really seem like the kind of film that needs sequel. In the end, I was overall happy with what I got.
Now, Sicario: Day Of The Soldado this time focuses more on Matt and Alejandro, played by phenomenal actors, Josh Brolin (who is having one hell of year) and Benicio Del Toro. Emily Blunt's character, Kate, is not in this one, and she doesn't really need to. The story is still centered around Cartel, but this time it's human trafficking and terrorism rather than drugs, so stakes are higher. Another prominent character in the movie is Isabel Reyes, daughter of a powerful crime lord, who is played by fantastic Isabella Moner. She seriously surprised me in the movie, her performance was powerful and gripping, and she managed to hold her own near freaking Benicio Del Toro, which is not an easy thing to do, especially for a young actress.
So let's talk about positives - I absolutely loved what they did with Matt and continued to do Alejandro here. Alejandro was definitely highlight of the original film, every single time Benicio was on screen, I don't think anyone could take their eyes off of him, he's just such a unique and brilliantly written character, and he continues to be so in this movie. Benicio is just genius, his subtle acting is just brilliant, I can't stress enough how happy I am that he basically got his own franchise now. One scene in particular where he talks in sign language, is extremely well acted. Alejandro is just definition of unpredictable, I have zero idea what this character will do next, and it's just so unique to see the protagonist in the position where you would usually see a villain. Great character who continues to be great and complex.
Matt Graver, who was a secondary character in the first film, moves to frontlines in this one, and it is great to see Brolin show off his talent in their full glory. Brolin just shines with charisma throughout the movie, and his character is explored even more deeply, which I loved. We delve into his relationship with Alejandro more, and it is showcased that they are not just co-workers, that there is sense of friendship, respect and experience there, and the actors portray it really well. There's particularly a short scene after Matt is tasked to take down Alejandro, and he is just walking into a car, but the amount of emotions Brolin shows just in that sequence is just incredible. I can with 100% certainty say that just like in previous movie, acting is Oscar worthy, but obviously Academy is just too damn stuck in their little box, and can't see anything further than that.
Cinematography, while not as great as the original, is still brilliant, the same with directing, lighting, etc. Solima did a wonderful job in bringing his own unique style to a movie. This is very different movie than the original, and you can feel it right from the start. Especially the opening scene that sticks with you till the end.
But there is a flaw that puts this movie below the original for me, and that flaw has to do with sequel baiting. Throughout the movie, there is a storyline of a kid who is getting into human trafficking, and while thematically his story fits, as it shows, just like in Isabela's case, the effect of war on children. Problem is that the story doesn't end. The story of the entire movie doesn't really have an ending, and it is not like open ending of original movie, this movie just cuts abruptly in the middle of the important moment. That ending really affected my overall feelings for the movie, and I had to think about it for days. It works great as a setup for another sequel, and I am sure that when third one comes out and if it will be great, my feelings for this storyline will change, but as of now, this hurts the flow of the movie.
To sum it all, it was a really good sequel that is very close to being great one, but it doesn't quite reach that high because of that entire chunk of the movie and the ending. I am very excited for the third movie though.
Jessica Jones: A.K.A. Start at the Beginning (2018)
Netflix/Marvel keeps experimenting, and it was a success once again
This is going to be review of entire season, because I think that Netflix/Marvel shows have very unique formula to them, where I can never judge these shows one episode at a time. Ok, imagine a painting, and imagine that you are looking only at parts and reviewing it one by one, in my opinion it will ruin the impression of painting as a whole. That's how I see Netflix/Marvel shows, as one whole painting. They are constructed this way, and I think they should be viewed as such.
Some people are going to hate this show, but I rated it 10 out of 10, why you ask? Well, this is one of the most unique superhero stories I've witnessed, yes, even more unique than first season. An absolute breathe of fresh air, and I advice you to watch till the end. Ok, if you are here for action - stop watching. If you are here for thrilling adrenaline rush - stop watching. This season had even less action than first, weird huh? Shouldn't second season be bigger? Well, let me describe you my experience:
At first, I was pumped. Then I was confused. Then I got really confused and was asking myself - "Where this is going?". But then at episode 11 realization came to me, that I should stop expecting a huge explosion and instead concentrate on what's going on in the show right now. And I realized that this is what this season is about. Not conspiracies, not mystery, not finding a killer or saving the world, but about these characters. Because guys, this season is entirely a one huge character work. This is when I changed my focus and season suddenly went from ok to brilliant. Because I tell you at the end of the road, I was left in tears, pay off at the end was something amazing. And no, don't expect explosions, they never happen, well spoilers, maybe once.
To simplify, this season is very, and I mean very personal. It's not a story about saving tonnes, it's not a story about stopping villains, no, it's a story about flawed people, their personal demons, emotional compromises, about family, friends, etc. And in the end, it is story about Jessica, not as superpowered badass, but as a human being who lost her path, and has to find it again. It was a very emotional season, and one of my favorites among MCU TV shows, and I hope at least some would appreciate it. Acting, directing, storytelling, writing - it's all top notch. And as I said, character work is nothing short of brilliant. Please, don't expect big action, just watch it for what it is, a personal and relatable ride, with messed up "superhero" in the lead role.
The Walking Dead: Honor (2018)
Before mom died, she told me that I will beat this world, I didn't...but you will"
I usually don't write reviews on IMDB, I'm not really into social media so I had no idea that this season gathered so much hatred from the fanbase. So this review is going to be different. It is kind of weird to be honest, because the themes and ideas that show is exploring this season are quite complex and unique even with the standards of this series. The problem with this season was addition of too much unnecessary action scenes. Before TWD built up to action and then gave some explosive scenes, now they are just throwing everything at the viewer, and it is clear that budget restrictions don't allow these scenes to be as good as the ones in previous seasons. It is kind of quantity over quality situation here. But aside from that, I think TWD is at the top of their game here. Here is a huge problem I have with the show overall:
The way it is broadcasted. Yes, the biggest problem I have with TWD isn't TWD itself, but the way episodes are release. You see, this show is constructed in a way to be binge watched. It doesn't have episodic structure of procedural where they cram in every storyline and action they can at each episode. No, this show takes much more interesting approach, actually it works basically like this - Build up>>Event>>Consequences. Usually big events happen only at the certai points of the story, this is why biggest complain show gets is it being either boring or being interesting only for couple of episodes. This is because every time we watch an episode, we want something huge to be in it, if it's not there, we just don't care about character development and we get anxious because we have to wait entire week for another episode. Plus waiting entire week will take away from emotional impact, and for TV show like TWD where it is all about emotions, this is a huge problem. If episodes were released in a Netflix type of way, where entire season is released in a day, it woud've made a huge difference on audience's perception. I constantly rewatch every season once it is fully aired to see what I truly think of the season, and I advise people to do the same. But I can't make people love it, so anyway, I continue on.
The episode itself I thought was fantastic. Probably the best one in the entire season. I'm fascinated by how much material writers find for Rick's character to evolve. Usually at this stage, given this to incompetent writers, character like this could be completely ruined, but Rick is definitely one of the best in TV. His evolution is truly something unique, and watching this character constantly change is just a joy. This time writers did it again, and it was death of Carl, who is alive in the comics, but they decided to change that. Carl's death was quite weird for me at first, I didn't know what to think of it, but now I see the point. Gimple decided to take completely different approach than its source material, to get free from it and gain lot more creative freedom by that. It's a bold choice, the one that gathered tonnes of criticism, and it will continue to do so. I am quite amused that this man is getting so much hatred, yet he made the decision that he knew would be faced with backlash, but he still made it so that he would achieve the story he wants. You see, this is what I love about this show, it doesn't do everything fans want. Fans are extremely unreliable, their needs and wants are constantly shifting, that is why artist needs to listen, but not do everything as they want it. This is why CW shows get terrible after 2 or 3 seasons, they focus too much on pleasing the crowd that their stories turn into complete mess over the time. So yes, I am one of the few people who are commending Gimple for his choice, and I can't wait to see where this path will lead us.
Other things to note about this episode is Morgan. His arc so far since he came back was phenomenal, a sad tale of the man who wanted to keep his morals, but couldn't, because he witnessed the worst part of humanity, and it changed him. In this episode, we get something different, a little hope that his good side is still there. It was fantastic, and action scene itself alongside Carol was joy to watch. Morgan's ominous presence in this episode was also directed extremely well. Lennie James as always brings increasing depth into this character, what a brilliant actor.
And other performances were fantastic as well, firstly, why the hell Andrew Lincoln still doesn't have an Emmy nomination? This is ridiculous, this man continues to prove that he is one of the best, yet he is so underrated, that it just makes me angry that such talent is unnoticed most of the time. And Danai Gurira was brilliant as well, as always bringing incredible emotions into the table. Chandler Riggs in these last two episodes gave probably his best performance to date, makes his departure even sadder.
Point is, I loved this episode. It is probably one of my favorite episodes in the show. Nicotero continues to impress me with his directing chops, this man is just a talent with a big T. He does almost everything for this show, yet he is so talented in each aspect of it. Nicotero is another brilliant aspect of this show who remains unnoticed most of the time. And it is sad. I just don't think this show deserves this hate. But art is subjective, and I understand that people all have their own unique taste.