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mitchellbassist
Reviews
The Expanse (2015)
Complex, deep science fiction
First of all this is not light entertainment like so many of the 90's/ early 2000s (Star Trek, Firefly etc), it's dark and gritty and reminds me more of the Battlestar Galactica reboot than anything else (possibly even the Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons).
The first series is a slow burn, but stick with it as it gets awesome very quickly in series 2 onwards. The sheer depth of intrigue built around the 3 protagonists is astounding and somewhat genre defying (the first series is part space adventure, part political intrigue and part film noir detective story; all delicate threads that weave a huge narrative tapestry that I would recommend to any fan of 'believeable' Sci fi.
The only thing that stopped me from giving a perfect 10 score is that I like binging these shows, but due to the length of the episodes and the complexity of the story it's hard to keep track of what's happened. In fact it's one of the few shows that could benefit from a recap (something I usually hate).
Finally, I'd suggest watching with subtitles as the Belter creole language is hard to figure out by hearing alone. I loved how the writers essentially made an amalgam language from all the cultures that tried to find fortune in the Belt, which makes a lot of sense anthropologically speaking.
Don't be a waswala and watch this...
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)
Throw out all your Trekkie preconceptions
Let's be clear, this is not the Star Trek from your childhood. It changed a lot of the aesthetic, for example the klingons are very different, but considering that TOS is over 50 years old I think it's justified to change the look.
At first I couldn't watch past the first 2 episodes, but after coming back with fresh eyes I gotta say that I'm really enjoying it.
Much like Battlestar Galactica this doesn't reboot, rather rebuild.
Also, seeing starfleet science officers talking with glee and exclaiming thier project is " cool!" Never gets old.
Sex Education (2019)
Gillian Anderson Deserves Citizenship
I'll get my main gripe out of the way first: no school in the UK is like this. The jackets and lockers feel very much like almost a tounge-in-cheek parody of American teen movies, and if that was intended then they pulled it off amazingly. The other issue is that the cast look way too old to be teenagers, but given its subject matter I can understand how casting teen actors would be problematic.
Small quibbles aside, this is a charming, honest and funny look at sexual positivity/ repression. The cast does a fantastic job, especially Gillian Anderson, who does such a believable rural teacher 'Mrs Robinson' I genuinely want her to be my neighbour.
At times its crude, but it needs to be in order to be honest.
Community (2009)
Basically American Spaced
Amazing self contained episodes with little continuity. Characters are well rounded and well acted. Don't expect any great personal development, just great writing and a ton of fantastic geek referenced. Fans of Spaced will love this and vice versa. The weird special episodes (DnD, Zombies, claymation, pillow/blanket fort civil war) are a pure joy.
Do yourself a favour and watch it.
Bob's Burgers: Bed, Bob & Beyond (2019)
Awkward stereotypes
As a londoner I found myself cringing more than usual during this episode. The casting of Lucy Davis and Peter Serafenwictz (apologies if I spelled this incorrectly) were great casting.
It's obviously self aware, but still not easy to watch. Also, Big Ben is the bell, not the clock.
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (2016)
Another show sadly executed before its prime
As a fan of Douglas Adams since I was 10 and a guy who weird stuff tends to happen to I was rwally pleased with this series. It doesn't try to recreate the books, but it does a great job of capturing the spirit. The cast is a pleasant surprise. The plot is a delightful mix of cleverness and absurdity. You gotta power through the first episode to get the feel of it, but once you do, youll be hooked.
To put it into context, I miss this as much as I miss Firefly. I freaking LOVE Firefly
Final Space (2018)
Far more than just a space comedy
Despite its cuteness it actually is a very clever series that isnt afraid to deal with a lot of moral issues and has a very cleverly written story. The animation is simple at first glance but like many things about this show, it has hidden depths. The cast is fantastic and the soundtrack is a seriously pleasant surprise.
Think Red Dwarf, Farscape, Futurama and Steven Universe all neatly wrapped up together in a wonderful gem of a show.
Farscape: Dream a Little Dream (2000)
Great episode
Gives the supporting characters a great chance to really flesh themselves out. Gig Edgely steals the show as Chianna. I personally think it's one of the best episodes of the show.
Farscape (1999)
It may have dated, but it's still awesome
I used to love this when I was a kid. Revisited it in my early 20s. I'm now in my early 30s and it still retains the same magic and engaging storytelling as when I watched the pilot. The cast do a superb job and, although the puppetry is sketchy and the SFX is laughable by today's standards, it's still very watchable. Great soundtrack, great acting, great story arcs and character development.
How to Get Away with Murder (2014)
A gripping yarn
Expect lots of flash forwards. It's fairly formulaic and every episode prepares you to expect the unexpected, that said although it maintains its rhythm in predictability, the beat in suspense is never ending. It's not quite Breaking Bad, but it's close. A bit mindless at times, but great for a cliffhanger-fuelled binge session
The Boys (2019)
My favourite comic series has been done justice
Takes a different turn from the comic, but it's just so good. There are laughs, scenes that are really hard to watch (trigger warnings, there are rape scenes) and gore. It holds up a real black Mirror to life, reality and comic tropes.
The Hollow (2018)
Fantastic Journy:terrible ending
Really well animated with some amazing characters. The whole thing felt very dream-like. Every second kept me captivated, like that momen you wake up in a comfy and warm bed after having a surreal but pleasant dream. The last 5 minuites an the reveal are hugely disappointing though. I'd totally reccomed enjoying the ride and I'd love to see a second season that makes the,frankly lazy ending, worthwhile.
But as I said, it's a great journey, great voice acting, great story. It just feels like the writers on the last episode kinda gave up.
Still a great watch.