Kelcie Mattson

At times right on the money, while falling just shy of pure magnificence in other areas, this superb production is a testament to why Dickens' sprawling cast and psychological melodrama remain an example of such engaging, enduring storytelling — from that world-famous opening line until its equally renowned closing sentence.

The momentum driving its intriguing start doesn't waver, but the mix of bloodthirsty scheming, supernatural horror, and royal family drama truly kicks off like a rocket launch at the halfway point.

The main characters charm their way into each other's hearts and the audience's with speed-run efficiency thanks to a stellar cast who rapidly prove themselves adept with Song of the Samurai's tonal shifts between dry comedy, somber earnestness, and tragic conviction.

Season 3 might not quite reach the spectacular first season's overall heights, but it's still a disquieting, philosophical dissection of human nature that simultaneously proves this anthology's flexibility and its staying power.

Overall, this rendition of a timeless classic, inspired by the bones of the great period dramas that have come before, is as painstakingly faithful and exquisitely exciting as you could hope for.

A roundhouse-kick of a thrill ride that lives up to the promises baked into the thriller subgenre's name, Jo Nesbø's Detective Hole delivers virtually everywhere it should — which is nothing less than what a modern legend deserves.

Season 2 evokes the same sense of watching actors at the top of their game as they volley dramatics back and forth like tennis, and that almost justifies the season's existence.

Doesn't reach the same heights as the genre-defining psychological thrillers that inspired it, The Game is still a lively diversion with solid entertainment value, an excellent cast, heartily on-the-nose clichés, and moments of unsettling tension.

Land of Sin's curated themes are strikingly raw and empathetic, the grim yet rewarding tale uplifted by excellent behind-the-camera production value and a tiny-but-mighty cast with zero weak links.

This mature venture sticks the landing for established fans and newcomers alike, and stands an excellent chance of becoming a modern fantasy classic.