greenisgood

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

The Terror Season 1 was a bleak, stomach turning and harrowing experience to sit through and it delivers this with excellent acting from main and supporting cast. This hybrid of a True Historical Event wrapped in a thin veil of the supernatural is a good premise as long as the writing of the show remains grounded. The Good Jared Harris steals the show by a few meters by turning out the best performance amongst many other excellent portrayals in the season. The VFX felt terrifyingly real even though there was not a lot other than endless ice or endless land, it still feels like hell which is not even close to what the actual experience must have been. And even though there is a thin layer of the supernatural, it is throughout the show a secondary problem in the face of the sheer human tragedy story that was born out of the real attempt at the Exploration. This woks well as the monster problem or if you want to keep it grounded Wild Bear was not as harrowing as watching the explorers make one tough decision after another heroic or otherwise all in the most understandable motivation of all 'Survival'. The Bad Very little can be taken as a negative. Maybe the length could be taken as a problem but this is such a nit pick because there is almost no time wasted since the script, screenplay and acting are tight and streamlined. The Terror was a very harrowing experience to sit through but engaging and believable nonetheless, believable being relative if you consider the Giant Bear Theory over the show's light supernatural dressing.

TL;DR - Delving too deep into any plot points would either confuse or spoil so I am going to do neither. But I implore any cerebral sci fi lover to watch the series at least once if you have not because of how good the storytelling is. It is downright confusing, slow burning and tricky for the most part but is transformed into an amazing piece of story telling through excellent character writing, perfect casting and believable performances. There is never a time when a character decision or character action would be doubted or confusing to you no matter how negative or positive. All of which add up to a thoroughly satisfying and complete watch. It is surprising how this was touted as another 'Stranger Things' type show when it first released, yet 3 seasons later in comparison to 'ST/S03' Dark delivers so much more along with being a completed story instead of dragging on until the story and characters go into trash territory.

An absolute loss of good, deep and complex writing came with the death of this show. And though this was a wholly character driven show I can't say I Do not understand why the low ratings killed the show. The characters serious approach with their portrayals of their persona and relatively grounded tone of the show is probably was probably what turned off the casual sci-fi $hit exploding in space with massive VFX loving popcorn munchers. On the other side and the reason this show gained it's cult status was because we needed to see the underlying deconstruction of the smart ass ship captain and crew which was the key focus. Even though Cpt. Malcom Reynolds always acted like he could do no wrong and sometimes even pissed us fans off with his on screen actions, he would always redeem himself though sheer grit, well written story and excellent Screenplay execution. Joss Whedon is not a god, trust me I know this but i cannot deny he is a damn good writer and I thank the fanbase for the Serenity Movie existing to allow us fans some closure for the Universe. It is difficult to see the show return considering the gap and I think it is good since we have Firefly and Serenity for endless watches and Good Feels.

Aside from the fact that this show may have over done it a bit, aka S3 this time around being a bit over stuffed with having to act as a refresher as well as a foundation for new direction... I still would have shows like Titans and or other DC shows to take a few cues from Young Justice as a whole on how to write and endear characters and over arcing stories. TL;DR The character writing is still at it's Apex for all them which is the only reason the 'more than a few' stumbles are acceptable. Streamlining the plot for the upcoming season and not forgetting that we are an animated Super Hero show and not a CW Drama, meaning that imaginations are not restricted would really help. All in all slightly underWhelmed but hoping to get back to it's best. An absolute Fanboy of Young Justice here, which is why even though this season was a bit under-'whelming' my bias for the show in it's totality made me take the score into the green. I am extremely thankful for the show being revived thanks to the huge fan-base behind it, I would like the writers to bring back a little more of the fun and wit that was in spades during S1&2. I completely understand that this season serves as a starting point for a new arc as well as being a refresher for people who did not watch the previous two seasons I would implore the writers to streamline the next season. A little too many twists and turns and back stabs seem to be happening even though we have crossed such situations with more finesse and tact, hence it is expected that such double crosses would and should be seen from a mile away and should be dealt by the Team accordingly.

A few decent spurts during the season is the reason the show has not failed completely for me, BUT I am VERY confused with who the target demo is considering the writing of the show. TL;DR I will still be able to stomach the same actors if the series continues but please bring some better writing to the show. Or just watch Young Justice instead to get a good fix for young superheroes teaming up... Season 3 is almost finished and previous 2 seasons are spectacularly handled. It's not for fans like me that is for sure, maybe designed at attracting the fans that were lost from the whiplash inducing 180 turn that the DCEU made trying to please masses, scratch that, even the DCEU didn't have such dreary writing. At least Snyder's eye for visuals make the poorly written DCEU watchable. Regardless who the target demo is I feel the actors are doing their passionate best as much as they can. That is in the face of the dumb outdated in the 90s angst filled vibe, poor color grading, seizure inducing editing choices and general broody tonality. The stilted, eye rolling dialogue adds to the cherry of 'Bad Writing' and is the main cause for this disaster. Who is writing the dialogue and do they not understand that it is the most important part for a superhero genre? I scratch my head to understand when did colorfully illustrated characters, with nothing else but good dialogue writing in the comic book medium were translated into these stupid EMO outdated personalities, the characters are just cliches, and just about every cliche u can think of probably happens in the course of the episodes. It is fcking Heartbreaking. IT is very baffling that with the countless animated shows already available for the subject matter why the writers and directors felt this 90's Ben Affleck Daredevil Vibe was required. But at the state that this show is in I could not recommend fans of the Teen Titans or new comers to the franchise since it is a very stilted view of some genuinely good and heartfelt, serious yet heart warming subject material.

The Main Cast that we followed through 2 seasons are better even as teenagers in turn giving us satisfying character interactions, this was the high point for me through out the season. Unfortunately The main aspect of the show which was the most excellent in it's maiden outing 'The Season's Writing' seems to be deteriorating over the course of time. TL;DR - A disappointment compared to Excellent S1 and almost on par to S2, my score is result of 'Overall Story Arc' Writing that seems to be slipping downwards and no furtherance of anything with the Upside Down other than closing another portal. Needs get back to the Amazing Lore and Tight Writing that propelled this show to its fame in the first place. The Good... Everyone from the past seasons along with the new additions to the team were well written, save Lucas's sister which we will get to later; but for the most part character writing/arcs was the best thing in this season. Murray Bauman's Straight to the point was my personal favorite as it is still refreshing this time around as well. The cinematography/VFX were polished akin to a nice new coat of paint and wax on your trusted ride... Even though I see a lot of people saying the Nostalgia Milking was overdone, this was not the case; thankfully not yet. In fact I was in awe at the level of detail that went into the creation of of 80's feel. In short Character Writing, Production Design as well as Music were the most positive parts of the season, and I did not mind the inspirations from The Blob and The Thing for our creature designs. Now The BAd... I Think it is safe to say Arnold's character from T2 is probably the most over used cliche across all forms of media period. Seeing it used to an extent of a parallel main antagonist was really getting to me. The fact that this decision was consciously taken makes me worried about the future of the show hoping we do not devolve from the excellent imaginative lore of S1, aka the Upside Down and its ecology does not get lost amidst generic money making cliches. Some of the teen drama, though understandable considering the age was bordering on being bad cliches. Thankfully it just about held itself from overdoing it and we got down to brass tacks before it got nauseating, they need to balance it out better for future seasons. As for weak characterizations Erica Sinclair really reminded me why I generally dislike super cliched characters of child actors, all the more surprising since S1 and S2 were primarily kids that I absolutely Wanted to be friends with because of how well they were written. She was so one note through out, it would have helped to see some kind of fear or any other emotion from her during the course of the season. Maybe being dialed to 11 considering her age seemed like a good idea, but that is exactly why it also was the sore thumb; everyone else was given complex and believable writing wonder why they left her out. I do not believe for a second it was just for humor, because the rest of the cast were pulling off humor as well as individuality pretty well. Hopper seemed a bit; for the lack of a better term dumb this time around. The side plot of an experienced police officer and father to a second female child unable to find a way to have a proper birds and bees conversation or a Man to Man with Mike; instead devolving into a 'Stay Away From My Daughter' meathead was jarring. After 2 seasons Hopper seems to have regressed rather than grow. This was a quite a disappointment compared to S1 and almost on par to S2, my score is a result of 'Overall Story Arc' Writing that seems to be slipping downwards and no furtherance of anything with the Upside Down other than closing another portal. Also Maybe find smarter ways to inculcate the Product Placement, because other than the 'New Coke' which was kinda a big deal at the time considering the history behind the 'New Coke Recipe' debacle; product logos seemed very IN Your Face this time around. Hopefully we get back to the Amazing Lore and Tight Writing that propelled this show to its fame in the first place.

One of the Best animations, story wise. character wise, execution wise, lore wise, casting wise. I have nothing but high praise for carrying on the darker tones of Batman into a future concept that seemed well lived in. Terry though was not my most favorite portrayal of Batman what with The Original one being there right by his side the whole time, I would be lying if I said Terry as a character did not grow to be a capable one. The show end felt a little bit unsatisfying considering the series did not really get a proper finale, the available seasons are endlessly re watchable. Please leave this gem alone Hollywood unless you have people who truly want to recreate this for the complex yet satisfying narrative it grew to be. I will accept Michael Keaton in the place of Bruce as a good start if Hollywood does intend to make this into Live Action movie, although i will be hard pressed to put my finger on any current directors who can truly give this the love, care and attention it deserves. Maybe Tom Ford or Denis Villeneuve.

Just 10 episodes and I already want more.... I am wayyy late to the Castle party and I cannot believe how I missed this show when it was originally being aired.... The mysteries are not suuuper deep as I would like them to be, but the execution of the screenplay is done well enough to overlook it. The fact that this show has ended slightly dampens my excitement to watch the rest of the seasons... But Castle's character is just too suave and bordering on a sexual harassment complaint raunchy for me to not watch the Show to its eventual climax in Season 8. Special mention to Stana Katic for playing the role of a hard ass cop and yet oozing sexuality on screen, enough to make me wonder why I have not really seen her in prominent Movie roles, it's a real loss. Either ways the chemistry of the team is palpable and enjoyable and Kudos to all involved.

For the celebration of the fact that Season 15 has been announced, I feel obligated as a part of the Supernatural fanbase to give my views of this amazing and imaginatively satisfying Lore based series that is still going strong in 2019. Still getting to know the characters in the first season I implore anyone who is yet too see this show to give your time and watch the first season and enjoy some of the best written versions of popular myths nd lores we have all heard and loved, coupled with some believable Brotherly dynamics I have seen portrayed on screen. From wendigos to demons to werewolves to vampires the Winchesters tackle every lore I have come across and some wholly original writing has made this show one of the best sci-fi/horror series in the last decade and a half. I am glad this celebrated show is a part of my life and just like the on screen and off screen characters being a part of it's up's and downs. Keep it up Guys !!!

Season End UPDATE - I believe my criticism is still valid, but I would also admit the climax saved a little bit of face, Ident Politics were thankfully absent and the writing was marginally better, Still no cigar. Watcher since Eccelston, I am in disbelief how S11 kept making me space out, almost every episode it feels like someone shoving a TV news report/social issue cake into my face when I am just trying to have an escape Sci fi experience which is what Dr. Who was for so long. Though all of the past seasons have been cheesy beyond belief they were still imaginative and decently written, and seemed to sprinkle the social commentary in a more organic way. Forced SJW antics seems to be one of the pitfalls for the current show; some non existent writing and zero imagination and WOW the result is disastrous. The dialogue is directly inspired from M.Night's overly expositional style, every one seem to be trying their best to make us understand what is happening as if they are answering objective exam questions factual and boring no heart, no connect. (PS thank god Jodie 'seems' to have stopped her Sonic SwissKnife(Screwdriver)pointing/Overarm fast bowling action tht she had in the first few episodes) The Uptick in the overall look and feel of the show seems to be an odd detriment to emotionally connecting with anything that has been going on in season 11, and that is once again because of the writing and or the extremely cringe filled dialogue which will make every day normal human beings roll your eyes to the back of your head so fast you at at risk of hurting yourself. The editing work and shot composition is flat and bland, I was watching 'The Eleventh Hour' and I still get roped into the fun shots, some kooky editing and all the fun that is entirely missing from S11. I am curious if my boredom stems from the outdated and stilted subject matter or is this intentional by the creators because we are going to have a beyond belief amazing climax ??? Almost all of the episodes just keep circling the same dead corpse like a bunch of brain-dead and loudmouthed vultures, just trying so desperately to appeal to demographics who would not even remember this show 2 days after it ended and casting aside us long time fans as well as straight up insulting us long time fans who are the ones keeping the IP alive.

This is only my second **** Watch after IT, and I think it was well written. Sadly I see Maniac being cast aside by mass watchers because of emphasis on tightly written dialogue over a visual or trip like mental spectacle, I personally loved the somberness of the show. Special shout out to Sally Field, who still has some excellent acting chops all these years after my favorite performance of her in Mrs. Doubtfire. Although I do not think this story is actually open to another season and I believe Maniac should end here; our lead characters played by Jonah Hill and Emma Stone who deliver excellent performances made me want to watch them together as different characters somewhere else due to good chemistry. The supporting roles were cast admirably and felt perfect for their characters, though I wish we could have had Rome Kanada for few more episode, Kanada's performance was very impactful and aptly translated into one of the key plotlines for the story progression. Some very poignant and deep conversations take place on screen and that was what kept me going through after episode 2 which was IMHO the slowest considering one character development in EP1. The concept for the show is personally the most intriguing, the elements surrounding the concept; flow organically into flawless execution, although maybe some plot tie ups could be reinforced with some additional attention in story-writing. The climax is satisfying but felt like it was written for a mass appeal rather than a conclusion of two mentally unstable characters. Quite a few of my negatives could very well be chalked up to nit picks since the the important technical aspects hold the show together successfully. Beautiful cinematography, some excellent editing, interesting color schemes and emphasis on strong dialogue are all components of the show that excel beyond the generic and make this a must watch at least once. Hopefully Maniac does not get a Season 2 as I believe our story has ended and it is difficult to see the same characters go through another similar experience without getting boring and repetitive.

The weakest season yet for me, at least IMHO. I did enjoy the concept overall, but I kept seeing a lot of missed opportunities. Seasons 1 to 3 held my interest for far stronger reasons as compared to S04. The newly weds their past secrets and a few other plot points this time around had me spacing out cus it felt a bit to melodramatic rather than a dreadful horror vibe. One of the main reveals in the season could probably be seen from a mile away, although I admit that 'I did not see it coming'; but when it happened it felt as though I should have expected it. There were a couple of twists in this season where after it happened it felt a bit cliched and that was a bit of a let down since they have been able to write much better and tighter scripts. Even so, the acting was top notch, editing and sound track was executed efficiently although a couple of song choices seems a bit misplaced, pacing was never an issue since it was always a slow burn, yet this time around I felt it dragged in a few places. But my biggest disappointment this season was they did not keep a Bitter-Sweet climax like the rest of the seasons, it was a much happier ending as compared to its preceding seasons and I hope this is not just to appeal to the broader masses. Still I think the writers can bounce back stronger for the next season and I will be eagerly waiting for it. Catch this season if only just for continuity sake, on the flip side skipping this season will not be a huge loss and the fact that I feel this way about it is a tad bit Disappointing !!

Butchers Block unsettled me to my core numerous times, in a good way that is. Several times through the season I felt my stomach turning with horror and fear. Rutger Hauer can still be unspeakably chilling just as well as he can play your kind old grandpa hiding a very horrific secret. I do not think I will ever be able to look at a nice piece of stake without remembering this season. Although I do think if they intend to leave certain plot points open at the end the writers should may be think about not having them at all considering the closing five seconds of the finale, it would make for a tighter watch. I also love that I knew nothing about these seasons going in, so when Replicant gone nuts Roy Batty (aka Rutger Hauer) showed up in tht hat, I almost did not recognize him. All said and done my complaints with this season again are very minor, may be they could do without certain plot points, even so the good far outweighs the bad for me. Loving these bitter-sweet season finales tht are intact since the first season and I am glad that is still a key focus.I felt the editing was a bit stronger in this season over all, acting was excellent all around. The sound definitely helped in making my stomach turn throughout, I would definitely suggest a good sound system while watching all the seasons sinceI I feel a lot of the excellent sound work may get lost thereby losing a lot of the atmosphere. I am still a bit sad that the show is not rating a bit higher in the scale. IMHO, I am very confused with a lot of the complaints tht I have been hearing for this season as well as the show in general. But I am confident in my belief of this show hitting a cult status many years after it finishes airing considering the core subject matter chosen every season. Definitely catch season 3 as well. A recommendation from me, although I would add that keeping expectations for the show to be just like any of the conventional shows out there might let you down. Best to let the story unfold with an open mind rather than try and analyze which show is just like this, or which show is better than this. Just enjoy the strong writing and let your Imagination FLY !!

Surprisingly again I see so many negative reviews, it is as if we as humans are forgetting the fun of letting our imagination run rather than have every single aspect explained to us. Season Two was another success in the shows run. No End House was sufficiently off track weird, as well as emotionally heart wrenching enough for you to feel the confusion in our characters. Excellent acting, very believable flow of the human elements in the season. There were times where I felt tht the episode was dragging a bit, but it is just a minor annoyance. The Good far exceeds any issues I may have had with this season. Absolutely love the twisted undertones tht this show has made a staple now considering the creepy vibes are still strong from season 1, although I still think pacing wise the first season is far superior. The editing and cinematography are just as consistent and I love season 2 keeps the Not every ending is either happy or sad, everything is balanced and when the conclusion comes around its involves a happy/sad combo which is a very refreshing feeling. This is due to some good strong writing.

I was very surprised at the critic score for this show considering I expected it to be higher what with all the characters in the show feeling like absolute real and relatable people. All though I would not blame anyone if they were to lower their score a couple of points considering the climax which was not horrible but I felt it a bit too anti-climatic. That being said some of the music, editing, lighting, cinematography, locations, sets and many other technical aspects of the show were executed almost flawlessly, IMHO. I already praised the acting but I would like to again stress how much I related to almost everyone, male, female or child. I also Love how they kept the sci-fi elements of the show very minimal and used it as a tether for the plot, character motivations and the excellent writing. All in all coming off Stranger Things which I also liked, this show was very refreshing with its focus on the characters rather that the Sci-Fi aspects. A High Recommendation from me, and hope for another season with the same team.

Not too sure what a lot of the the negative reviews are about, probably people trying to compare this show to other conventional shows. A couple of negative reviews i read hinted at not being able to understand what was happening, and i think this is cus we have other decently good shows like 'Stranger Things' (which is a comparison i keep hearing in my own circles) and other such variables which seem to lay out all the plot points for easy understanding which is not bad at all cus i loved Stranger Things. BUT I Think this this show has much better writing considering quite a lot of the plot points in the first season depends on your own understanding of how things are happening and what your understanding is about human psychology which I absolutely love. Almost every episode I watched held my interest considering i never watched and or heard about the creepypasta tht it is based on, and maybe because of my ignorance of the subject matter it was based on i never could tell where the story was heading and I kept enjoying myself not knowing. Even at the end of the season, which was not the most brilliant of climaxes, but suitable in its own narrative, quite a lot of the 'but why or but how' questions were left up to your interpretation. The acting was excellent all around, and especially the children felt like real kids i know, who are bratty, whiny, noisy and or cry very fast. I loved the story from the angle of a therapist cus his meek and almost calmly thought out way in interacting with all the weird on goings in the season was quite refreshing. MY Only regret is i was kinda putting off watching this show until NOW, thinking that it was just another 'kids going missing under un-natural on-goings' ordeal, and I had just only finished 'Dark' which is another well written show.