After I take the time- really annoying- again. On PBS masterpiece digital.
I liked the art direction, scenes of Paris- general atmosphere. The dancers are fun tho not authentic because the CanCan was really "naughty", not loads of underwear- Experienced dancers, could handle their skirts so you would only get glimpses. Founded Oct 1889, the MR (1915 big fire)
that said, the poor story line & plot points means this can't be saved.
1- glad it was told in 1 episode 1-1/2 hr, instead of dragging it out to 3-4 hrs.
2- Toulouse-Lautrec is mentioned but never shown, he is an Icon; even if not in the plot has to be at the MR.
3- La Goulue is shown for a few minutes 1x, Jane Avril, Valentin le desousse (no bones) and Chocolate the famous lanky black man dancer is no where to be seen. Cha-U-Kao was sort of portrayed ("Clownesse" not shown; famous dancer and admitted Lesbian). Famous, key performers at the MR- especially known for the T-L posters.
4- A serial killer, killing MR dancers. Nothing, and I mean nothing in history. So it's a stretch.
5- The plot and story lines are ridiculous. One scene is an "Eyes Wide Shut" party at a mansion. Debauched upper class or not- does everyone want sex in public. Ok. Paris in the 1890s, wild, forbidden, elicit sex. No private rooms?
6- Naïve country girl, virgin, goes to a mansion party, On seeing the lively public sex, doesn't turn and run. And is surprised by her host trying to force himself on her (in a private room). This is de rigueur (required etiquette) for the host and for the tired plot.
7- Choreographer, runs MR Dancers (who runs the MR operations itself? nowhere in sight). Played by handsome French (good) Actor- had a tumble according to the explanation, broke his knee and now hobbles with a cane. How does a healthy young man have a small fall, and wind up with a shattered knee. I guess he's so bitter, in his late 30s, he couldn't get married, have sex, and a family.
8- Our lead girl, comes to Paris- to find her sister- goes to the MR - to dance. Is refused. She studied somewhere in the country with a local teacher when younger; for a week a MR dancer shows her the ropes. She wanders into the middle of a show, literally in the middle of the floor; is at 1st too timid to move- and than takes over. Now at once, becomes the lead dancer. No, not even in a fiction in 1890s Paris.
9-Now the whole thing about the serial murders of MR dancers- has the silliest story line. The above should tell you, there was no saving this.
I doubt I will watch the others-
