Reviews
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Fear and Loathing on the Planet of Kitson (2019)
BS Episode
I love AoS, from the very start, and didn't know what to expect from season 6 as season 5 wrapped up the story arcs nicely for a good conclusion.
This was a dreadful episode. None of the characters escaped the nonsense; Daisy, Gemma and Davis's being spaced out in deep space (no pun intended), on hallucinogenics, even Enoch's mawkish behavior towards Fitz.
Additionally, Fitz's new narky personality which has been developing since season 4 is getting tiresome.
I'm wondering if this was intentionally a comedic episode. If so, it really wasn't that funny.
It would seem the writers of this episode may have been at the mushrooms themselves.
Firefly Lane (2021)
Wonderful story - you will laugh, you will cry.
Oh wow. Few TV shows have moved me like Firefly Lane. I hadn't read the book, so I didn't know what to expect. From the first episode, the special bond between Tully and Kate was evident. This is a story of a life of friendship which accompanies the ups and downs in the lives of both women. Set over several periods in their lives from their teenage years, their twenties up to present day. Well scripted, and specila mention of the the young Tully and Kate, who were convincing.
To be honest, I was putting off watching the final episode as I knew it was a heartbreaker. However, Kate's death was handled sensitively. The final scene was special and left me breathless.
Marcella (2016)
Season 3 review
Dark, sinister, depressing, and sometimes downright ugly, this is a scary glimpse of the power of a high profile (abliet fictional) family of criminals - fictional' perhaps? Yet somehow it is portrayed in a very realistic manner, in the ruthlessness of the organized criminal world.
It is a gripping drama which compels the viewer to keep watching.
I was reluctant to leave a review of the first 2 seasons as I was annoyed at the many, many loose ends and frustratingly perplexing "conclusions" to what should have been excellent storylines.
S3 dropped onto Netflix recently, and I forgave the last seasons, and decided to give it another chance.
Anna Friel as the lead character was superb. However, I was left with some questions, such as where did Matthews body come from at begining of final episode?
For those who felt left shortchanged by seasons 1 & 2, give this season a chance, it may depress you, but it it highly entertaining.
Paper Girls (2022)
Is this meant to be a comedy?
If the writers took the profane language out of this, it would be better suited for children, which in my opinion, should be the target audience. Suited for an afternoon viewing on Nikelodeon perhaps.
Although the story is not at all simplistic, it appears a bit basic to be honest, plus a little over dramatic at times. It is easy to forget that the characters are 12 year old girls, so you'd be forgiven for thinking that some really dumb decisions were made on their part.
Still, some of the characters (12 year old girls) are so annoying, and there is a lot of overacting.
I wanted to like this series, it looked promising, and has had many good reviews here, but really, I felt like I wasted my time seeing the whole 8 episodes out. And it seems that the series has been cancelled. Oh well..
Locke & Key (2020)
For lovers of magic
Why aren't more people talking about this show? It is a refreshingly original story about the Locke family who hold the secret of the magic keys, each one (key) carrying a unique power. The first season focuses on the family's nemesis 'Dodge' who is a being from another world and is determined to get her hands on the keys. Dodge has the power to assume another identity, which she does as one of the school kids -Gabe in season two. Yet another evil entity is the antagonist the Lockes are up against in season 3. Just finished the final season, which surprisingly for Netflix (with its depressing amount of cancelled shows) concluded the story. This is a really entertaining and enjoyable show, and although the story has been wrapped up, I will miss it.
You Don't Know Me (2021)
Disappointing
This is a slow burner with many twists. Not the worst. However, the ending leaves the viewer wondering about the verdict. This is very disappointing and made me wish I didn't waste my time on it to be honest.
First Kill (2022)
Whats with the music!!??
I'm giving this a 5 because I'm only on episode 3.
This wouldn't be a bad show if it wasn't for the ANNOYING backing music in nearly every scene - sometimes rendering it difficult to hear the dialogue. I hope it improves.
Cruel Summer (2021)
Had me hooked
This surprised me how good it was. I went into it predicting a teen drama, but its much more. Nice lil twist in the end, but the story concluded so I'm wondering what a second season would bring. Worth a mention is Chiara Aurelia, I thought she played the three versions of Jeanette Turner excellently. Others have mentioned the Mallory character as irritating, I tend to agree.
On the Verge (2021)
Not bad
Slow to warm up to this one, but its enjoyable. Hopefully there will be a second series. One negative; Eli is irritating as hell - her voice, facial expressions, behaviour etc. Etc.
Little Fires Everywhere (2020)
Absorbing show
This is a brilliant show. Despite the depressing ending, I binge watched it and loved every minute. I am agreement with another reviewer who questioned why Elena was made out to be the bad guy in all of this. We saw her backstory just as we did Mias, and BOTH elicited sympathy. However, Mia's overall attitude during the entire series (walking around like a clenched fist), made it difficult to like her. Elena's actions were driven by circumstances - which were understandable. My heart went out to Izzy though, and its a pity there isn't a second series to reveal if mother and daughter are reunited. The heartbreak is evident on both faces. Excellent acting from all.
Hit and Run (2021)
Not bad at all
This dark thriller is a slow burner, so much so that I stopped watching after a couple of episodes. But I got back into it and am glad I did. It really heats up after episode 4. Despite the protagonist Segev's thuggish demeanour, he is actually a likeable character who has the viewer rooting for him. Sadly, this show is yet another casualty of the Netflix axe which saw season 1 ending on a cliffhanger with no conclusion.
Clique (2017)
Brilliant
I binged watched season one as it was so engaging. Complex and intriguing, this is a dark crime drama set around a university. It took me an episode or two to get into the second series, but it was even better than the first. I'd love to see a third season.
Good Girls (2018)
Good show but..
Seasons 1-2 were brilliant, S3 ok, and 4 was confusing at the end.
The show has been cancelled and didn't wrap up in the finale, leaving many unanswered questions. The ones that have me stumped are these: Why would Annie ask Mick to replace Beths fingerprints on the gun with hers? She could have saved herself from jail time by asking him to wipe the gun clean?? Also, how is Beth now Rio's boss?? Nevertheless, Good Girls is an enjoyable show.
Messiah (2020)
Second season required
For something different, tune into this compelling and thought provoking show. Just to note that Mehdi Dehbi is eerily convincing as Al-Masih. Each episode leaves the viewer wanting more.
I hope this brilliant show gets picked up by another network, as Netflix cancelled it having left season one with that dramatic ending.
Annika (2021)
Weak
I really wanted to like this as I am a fan of Nicola Walker. And, Unforgotten is the best police drama in years. However, Annika is not good. Its not just her breaking the 4th wall, but the wrapping up the weak plot in one short episode leaves this viewer feeling short-changed. I won't be continuing with this one.
The Drowning (2021)
Mildly entertaining
I'm not going to blast this series with a vitriolic criticism of the many plot holes and dubious B-story threads (the gangsters?). Others have done this. The acting was fine, except the character Daniel's bizzarely impassive reaction to the life-changing circumstances he has found himself in. Nonetheless, I did watch it to the end and was, on some level, entertained.
Sense8 (2015)
Excellent
This was so good, I didn't want to finish it. Sci-fi at its best. I loved all the characters and their diversity. And, the story concluded properly, which is a relief, as cancelled shows ending on cliffhangers is pretty common with Netflix.
Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey (2018)
Depressing story, but worth seeing
I hadn't heard of this true case of abduction, rape, and subsequent escape of Lisa McVey, a 17yr old girl in Florida in the 80s. This is harrowing to watch. Firstly, because of the actual abduction/rape scenes, and secondly, the callousness of Lisa's family towards her, both before & after. The police weren't much better, until one detective believed her. And it was her bravery, spirit, and survival skills that led to the killer being caught. An emotional film thats well worth a watch.
Superstore (2015)
Very likeable series
I am a big fan of Schitts Creek and was looking for a replacement comedy. This is it. I'm on season 3 and am enjoying the laughs. Its witty with a likable regular cast. I would recommend it.
Intruder (2021)
Give it a miss
This was not good - at all. Its probably down to the over-acting and an immature script. Or maybe the unlikable characters, particularly Sam (I lost count of the amount of times he uttered "Angela!, Angela!, Angela! In E:2, and it made me cringe). The guy must've had ants in his pants as he couldn't stand still for a minute. This looked promising from the start but it just got worse as it progressed. Disappointing.
Schitt$ Creek (2015)
Just watch it!
One of the best and funniest TV shows I have seen. There was everything to like about it - hilarious one-liners, larger than life characters, just an easy watch. And totally binge-worthy with short episodes. The final wrapped up nicely, and although there are no plans for another season, it would be great to see what happens in the Rose's lives afterwards.
During the documentary following the last episode, the actors waxed lyrical about their time on the show and on the fact that it had come to an end, they weren't the only ones with a tear in their eye.
Gypsy (2017)
Intriguing, psychological thriller
Story of a clinical psychotherapist whose professional ethics got left behind somewhere in time - if she ever had any to begin with.
She is apparently bored with her middle class surburban life and uses her theapeutic tools as a voyeuristic means into her patient's lives. Does she honestly believe she is helping them?
Perhaps seeing something of her alter ego in Sidney, the younger woman she pursues and subsequently teases, leading to a sensual love affair.
As the series continues, she becomes more and more reckless and it becomes clear that she is a narcissist who manipulates others for her gain.
It ends on a cliffhanger with many unanswered questions that unfortunately will remain so, as this excellent thriller has been cancelled.
Bloodline (2015)
Parenthood on steroids
Not sure where to start with this. There are three seasons with a continuous storyline and some rolling add ons as the series progressed. I was determined to see it through. Some of the characters were irritating as hell (I'm talking about you, Kevin Rayburn), whose actions went beyond stupidity.
Some good acting though and to be fair, it kept me watching. I won't mention the strange penultimate episode, becuse the story does conclude at the end of season 3.
Really, it reminded me of Parenthood (2010-15) on steroids.
The Sinner (2017)
Excellent show
Can't understand all the criticism of season three. To me, it was probably the best one. There are 3 seperate storylines in each season, with different characters, with the exception of brilliant Bill Pullman's Harry Ambrose. His empathetic identity with the apparent antagonists was compelling. Special mention to Matt Bomer's convincing portrayal of the tortured Jame (S3). I was glued to this show. Looking forward to season 4
Broken (2017)
Must watch
Sean Bean is brilliant as Fr Michael Kerrigan a catholic priest who is tormented by his past. And yet, he gives so much of himself to the people of the community. This is a binge-worthy series, covering everyday realistic topics with believable characters. It is not light entertainment though, because of the depressing storylines. But enthralling nonethless.