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Reviews
Atlanta: The Most Atlanta (2022)
Back like they never left
Very quick turnaround by Atlanta cast and crew. Consider that we had to wait 2 years between S1 and S2. Then 3 years between S2 and S3.
Nevertheless this was a powerful season premiere. A lot of callbacks to Robbin' Season, especially with the no chase policy. And as such, I expected to see Tracy in this episode but episode 2 is quite a ride and leaves you wanting more.
I wanted to get into Van's psyche a little more after what happened in Tarrare but we got 8 more episodes for that.
My man Darius just can't catch a break. If he isn't getting Nigerian restaurants shut down, then he is being chased around by an old lady in a wheelchair. It's almost like he is haunted. With that, Atlanta continues its tradition of including real life events in their storylines.
Can't wait to see where this season takes us.
PS: is Blueblood Earl Sweatshirt?
Euphoria: All My Life, My Heart Has Yearned for a Thing I Cannot Name (2022)
"Don't Shoot, He's Just A Kid!"
What an explosive finale!
That was quite the ride. I remember when everyone was doubtful of the direction the series took in early season two. Most people felt that there were too many subplots and the Cassie/Nate relationship was unsatisfactory and meandering. Little did we know it would be critical to the final events of the show.
Euphoria has always been a show about identity and friendship, and this season explored those aspects of the story more than ever before. In this final episode we got to see Nate really find himself, even though it was in a rather horrible way - I think outing his father to the police will have serious consequences for him and his family in season three.
I'm a little disappointed that Maddy seemed to forgive Cassie, lol. Call me bitter but Cassie is a witch of a friend, and I thought that Maddy's resentment toward her might last a little longer. What Cassie did to her own sister was downright despicable, she deserved that beating Maddy gave her and then some.
Lexi put on a great play and I hope Sam Levinson toys with that aspect of her character in season three, it's really cool to see some of those meta stories. Her recollection and capturing of Rue's goodbye to her father was really touching.
Jules is still problematic for me. She didn't grow up with the other girls and she's no longer Rue's love interest, so I wonder what Sam will do with her. Although, Euphoria has become more of an ensemble so separating some of the storylines may not be a bad idea.
The big standout of course, was the SWAT invasion scene. Tragic, just tragic. The visual of the policeman stomping on the card Fez had for Lexi was so arresting. I guess Fexi is no more, he's probably going to jail for a while right?
Something interesting that stood out to me is when Fez screamed, "don't shoot, he's just a kid!" On one level it's a very straight command. But in the context of the show, all of these characters are kids and it's funny how when we're kids we don't really consider the gravity of our choices. Rue didn't consider how her addiction would hurt those closest to her, Jules didn't consider how cheating with Elliot might have destroyed Rue all over again, Cassie didn't consider how her friendship with Maddy would be ruined over Nate, and Ash didn't consider the consequences of killing the rat and shooting at SWAT. There are many examples of this throughout this episode and the season in general. So many of the characters believe they can get away with things simply because they're young, but for us in real life, we know that's just not true. It seems Sam Levinson is trying to teach us something about the ignorance of youth, and I'm here for all of it.
Ozark: All In (2020)
Major Spoiler Here!
What a great episode.
I found out so interesting that in season one Jonah asked Wendy if she believed that he had it in him to be a killer and she told him no, he's a protector or something to that effect. In this episode he came so close to killing Helen and I believe he might actually kill someone before the series finale.
Charlotte's growth has been incredible, people don't talk about it much. Reminds me so much of Meadow Soprano, in that they were both anti-family in the beginning of their respective series' then they eventually turned around and became the biggest supporters of their families.
Darlene building this little family of her own with Wyatt, Zeke and Ruth is amazing and feels so true to her character, as that's what she was hounding Jacob about since the beginning. She wanted people that she could "leave this all to." It seems though, there will be a Great War between them and the Byrdes/cartel.
Helen's death was shocking and totally unexpected, which calls back to an episode last season where Helen asked Nelson, "if you ever get the call about me, you'll let me know right?" To which Nelson said yes. And well...he doesn't! Loyalty to the cartel above all else. I wonder if Erin will factor into the story later on, given what she knows about her mother's business.
Succession: Chiantishire (2021)
"You've turned Black Bile into Silver Dollars"
Man was this episode was a return to form for Succession. This is not to say I have not enjoyed this season, because I absolutely have. Succession is still better than anything else on TV right now, but like I noted in my review of last week's episode - season three has had a very different feel to it.
However, these last two episodes are getting back to what we've known Succession to be - a story about manipulation. There's a ton of it going on here. Roman trying to manipulate Lady Caroline, Lady Caroline manipulating Shiv in such a way that she feels she could be a good mother, Shiv manipulating Tom and Logan manipulating pretty much everyone. I wished there was a little more Greg and Comfry but this episode is glorious regardless.
The scene with Logan and Kendall is one of my absolute favorites in the entire series. It's up there with the press conference in "This Is Not For Tears" and the dining room scene with the Pierce's in "Tern Haven." Just spectacular writing and acting. The discussion about the core themes of the show, " you've monetized all the American resentments of class and race" was just so riveting. I wouldn't be surprised if Jeremy Strong scoops up another Emmy for his work here. But truly speaking, everyone is on top form. I felt like last week Kieran Culkin shined quite a bit, and he's still doing incredible work here. Brian Cox is stellar, Sarah Snook is great, Alan Ruck is hilarious with his proposal and oh, Matthew Macfadyen. Just great.
Things aren't looking up for Tom and Shiv's marriage. The bedroom scene and the subsequent conversation they had about the freezing of embryos just sounds like they are inches away from divorce or at the least, a separation. Roman royally messes up and I don't know where that leaves him in Logan's eyes. Shiv is a shark and she smells blood in the water, and this is evident when she pretty much blackmails Gerri at the end. I initially thought she'd end up on Kendall's side but she might just prove to be Logan's best choice of a successor.
Kendall is just defeated, truly tragic. While Logan shows himself to truly be the devil. The scene that I gushed about earlier kind of reminded me of "Cold Cuts" from The Sopranos, where Janice tries to be a better person but Tony reminds her of the mistakes she's made and how she'll never be able to redeem herself from them. Logan does something similar here by reminding Kendall of the car accident from season one and how he's always cleaning up Kendall's messes. Heartbreaking. Imagine your own father doing you like that. Definitely my favorite episode of the season along with "The Disruption" and "Too Much Birthday"
Beautiful, just beautiful.
Succession: Secession (2021)
Best in the business
A really strong season premiere written by creator and show runner, Jesse Armstrong, and directed by executive producer, Mark Mylod. This episode was all about setting the table for the season.
The great war between father and son will undoubtedly produce some of the finest storytelling we've seen in the streaming era. The characters of Logan and Kendall Roy are so well fleshed out and in stark opposition to each other that it seems they were fated to battle each other from the beginning. However, I can't help but feel that Kendall is Icarus, Christopher Moltisanti and Jesse Pinkman all rolled into one. He's overly confident about his efforts to beat his father much like he was in season one, but there's an air of disaster and tragedy that looms around him and I can't shake the feeling that he will lose, and in emphatic fashion. I think that his accident and the subsequent cover up will play into this season - could Kendall lose the war when the world finds out his darkest secret, or worse, could he potentially go to prison? We don't know, but like Frank said of Logan, "he's the comeback kid."
I do wonder if Logan's illness will see a resurgence in this season, as his stress induced stroke has not been used in the storylines since early season one. If anything, the stress of his current predicament is even more precarious than in the pilot. I also see Shiv joining Kendall's side out of bitterness for being passed over for CEO in favour of Gerri. The other characters are in top form as well - Connor trying to convince Willa that they should use the backlash and horrible reviews of their play for further marketing effort was priceless. Roman and Gerri's bubbling romance is still in full effect here. Greg was hilarious as usual, so was Kendall, surprisingly. Great scenes with Naomi and Rava too. Not much Tom, but I'm certain we'll be seeing more of him later. Really excited to see Stewy again as he was one of my favorite characters in the first two seasons.
Overall an excellent episode and great opener for the season. One question though, where is Marcia???
Succession: Dundee (2019)
KeNWA
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. People might have found the final sequence to be cringeworthy and out of character, but Kendall has been written as a character that swings between manic and depressive episodes and we didn't see him do any coke in this episode, so it may have been indicative of bipolar disorder. Or maybe he just really loves his Dad and wanted to worship him in a unique way. That's the great thing about high art, it's ambiguous.
Everyone has been stellar, of course the show stealer being Logan Roy. Brian Cox's nuanced performance all throughout this second season has been phenomenal. I especially love the scene when he arrives at his surprise party and then immediately walks out, classic. Shiv and Greg were fantastic too. I'm glad to see Marcia being given a bit more latitude in this episode, I'd love to see more of her - in season one when she stopped the Roy children from seeing Logan when he was sick, it made me think that she was up to something. More of that please. Also wondering when Logan's illness will catch up with him, he's been quite healthy throughout this season.
The Sopranos: Long Term Parking (2004)
The Beginning of The End
This is my second time watching The Sopranos and this episode never ceases to amaze me. Penned by Terry Winter and directed by Timmy Van Patten, one of many collaborations between the two, Long Term Park sets in motion the final story of The Sopranos that will lead us to the finale: the war between New Jersey and New York.
This season is the best of The Sopranos, many rate season three and season six as the best and while both seasons have great episodes and storylines, neither was as effective with its message/themes for that season. Season five kicked off with Two Tony's which was about the introduction of Tony B and the two sides of Tony Soprano, the loving family man and the ruthless mobster. This season we've been wrestling with the two more than any other. Tony loved Melfi yet aggressively cussed her out when rejected him. Tony loved Christopher yet almost engaged in an affair with Chris' fiancée and then almost killed him when he found out. Tony liked Adriana but had to get her killed when she posed a threat to his business. Finally Tony loves his cousin Blundetto, but will have to kill him to spare him torture at the hand of Leotardo.
In essence this is what the show has always been about, the conflicting sides to Tony. This conflict has brought us to a showdown which will govern the entire sixth season.
This episode is a true masterpiece, among the best hours of television history.
The Wire: -30- (2008)
The Life of Kings
...The original title of this episode, a quote from H. L. Mencken. It refers to the occupation of news reporting, Mencken found such a life rich with color and meaningful experiences. No doubt, over the course of 60+ hours David Simon a former reporter himself, took us on a colorful journey with tons of meaningful experiences.
Now that we've come full circle, we've seen a lot of characters do that too. Sydnor is the new McNulty whispering in Phelan's ear, Michael is the new Omar, Dukie is the new Bubbles, Fletcher is the new Haynes, Marlo is the new Stringer, Chris is the new Wee-Bey and Carcetti is the new Royce, having forgotten his original purpose and promises from when he was still on the public safety committee and running for mayor. McNulty? Well he put it perfectly in Mission Accomplished (2004), "The things that make me right for this job, maybe they're the same things that make me wrong for everything else."
Simon and his team wrote all these characters in this way to remind of us the show's central theme: we are bound to certain institutions and in order to break away, we'd need to walk away from everything we know. Take Cutty for example, he was one of the few characters on the show whose resolve changed but only because he walked away from everything he knew, same with Namond and now with Daniels.
However the majority of our beloved characters never break free from their institutions, and that is what I love most about the show.
Banshee: Armies of One (2014)
Banshee's True Theme
Watching this series for the third time now in over two years. I've come back to it with fresh eyes and I realized this episode encapsulates the show's most prominent theme in one line of dialogue from none other than our protagonist.
Hood: You only get one second chance.
Jason got another chance. Hood got another chance. Carrie got another chance. Job after having blown up his business in New York and moving to Banshee. Rebecca leaving the farm and moving in with Proctor. Longshadow making amends with Proctor so that he can remain chief. This is a story of second chances.
However let's not detract from the shows main theme put perfectly by Siobhan Kelly.
Hood: Do you think we can change?
Kelly: I don't know that we change. But we can evolve.
Hood: You think we can evolve?
Kelly: That's what we're trying to do, right? Become better versions of ourselves.
Second chances and evolving. Outstanding episode.
Mindhunter: Episode #2.5 (2019)
Full Circle
I'll admit I was a bit concerned to see that creator, Joe Penhall, had no teleplay or story credits for this season BUT wow has the writing stepped up.
This episode was laced with subtext. The dialogue has never been more snappy and crisp, very much like Sorkin's work. The conversation the team has at the BSU is a perfect example of this. Wendy discusses how the killer from the previous episode is so adept at compartmentalizing as he separates himself from his crimes, but really she's talking about herself and how she's been compartmentalizing her homosexuality at work. Bill has a similar experience. He finds himself almost defending the criminal from the previous episode (Who coincidentally was also a bystander during a murder like Bill's son) saying that he was under the influence of the older criminal, he's hoping Wendy; Gregg and Holden will agree with him, which will help soothe his conscience about Brian. Very thoughtful writing. Wendy admitting that her formulaic interview style does not work with criminals was a very satisfying moment, how long have Holden & Bill been telling her this?!
Of course, from season one, we all knew the Manson interview was coming and boy, what a surprise! Everybody is praising Damon's performance in the episode, which I cannot take away from. However the reason his performance is so great, is really because of Holt McCallany. You could feel how disgusted Bill was with Manson's presence and his lies. Manson really got under his skin and McCallany displayed that wide range of emotion beautifully. Such succinct acting from both Herriman and McCallany.
Another star in this episode is Anna Torv. Wendy has several memorable moments in this episode, firstly with Kay after they just slept together. She comments on a study she did on promiscuous mothers in reference to Kay, what an oops! Well Kay, a total free spirit, took it in her stride. Another great performance from Lauren Glazier I might add.
It was really great seeing Kemper again, he was one of my favourite characters in season one. He has this subtle charisma that brings on this ominous vibe. Speaking of ominous, we finally see Gunn's intentions in this episode. He wants to be as great as Hoover was to the FBI. When he unzips Wendy's top, it's a subtle reveal that he expects her to sleep with Warren. Of course he gets Bill to get the crowd going with some laughs, and explains that they will get to do a presentation in front of the director. My only question is why Gunn went this route, if he wanted to be so great why didn't he stay in DC? I distinctly remember in the season premiere, Bill told Holden that Gunn gave up the assistant directorship of the FBI, if he took that job he would be one step away from directorship. Maybe he didn't care for titles and just wants to achieve with the BSU, I guess we'll see in the upcoming episodes.
Dark: Wahrheiten (2017)
Circles
First and foremost, the cold open is a masterclass in editing and directing, it honestly is so visually arresting!
This episode had a massive reveal that all the previous episodes hinted at but surprised me nonetheless. I didn't expect the writers to reveal the Mikkel mystery so early, I thought they'd save that for the penultimate episode of the season or the finale. None of this is to say I don't trust them, this show has been spectacular so far.
I'm truly starting to hate Hannah - past and present she's the same manipulative, conniving, little witch. I hope Katharina kills her lol, that'll never happen - I don't think this is that kind of series.
Bartosz (the two-timing best friend) is in for a treat when he finds out he's been two-timed as well! Hoorah Jonas!
"Truth" certainly revealed significant truths about these characters and the overall story, most importantly that, everything is connected.
Boardwalk Empire: Havre de Grace (2013)
Last Man Standing
Here we are, 47 episodes into Boardwalk Empire. The season 4 finale is afoot and the tension hasn't been higher at least since last season's impeccable "Two Imposters (best episode of the series in my opinion.)
Although this episode hasn't been the most dazzling of season 4, this episode offers a lot of questions. Such as who will be the last man standing? Well that's a bit presumptive, we know Nucky will live but who else will be standing with him?
Eli is betraying Nucky for the second time, I highly doubt he'll survive it this time around. I'm watching the series in 2020, so all the spoilers in the world are already out there - to my dismay I found out Michael Stuhlbarg (The impeccably acted- Arnold Rothstein) is not billed as main cast for season 5. So I'm guessing he's on his way out, which is a bummer because I really loved Rothstein, especially this season. They made him lose a couple times, which we're not use to seeing, I guess that humanized him more for me.
Gillian is toast, I'm sure we've seen the last of her, not that I'm sad - she's a wretched character. I always wished she died instead of Angela Darmody.
Chalky and the good Doctor, who will come out on top? Chalky has also been playing with Fire this season, but I'm on his side - where is Mr. Libya even more? Why does he think AC belongs to him?
I also found that Richard Harrow is not billed as main cast for season 5 - heartwrenching! He's my favourite character from the series alongside Van Alden and Jimmy Darmody. I'll hate to see him go, but in the same breath I don't see how his arc can continue especially now that Gillian is totally out of the way.
Season 4 has been absolutely knockout. I didn't think anything could top season 2, especially during the VERY slow start to season 3, but when we got to "Sunday Best" I knew season 3 was something special. The last two episodes (Two Imposters & Margate Sands) were blockbuster and although season 2 was overall better than season 3, I cannot say the same for season 4. Season 4 has been consistent from the premiere. Whether it eclipses season 2 or not depends on the finale.
Well done to Terry Winter, Tim Van Patten and Howard Korder!
Boardwalk Empire: Georgia Peaches (2011)
Approaching the light at full speed!
This episode is the most somber in the whole series, we got our first dose of tragedy that we can expect to heighten over these next two episodes.
Aleksa Palladino played Angela with grace, an artist who struggled with her sexuality during a time that was particularly anti-LGBQTI. Her death was beautifully written, it wasn't rushed but perfectly paced. RIP to a great character.
Jimmy arriving in Princeton right at the end is a warning sign, his story is being wrapped up, I can feel it in my gut. It's almost too painful to watch, I love this character. He came from the war, caused so much trouble he had to go on the run and make a life for himself in Chicago. Only to return to AC a year later and run it, or at least try to. He was a worthy adversary, but Nucky has been doing this for a long time - Jimmy hadn't had enough time to learn how this game works, which is coincidentally exactly what Nucky warned him about in the pilot episode. We can also see his partners getting impatient with his indecisiveness, Capone and Luciano just want to clip anyone who proves to be an obstacle. Jimmy is in trouble.
Boardwalk Empire: Peg of Old (2011)
Luck of the Irish!
How is this episode so underrated? This is up there with Gimcrack & Bunkum.
What an eventful 58 minutes - Darmody, Capone, Luciano, Lansky, Harrow, Doyle and Thompson (not the one you're meant to root for!) all under one roof was absolutely fascinating! All my favourite characters plotting together, it was a marvel. This scene was the writers way of demonstrating the rise of the second generation bootleggers (the most impactful generation of all.) It's the youth, the new bloods. Jimmy said it perfectly, "Nucky Thompson, Johnny Torio, Rothstein, Waxy Gordon they have any problems, they come to us." Eli's disdain for his brother is at an all time high in this episode, his position is cold and nonchalant. I love the back and forth between Luciano and Capone "What? We counting notches now?" These are some my favourite characters in the whole series!
The emotional narrative though, comes from Margaret's subplot. It was so heartwarming to see her reunite with her family, although later we find out her secret: she left Ireland because she was pregnant, the most heartbreaking part of it all, is that on her voyage she miscarried. She must have met Hans Schroeder in Atlantic City and thus her story in Boardwalk Empire began. I hope her family will reappear later in the series they add an element of warmth that is not so common in the show, especially her little sister who is none other than Debbie from Shameless!
Van Alden as always proves his honour in very peculiar ways. Here we see him tell the ADA about his child with Lucy and then hands her his file on Nucky - I think he was hoping the ADA would trust him and offer to help with his situation, which she did.
Owen's subplot was a little confusing, at first I thought he was tipped by Jimmy about the planned hit on Nucky, and that's why he killed the Irishman but later we find that's not so. Nevertheless these series of events lead to something that has been bubbling under the surface for a few episodes now: the consummation of a romantic affair between Margaret and Owen. This could spell disaster for both of them.
Disaster however is promised for one character: Jimmy. How could he think it's okay to warn Nucky about the hit and still let it happen? He'll surely die for this, which saddens me.
Boardwalk Empire: Gimcrack and Bunkum (2011)
Tree Rats
This is the best and most violent episode of Boardwalk thus far. Packed with a lot of character and plot development.
The real stars of this episode are Eli and Richard. Eli's descent to madness is quite fascinating. I've always seen him as a weasel, much like Paulie Walnuts and Pete Campbell, however when I think about it - I ended up liking Paulie and Pete by the end of their respective series, Eli might have the same fate. I must say, Shea Whigham is so enthralling in every role I've ever seen him in.
I have said in past reviews that my favourite character on the show is Richard, my empathy for him was catapulted in this episode. His pain is so real you can feel it, I was screaming at the screen during his suicide attempt, I felt so much relief when the dog showed up. He meets some men, one of whom, gives him some advice about those woods - a real tear-jerking moment. Glad Richard and Jimmy removed the scalp from that old geyser, it was very satisfying to watch.
I wonder what will happen next!
Boardwalk Empire: Ourselves Alone (2011)
Underdogs
In three situations we see the underdog come out on top - Nucky, Chalky and Jimmy. It appears all hope is lost for Nucky, that is until the ever-surprising Margaret comes to the rescue! Damn I wish she was my woman. With regards to Chalky's prison scene, I was yelling at my screen! He didn't even lift a finger, Michael Kenneth Williams is immortalized, first as Omar Little now as Chalky White. Same deal with Jimmy, wow I really thought he'd kick Lucky's teeth in - we got a taste of that WWI combat when he took out those two guys at the end.
Not too sure what the introduction of the Irish characters will bring us this season, I suspect it will have to do with Margaret obviously. Really great episode!
Boardwalk Empire: Broadway Limited (2010)
"Good luck Jimmy"
Not much in the way of plot progression in this episode, but definitely some wholesome character development.
For the first time, at the end of the episode, we see the psychological effects of WWI on Jimmy - after he's sent away by Nucky. My only question is how did Rothstein find out? Does he have members infiltrating the Feds? I hope Jimmy becomes successful, I immediately empathized with this character in the pilot more than other, except for Margaret of course.
I'm glad Margaret got a job, her boss is so arrogant though, so are her clients (Nucky's squeeze.) I'd like to see her become more confident and forceful with her desires and ambitions, I'm sure that'll come we're only three episodes in.
We're reintroduced to Chalky White, played by the brilliant Michael Kenneth Williams, I can already see him being at odds with Nucky further along the road.
Another absolute scene stealer is Lucky Luciano! He's so intense, you feel so much anxiety just by looking at him. Excellent acting, I imagine the real life Luciano was just as ferocious.
Overall, a good episode, can't wait to see what else is in store!
Boardwalk Empire: Boardwalk Empire (2010)
"You can't be half a gangster"
Wow! That's how you do a pilot! 72 minutes and a lot has been setup for future episodes.
First and foremost, the ambition of Jimmy Darmody. Although Nucky challenged him to find opportunities, "This is America!", I bet he didn't expect Jimmy to do what he did! I suppose Jimmy's right, Nucky is running with the big dogs - real gangsters from Chicago, and so his kind-hearted nature may prove detrimental to him and his organization in later episodes.
I suspect a romance down the line with Margaret and Nucky, her story is incredibly painful to watch. It was quite satisfying to see she has Nucky in her corner.
I love the fact that we're shown a YOUNG Al Capone, this gives the series a lot of room to develop his character over the 5 seasons, as opposed to having started with his established criminal status.
Overall, a brilliant episode. But I wasn't expecting any less since Terence Winter wrote my favourite episodes from my favourite TV series of all time, The Sopranos (Long Term Parking, The Second Coming & Pine Barrens.) Having seen Mad Men and The Sopranos I'm quite excited to go on this journey with Boardwalk, from the only other executive producer of The Sopranos with a quality, serial drama. No disrespect to Rob Green and Mitch Burgess who have Blue Bloods, but it's not the same.