Daredevil

This show is based on the Marvel Comics character, Daredevil (Matt Murdock), and is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This particular superhero is a lawyer by day and crime fighter by night, with the uniqueness that his disability (blindness) does not stop him from being an amazing fighter. It is one of the first series that lead up to a Defender miniseries by Netflix, the other series having been Jessica Jones.  This show possess elements of darkness as well, with notable action sequences. 

For those who thought that Marvel is not capable of producing dark origin stories, this is the show that would prove them wrong. Not only is it so much more grittier than other Marvel superhero movies and shows, but has a rawness to it that keeps the viewer wanting more. I think Daredevil is a character that people might have given up on after the 2003 movie being a flop, but this series definitely makes up for it. Furthermore, the performances of the actors are strong and convincing, each one more than suitable for the representation of the comic book characters. 

It was also interesting to witness the complexities of Murdock, who was trying to balance his behaviour as a superhero (who tends to get violent at times), with his religious side. I can only imagine the kind of impact that would have had on his conscience, and the actor (Charlie Cox) was very much successful in making that struggle evident through his character portrayal. Apart from that, the series is worth checking out simply for the choreography of the fight scenes and the camera takes, especially that seen in the second episode, 'Cut Man'.  

My only criticism for the series is that while it had a really good buildup, the ending was comparatively lack-lustre. Perhaps they are just reserving it for the second season, but I had been expecting a slightly more different ending to the last couple of episodes. Some of the best episodes of the season are the earlier ones, but overall, it was quite an engaging watch. 

The whole of season one consisting of 13 episodes premiered on Netflix on April 10th 2015, and is renewed for a second season to be premiered on March 18th, 2016. 

Happy binge-watching!  

Jessica Jones

The show is based on the Marvel Comics character, Jessica Jones, and is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Having opened up her own detective agency, she is former superhero who has switched careers for the occupation of a private investigator. It falls mainly under the category of action and psychological thriller and is most certainly one of the most darkest on-screen adaptations created by the comic book publisher. 

Unlike the most common theme of lightheartedness that Marvel is associated to, in comparison to it's counterpart DC, this particular series is nothing like that. Not only does it portray a realistic view of the world, but cleverly covers the topic of harassment, sexism, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and even rape. Rather than being dodgy about these subjects, the series has incorporated them in a way that's representative of the characters, one of which is Jessica herself (played by Krysten Ritter), who is shown to be coping with the effects of PTSD. 

Another commendable performance is that of David Tennant's, who takes on the role of one of MCU's best villains; Kilgrave. One of the interesting things worth noting is the complexity of his character. Yes, he may be viewed as 'evil' or 'bad' in an overall sense, but somewhere along the way, his morality and thoughts were brought into question and suddenly he was not all black & white. There was even a point he committed a heroic act of sorts and saved lives, as per Jessica's instructions. Although, some might even feel that the show fixated too much on Kilgrave as everything ties back to him at the end, especially since he kept sending clients to Jessica right from the start. 

The cinematography was highly enjoyable too, as was the noir setting of the show. A few certain episodes stood out but I think one of the brilliant ones was 'Sin Bin'. The introduction and incorporation of Luke Cage and his association with the female superhero was also pretty neat. Not to mention, the action scenes too. 

The entire season consisting of 13 episodes was premiered on Netflix on 20th November 2015. 

Happy binge-watching! 

How To Get Away With Murder

One of the most twisted things that makes you question your deduction skills, is sometimes a good murder mystery and that is precisely what this show provides in it's episodes. It's just another normal day at a Philadelphia law university, but all that changes when the Criminology professor and four of her students become intertwined with a murder plot, that sets off a chain of events. Just like that, four strangers who just want to make it to the top, suddenly find themselves trusting each other for the sake of not losing everything and going to jail. 

The series may be on going with just the second season so far, but it is one of the most gripping and captivating crime shows, thanks to the casts and the twists. Granted, the whole murder conception isn't anything out of the box and similar murders have been shown before but the one thing that really stands out is the way the whole after-process is played out. Rather than just putting primary focus on only the victim, the creators have executed in a different way as to how the lives of each of those students and the Professor has been affected, giving the show that in depth element that isn't usually seen in many shows. 

Not only is the suspense evident in each episode, but the endings of each end with a cliffhanger that leaves you with wanting to see the next episode right away. However, being under the scrutiny of the police has not stopped Professor Keating from taking on other cases side by side, with the help of her students. I find that to be a nice touch for it points out that they haven't let the murder take over their daily routines completely and focus their mind onto something else. My only concern is how long with the plot be able to go on before it gets dragging but so far, it has been thrilling and I highly suggest it. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Supergirl

For all you comic book and superhero fans, especially those fond of Superman, this is the show for you. Based on the DC Comics character 'Supergirl', the show debuted on October 26th 2015, with two episodes released so far. The series focuses on Kara Zor-El, who is one of the last surviving Kryptonians and not to mention, biological cousin to the one and only Superman. 

Let me begin with the pilot. Whilst the episode itself may not have been all that mind-blowing, it was Melissa Benoist's interesting take to the character that made it a fun watch. The pilot also did a good job of delving into the character and showcasing that even when Kara puts on her costume, she still lives in the shadow of her cousin and has to earn her place as a respected hero. This not only serves as a challenge, but also a chance for Benoist to make the character grow. 

The second episode was an improvement to the first, having given viewers a further look into the other characters and the role they play in Kara's life. The visual effects were brilliant as well, which can always be expected from a show of this particular genre. There was a good blend of comedic and emotional moments and provided a kind of balance. 

One of the letdowns of both episodes were the villains. Unlike the evil guys that may be seen on shows like Arrow or Flash, these do not seem to be playing a relevant presence and the focus isn't on them much either. I found that a little strange, considering the fact that it's the villains as well that tend to make an episode all the more enthralling to watch. Another letdown would be that there have been no surprising twists and the episodes have been following the typical procedural format.  

But at the end of the day, the fact that the second episode was better than the pilot, is an indicator that the show has a lot of potential to reach higher. 

Happy binge-watching! 

The Newsroom

If there was a way to promote this show, I would start by saying that it is certainly something that every media aspired person, especially journalists should see. Showcasing a behind-the-scenes set of a fictional news channel, the anchor and his newsroom staff, attempt to expose hardcore news happenings, putting the flow of proper information first rather than meeting corporate demands. 

As someone who wants to work in the field of journalism, this show gripped me with attention right from the first episode. Though the news station was just a fictional one, the creator had in fact been to real-world cable channels and used that knowledge in the show. It was quite amazing to get an insight as to how news is sorted and revealed to the audience and also to see the workings of a newsroom. The characters were as different as could be and each one had their own moral code and levels of integrity, as to what kind of news should be covered. While it was entertaining to see a lot of media professionals work together under one roof, I could also see just how challenging and argumentative it can get when trying to convince one an another of the importance of a story. 

The first season wasn't all as great as the second and third, but the overall concept of the show was both dramatic and informative at the same time. There was a coverage of various news items, including few from the past like the 9/11 memorial, killing of Osama Bin Laden and so on, perhaps in order to get the audience familiarised with the context of the whole show. The shooting format of the serial was pretty good too, not exactly a documentary but at the same time, stayed very true to the aspect of reality regarding what happens in a real newsroom. Having consisted of three seasons, the show concluded on December 14, 2014. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Rick and Morty

For those people who might have it in their heads that animated series are just for kids and the youngsters, this show is one of the many that will prove you wrong. 'Rick and Morty' may just be on the second season so far, but it has already grown to be one of my favourites. Revolving around the daily adventures of an alcoholic mad scientist Rick and his grandson Morty, the humour element of this series is off the charts. 

The whole concept is not only entertaining, but quite interesting as well since it can be looked at from different angles. On the one hand, what you have here is an ordinary family with regular issues much like the next person on the block, but on the other side, you also get to witness a form of escapism from this so called 'regular' life. I suppose I can't speak for everyone when I say that I dream of a method wherein I can get away from my normal existence and go for a spin in another dimension. Really, their dilemmas are just as messed up as ours, if only to be made quite amusing. 

Whilst the episodes may seem completely crazy at first glance, at a deeper level, you begin to realize just how twisted some things are and that is definitely a uniqueness about the show. The ideas are not only creative but the execution is brilliant too, and the principle of some of those ideas could be effective in real life, if you actually analyse the hidden psychology of the episodes. In a nutshell, the whole series is weird as hell and I think that is exactly why the success rate is going high. 

My only negative point would be that some of the episodes aren't all that humourous as the rest, with only a few scenes being funny. Nonetheless, 'Rick and Morty' has potential to become of the best animated series and I have a feeling it's already getting there. If you want a bit of wackiness on your viewing list, this is the show for you. 

The second season began on July 26, 2015 and on August 2015, it was renewed for a third season. 

Happy binge-watching! 

The Office

Adapted from the British series of the same name, The Office was an American comedy show that portrayed the everyday lives of employees of a fictional paper company, Dunder Mifflin. To be honest, this was a show that I had heard so much about but hadn't gotten around to watching it until recently. My main motivation to finally give it a shot was the amazing cast and the style of filming, which was like a documentary. 

Though the first season consisted of just six episodes, the humour was brilliant from the start. And the characters, even better. Their different personalities helped bring in varying styles of humour and each was set apart from the other. But hands down, two of the most funniest characters were Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute, portrayed by Steve Carell and Rainn Wilson respectively. Scott was the kind of boss that a worker might both want and hate at the same time, whilst Dwight was basically the whack job, yet highly intuitive and smart in terms of his professional work. 

While the show kept getting better with each season, the major drawback was the absence of Steve Carell in the last two seasons. Sure, the episodes were fine for the most part, but it felt like a huge chunk of the humour was gone. I agree with many critics in their views that the the series should have ended after Carell's departure, because the quality just wasn't the same. Having said that, there were several episodes in the later seasons that were creative and funny. 

For those who are in dire need of an awesome sitcom, look no further; The Office is it. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Orphan Black

I will not deny the fact that sci-fi shows have always been of interest to me, which is one of the main reasons why I had decided to give this show a try. And of course, the brilliant trailer helped too. This particular series' main focus is on human cloning and the experimentation that led to the success of this often called 'immoral and unethical' act. The intriguing part that caught my attention was the fact that the actress, Tatiana Maslany, portrays multiple identical people (clones) at the same time. 

The show begins with Sarah Manning, having witnessed the suicide of one the women who appears to have been her doppelgänger and so, Manning takes on her identity. It is this sole act that leads to a chain of events and she finds out that she is a clone and there are several others out there, who are being assassinated one by one. The concept of this show is simply fascinating and it certainly is quite an angle on the personal identity issues that tend to be faced by people. 

But hands down, my favourite thing about the series is the way Maslany plays the roles of all the clones, with such talent. Each clone is characteristically so unique and different from each other and it is quite a delight to watch one actress pull that off with such brilliance. Even if you are a not a fan of sci-fi thrillers, I would recommend this series nonetheless, just to be exposed to this kind of talent. 

I suppose a turn-off about Orphan Black would be the complications that keep arising, some of which are clearly just for the sake of having the plot running. There is good buildup however, and the suspense is thrown in there in generous amounts. 

The series consists of three seasons, ten episodes each and has been renewed for a fourth season to be aired in 2016. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Game of Thrones

As someone who is an avid reader of books, I suppose I am a little ashamed to admit that I haven't read the Game of Thrones series and instead opted to watch the television adaptation. Although, in my defence, I was so impatient to become a part of the fandom that has got the whole world reeling, and I did not possess enough time to read the books. Even still, no regrets and I am so glad to have finally indulged in this amazing show. 

Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama show based on George R.R. Martin's series of novels, 'A Song of Ice and Fire'. It takes place in the fictional lands of Westeros and Essos and multiple intervening plots and characters with a primary action; playing the game of thrones. To quote Cersei of House Lannister, 'When you play the game of thrones, you either win or die.' It may sound ridiculously dramatic right now, but I can honestly say that she is not joking around. This show had me hooked on from the very start, with episodes ending with all sorts of cliffhangers that left me wanting more.

Apart from House Lannister, other major Houses include Stark, Targaryen (a House that was completely eradicated during the war, leaving behind only two survivors, Daernerys and her brother, Viscerys), Baratheon and many more. I'm sure that the series aren't all that detailed as the books and there are changes, but nonetheless, all five seasons have been nothing but captivating. The shooting locations are absolutely beautiful, the action scenes are intense, and the creators have done an excellent job with giving the whole show the authenticity and feel of the culture of the people of Westeros and Essos. 

One of the only negatives about the show that affects me is the unnecessary nudity that is frequently portrayed. Of course, it's understandable that few of the scenes are integral to the story but personally, I think it goes beyond the line many times. Furthermore, it's even worth noting that it is only the women who are subjected to this sort of objectivity and sexual violence in the show, which makes it all the more discriminative. The use of violence and torture are a bit too much at times as well, not to mention, the portrayal of rape which are in obvious ways, unnecessary. 

On the whole, it is a brilliant and amazing series and I highly recommend viewers to give it a shot. Please note that it is not for the fainthearted and scenes of gruesome violence and death are very much prevalent. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

This anime is based on the Fullmetal Alchemist manga by Hiromu Arakawa and revolves around two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric. Due to their father being a very gifted alchemist, the boys themselves began to show signs of having the same capabilities , at a young age. The main plot is driven by the boys' quest for the famous, Philosopher's Stone, but along the way, they discover a deep government conspiracy aimed at keeping the properties of the Philosopher's Stone, a secret. 

Let me begin by saying that even if you are not a fan of anime, this is one that you should definitely check out. Not only does it have strong, amazing characters but the action sequences are done brilliantly as well. The series also does a good job of portraying moral conflicts of various characters, both the good and the bad, and is very interesting to watch them overcome obstacles. The viewer may find themselves invested in the characters before they even realise it and with each episode, become more curious as to what's going to happen. 

It is a really fun show, but at the same, possess the right amount of suspense and thrill, in terms of the plot and the characters. The series aims for the depth of human emotion and will have the viewer hooked from the start. Even more so was the perfect ending; the finale felt like closure to this 64-episode series and nothing was left unanswered. 

I know I did not mention any negative points, but that is simply I did not find one big enough that was worth mentioning. Of course, each viewer may have thoughts as to what they thought were drawbacks of the show but I can't come up with anything major. 

Happy binge-watching! 

The Legend of Korra

This show is a sequel to 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' and the unique factor remains to be the same; some people can 'bend' certain elements and only one person, the Avatar, can master and bend all the elements in order to maintain balance in the world. The series' protagonist is Avatar Korra, who is the reincarnation of Avatar Aang from the previous series and follows her journey as she attempts to help overcome the unrests that terrorise the world. 

Although the first season's plot line was not something mind-blowing, it was certainly a good start to get people hooked on to the show. The show does not introduce Korra as someone who has mastered all the elements with ease. Rather, they show her struggles not only as an Avatar, but simply with the fact that she wants to leave her home at the Water Tribe in order to see the world outside and pursue her training at Republic City. Apart from that, the first season also does a great job of introducing us to other great characters and exposes the viewer to the sport of 'pro-bending'. The second season was one of my absolute favourites. The main reason is due to the origin story that is portrayed in this season, wherein it is explained through Korra's experience, how the very first Avatar came to be made. 
The art style and animation throughout the episodes were brilliant as well. Additionally, the entrance of dark spirits was captivating as well, much like the plot line. 

Whilst the third season was not as great as the previous two, it does possess a strong and capable villain and that helped to keep the pace going. This season also focusses a lot on the Earth Kingdom, which was a nice change from the other two seasons. Lastly, the fourth season is where I must express my disappointment. Compares to it's three predecessors, the fourth was a let down and even though the plot took a different direction, it did not match up to the pace and intensity of the previous three. 

Overall, this show remains to be one of my favourites and is definitely a must-watch, especially for those who have seen the prequel. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Avatar: The Last Airbender

For those who have already watched this show, you might be a bit surprised as to why it's on my review list, considering it's a series that was targeted at kids. However, it was only recently that I had been exposed to Avatar: The Last Airbender, and I just cannot help but write a review on it. 

Set in a world wherein the population is able to manipulate the four elements (Earth, Fire, Air & Water) with an ability known as 'bending', the story follows the journey of Avatar Aang and his friends, who must save the world by defeating the Fire Lord. Whilst the four nations had lived in harmony years before, it was the Fire nation that declared war and dominance and according to legend, only the Avatar can bring world peace. The unique characteristic about the Avatar is his/her's ability to master all the four elements with the utmost power, thereby managing a balance in the world. 

Since the first season mostly just sets the stage for the show, it is not as exciting as the second and third seasons. Nonetheless, it most certainly helped in getting me familiarised with the characters and their integral role in the whole story. Whilst it may have been seemed like everything was black and white for the twelve year Aang, as the show progressed, I watched him battle his inner conflicts and demons, which was at times worse than him being indulged in physical combat. After all, it cannot be all that easy for someone as young as him to shoulder the fact that the fate of the world really does depend on him. But the character that turned out to be my absolute favourite was Zuko, prince of the Fire Nation, whose complexity and transition was unmatched. Initially seen as the Avatar's primary enemy, he was not an easily liked character but as the episodes and seasons proceeded, he began to question his actions, and ultimately his destiny. 

The graphics of the show was pretty amazing as well and though the target audience may have been kids, the series' storyline and characters make it worth a watch even now. It consisted of three seasons, aired on Nickelodean and ended in 2008. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Death Note

Allow me to begin this particular review by stating that this show is one of the first anime I have watched, so I do not have much basis to compare it with any other show of the same genre. However, this was one I thoroughly enjoyed and hence, feel the need to share my opinion about it. 

The theme is that of the supernatural concept and revolves around a high school protagonist, Light Yagami. By pure chance, he gets his hands on a notebook that can be used to kill anyone, when the owner writes down the name of the person in the book, whilst keeping in mind that person's face. According to the rules of the notebook, this is in order to avoid confusion between two people possessing the same name. This peculiar notebook, called the 'Death Note' are originally owned by shinigami or in other words, a 'God of Death', who occasionally drop their notebooks into the human world. 

One of the very intriguing things about the show is the complexities of the characters involved, including the protagonist and the one trying to catch him; a brilliant world-famous detective, who goes by the name 'L'. The intellectual battle of wits between the two characters is very gripping and often kept me wondering who was going to be one step ahead. Whilst it may be initially believed that Light is not really 'evil' and has his own sense of justice, that thread soon spins out of control when it is portrayed that he possess a God complex and believes that what he is doing is creating a world of peace, by killing all criminals. 

The introduction of more individuals and their integration into the plot-line as the season progresses, keeps the show interesting and does not give it a sensation of being dragged.  For those who want to get sucked into the world of anime, I would definitely suggest this as a starting point. The show is composed of 37 episodes, each with a duration of about 20 minutes. 

Happy binge-watching! 

House of Cards

My interest in everyday politics is minimal, which is reflected onto the lack of political shows that I watch. However, when House of Cards was suggested to me by a friend, I decided to give it a shot, for the main reason that it was categorised as a thriller as well. Since it is not like the usual genre of series I'm exposed to, it took me a while to get familiarised with the settings but right after the first couple of episodes, I was hooked on. 

It is a story that focuses on Frank Underwood, portrayed by the brilliant Kevin Spacey, who works at the White House as a Whip and had the ambition of being appointed as Secretary of State. But when he was passed over as a choice for candidacy, Underwood decides to go ahead with an articulate plan to surpass everyone and get into a position of the highest power. He takes on the help of his wife, Claire Underwood, who runs a non-profit environmental organisation. 

While the first two seasons were engaging enough, so far, the third season is my favourite. Not only is the proper focus on the Underwoods' so called 'perfectly structured' marriage, but now that there is no one left to eliminate from the White House, we get to see a different, more in-depth side to the two major characters. They have lost their sources into which they usually channel their anger and passion and now that they both have gotten what they want, it is interesting to see them struggle with each other's interference, especially since Frank is the President of the United States. The maddening method with which he manipulates power, ties up loose ends and controls people like they are chess pieces, is both a work of genius and very, very scary. 

House of Cards is like a reflection as to how the political world operates, though it is contradictory as to whether the details shown in the series and that what happens in reality is the same. The second season's story arc was a little dragging of sorts as compared to it's predecessor and successor seasons, but the third has truly been the kicker and made the whole thing worth a watch. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Teen Wolf

Unlike a lot of supernatural themed shows that portray all varieties of 'unnatural' creatures, this series is solely based on werewolves. The factor about this show that would perhaps categorise it as 'teen drama' is that, majority of the protagonists of the show are high school teenagers, the most notable character being Scott McCall, who was bitten by a werewolf which caused him to turn into one. 

The series has a lot of emphasis on werewolf mythology, some which are stereotypical and well known, and others a little more unique. Having a darker tone and sense of comedy to it, there is also the involvement of horror and violence, which most certainly caught my interest. Unlike the 1985 movie of the same name on which it is loosely based, this television adaption is more edgier and darker, with a lot more intended focus on the mythological aspect. Keeping in mind that it is 'teen drama', the romance subplots are warranted most of the time, except maybe at a few moments, wherein it seems like they're trying to push it too hard. 

The setting and atmosphere of the show is brilliant, and so are the plot twists. The high school scenario may seem unrealistic, seeing as the characters are never in class half the time and whatnot, but considering that that the series' primary target is to keep the supernatural aspect running, the creators have done a good job. Each season has it's own compelling plot line, with the third season being my personal favourite, and a total of four seasons. The fifth season will premiere on June 29th, with 20 episodes, which will be split into two parts. 

Happy binge-watching! 

White Collar

Falling under the category of crime and drama, this show is about a smart and multi-talented con artist, Neal Caffrey, who works for FBI Special Agent Peter Burke, as a criminal informant. This unconventional arrangement arose as part of a deal that Caffrey made with the FBI when he was caught; he would help them catch white collar criminals by providing insider information and in return, he stays out of prison. 

It is a not a common concept used in a lot of series, and added to that is the overall light hearted atmosphere, that got me interested in giving it a try. Admittedly, Matt Bomer was also a part of the reason, whose good looks and acting give the character Neal Caffrey the much needed charm that makes an individual an excellent conman. The relationship and interaction between Caffrey and Burke has a certain appeal and wit, that starts off as purely professional but then develops into something personal and that development is very much evident. 

For those who are looking for hard-hitting, gory murders and crimes, this isn't the show for them, since White Collar is not exactly like others such as Criminal Minds or CSI. Instead, this series showcases a lot of simple but elegant and classy crimes, that have more than once, made Caffrey and the FBI take on unusual methods in order to get them solved. As the seasons progress, the plot twists get better and the episodes also have interesting scenes with the appearance of recurring characters that are of assistance one or another. The show ended on December 18th 2014, the six-episode sixth season being it's last and to say that I was disappointed would be an understatement. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Once Upon A Time

This show revolves around the lives of well known fairy tale characters, who were transported to the 'real world' from their own realm and had their memories taken away, as a result of a powerful curse cast by the Evil Queen. Now residing in a fictional town, Storybrooke, the episodes portrays two different storylines; one about the events happening in the 'real world' of Storybrooke and the other is a backstory of each character and as to how they became a part of the curse. 

With just four seasons in the running, this particular show has already become one of my all-time favourites. Not only does it capture the fantasy element really well, the way the characters are linked and connected to one and another is just brilliant. While there was a point in the show wherein one of the plot lines seemed to be ongoing unnecessarily, it revived with the introduction of new characters that landed in Storybrooke, not as a cause of the curse. The authenticity of the series is further amplified by the characters' elaborate costumes/outfits, the special effects of the magic involved and the detailed sets of both Storybrooke and the past realm (the Enchanted Forest). 

Once the memories are restored, it is quite enthralling to witness the characters as they come to terms with their dual identities and how their actions in the past, are perhaps what led them to the present day version of reality, with the curse and it's consequences. Additionally, the series also shows a darker side to the 'heroic' fairy tale characters that I am familiar with, having allowed me to see them in a different light and I certainly recommend that you give it a shot. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Criminal Minds

As the name indicates, this is yet another series under the crime/thriller genre and is currently on it's tenth season. Unlike many other crime procedurals, this show focuses on catching criminals by 'profiling' them, a task taken up by FBI's Behavioural Analysis Unit (BAU). The creators continue to be successful in showing that there a lot of instances wherein you have to get into the mind of the criminal in order to catch him/her, and not just concentrate only on the crime. 

Ranging from kidnappings, killings, bomb blasts and so on, the series has managed to portray a variety of crimes, some more graphical than the rest. The acting of the individuals who play the culprits and victims are so powerful and raw, definitely giving the show a realistic and convincing touch. Additionally, they haven't zoomed in too much into the relationships between the protagonists (the FBI profilers) but made it over-dramatic but rather, done it with the right amount to show that there is indeed a strong bond between the characters. 

Each of them has been through something traumatic, lost someone close to them, and that has made me empathise with the characters and admire them at the same time, for they relentlessly manage to catch the bad guys. It's intriguing to see how they use the clues to create an accurate profile about the criminal, thereby making the connections that eventually leads them to him/her. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Community

A different kind of a sitcom, Community is about a varied group of students (a bit like The Breakfast Club), who have enrolled in the local community college in the fictional city Greendale, Colorado. You don't get to hear the usual kind of jokes, but rather the show has a lot of pop-culture references and also mocks many of the typical television cliches. I really enjoy the sense of humour portrayed in the episodes and by the characters, and isn't what I'm normally exposed to. 

The biggest plus point of this show, are it's amazing characters. With each one so very different from the other, it really is like a perfect way to state that each individual is indeed unique and has some features or the other that makes them stand out. It was nice to see a study group that was formed purely for selfish reasons by Jeff Winger, turned out to have more impact on everyone in the group, than they could have imagined. The humourous methods with which they deal with everyday situations is also another funny aspect of the show. To say that there are a lot of pop-culture references would be an understatement, especially since one of the characters, Abed, is a TV shows and movies geek.

There are many episodes that I could definitely watch again and laugh like it's the first time. Yet, there were also a few that weren't all that funny and seemed to have been trying too hard. Everyone might not be eased so quickly into the humour within the first season but once you are past that, you are hooked, for there are a couple of crazy and imaginative episodes as well. I cannot wait for the sixth season, which will air on March 17, 2015. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Arrow

This show is about the DC Comics superhero, Green Arrow (Oliver Queen), who, after years of being stranded on an deserted island due to a ship wreckage, returns home to Starling City to fight crime as a secret vigilante. Unlike many other heroes, he does not possess any 'powers' and rather fights with trained physical strength, strategic mind and his main weapon, which is a bow and arrow. The fact that he has no out-of-this-world features and yet is able to bring down strong enemies, is what makes him one of my favourite heroes and also, one of my favourite shows. 

This is one of those serials that keeps getting better with each succeeding season. Starting off with Oliver's return and him spending his nights killing criminals on his 'list', it was sort of monotonous for a while and wasn't exactly gut-wrenching or raw as I thought it would be. But of course, the best part is getting to see him harness such a primitive weapon to such a high usage and that is something that makes the character very much stand out. The flashbacks of his moments during those five years away from his home, also helps to form a connection between the character and the audience. 

The action sequences are are very well shot and helps in giving the show that dark and gritty edge. The ongoing third season is the most brilliant so far, with it's enthralling major plot, bringing in a main villain into the folds and yet another superhero from the comics, The Atom. Overall, I would say that this is a show that everyone should check out.

Happy binge-watching! 

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.EL.D

This is a show based on S.H.I.E.L.D (Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division), which happens to be a fictional spy organisation in the Marvel Comics, in a world surrounded by many superheroes. These agents deal with unusual heroes or enemies are responsible for making sure there is a balance of peace and anonymity between the gifted ones and the ordinary civilians. Being a fan of all things Marvel, I had been quite excited on hearing about this show. 

I am not going to lie, the first half of the first season was not all that good, to say the least. The cases were too random and a little dragging and the story didn't seem to be going anywhere. But once the first major plot twist occurred, that's when things really got interesting and the show had  found it's tempo. Not like I would have given up completely, but I could see why people would find it unappealing. That aside, the show as a whole is currently going awesome in the second season, especially with the introduction of many more characters right from the comics. 

The character development is a huge plus point, which is evident from comparing how they were in season one and how the chain of events has affected them all. The storyline is getting really captivating in season two, supported by equally good special effects. 

Happy binge-watching! 

The Originals

As someone who did not like supernatural show, The Vampire Diaries after giving it a chance, I was highly hesitant on beginning with it's spinoff series, The Originals. I found Vampire Diaries to be way too dramatic for me, and not really the thrilling kind. Overall, it wasn't my cup of tea. However, whilst there is a certain amount of dramatic flair in The Originals, the story is much more compelling and not unnecessarily focusing on the wrong aspects. 

Centring around the Mikaelson siblings (Klause, Elijah and Rebekah), it is seen that family really is everything and nothing can overpower the force of that strength. I like the fact that the show does not puts too much emphasis on love triangles and couples' dilemmas. Rather, the creators have diverted the direction of the story towards portraying conflicts regarding family matters and dominance, as the  three siblings attempt to take back their home, New Orleans, from the clutches of the vampires, who took control in their absence. 

This plot for the first season did extend on for quite a bit but continued to have it's captivating moments. The ongoing war between the vampires, werewolves and witches have also been highlighted and the interconnection between the three is also interesting to watch. While there have been a few cliche episodes, there are good plot twists as well, which are getting better in the current second season. The whole 'supernatural' theme is really played out well and is a certain plus about the show. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Parks and Recreation

Even though I had not been with this comedy show since the beginning, and had only finished catching up with the previous seasons a few months back, it is already one that I really adore. Using a 'mockumentary' filming style, the show is about Leslie Knope, who is a dedicated and enthusiastic government official working in the parks department in the state of Indiana. I did decide to give the show a chance because of my admiration for Amy Poehler and I was not disappointed. 

The diversity of characters is one of the things that is really interesting to see here and each one's sense of humour is uniquely different but amusing nonetheless. It is also nice to see how they progress as the seasons continue, following their bigger dreams and goals, rather than just remaining in the same job position. While I'm liking where the show is at right now, that was not the same feeling when I had started. I must point out that the pilot and the first two seasons were not all that appealing, and it was from the third season wherein the show really kicked off and became hilarious. So yes, it did take me a while to get into the feel and theme of the episodes but there is no reason to stop midway. 

It was obvious that much research was conducted as far as the topics in the show were shown, and there were even episodes which were based on real life current events. It has good comedic drama and consists of a brilliant cast that have made me love their characters. The ongoing season is the seventh and it is the final one. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Glee

Here's a simple statement to start off: I love musicals and have always had a soft spot for them. But honestly, that is not the only reason that I got so invested in this particular comedy-drama show. For a whole multitude of reasons, I feel like this one of the few shows that I can relate to, especially knowing that whatever the characters are going through from the start of their high school life, is more or less what happens to a lot of people in reality. Not only do they exhibit 'show choir' in a whole new level, the show also focuses on a lot of social issues and unity amongst a group. 

To say that the musical performances done in the episodes are good, would be an understatement. Featuring hit songs of various artists, such as The Beatles, Madonna, Michael Jackson,  Lady Gaga and many more, that whole cast have definitely done justice to all sorts of music. While that still remains to be the strong point of this show, there are certainly areas wherein the plot hadn't been so great. Some episodes did seem like they were trying to incorporate things without much of a creative juice. 

Granted, I wouldn't exactly say that this show is for everyone. Being quite open in portraying the problems of many people around the world when it comes to sexuality, alcoholism, relationships, identity crisis and so on, the script has most certainly not been shy in covering those areas. But no matter what anyone points out to me, this remains to be one of my most really favourite shows till date and I feel a strong connection to it. If anything, the show has done a wonderful job in relaying the message that even the underdogs have a powerful voice, if not more powerful than the rest and we should not let anyone or anything, stand in the way of our dreams. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Sherlock

Based on the characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock is a British crime drama that presents the novelist's work in a more modern fashion. Much like a lot of people may be, I too am a huge fan of this fictional character and his brilliantly mind-blowing deductive abilities and honestly, the creators of the show have definitely captured the essence wonderfully. 

All the stories written for the episodes are very well played out, and the plots had me hooked from the start. As the seasons progressed, each plot was better than the previous but admittedly, the first two seasons were a little but more gripping than the third instalment. Additionally, the casting is also quite spot on and I couldn't have asked for better actors to have portrayed the roles of Holmes, Watson and Moriarty as they seemed to be entirely immersed with their characters. 

Unlike the movie adaptions starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, the television version captures the original, unique features of the characters as it is in the books and that's what made me the most excited in particular. The way the creators have managed to transfer the atmosphere in the books to something in accordance to the modern age, combined with the suspense-filled mysteries, gives the show that edge that is very much it's own and twisted from others of it's kind. I cannot wait for the fourth season, which is set to air in 2016. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Constantine

For those who don't follow the DC comics of Hellblazer, may still have heard of the character Constantine, thanks to the Keanu Reeves movie released back in 2005. However, I must incessantly point out that the ongoing show is much better than the movie adaption, even though it's just at it's first season. As an added bonus, Matt Ryan certainly has the charm in order to pull off the 'badass and smart exorcist' factor that is needed for the portrayal of the character.  

As far as the show's categorisation of dealing with supernatural beings from the depths of hell or beyond, the creators have done a good job. The individual episodes may have no major relation to one and another but I like they way there have been subtle hints of something worse that's about to happen to the characters probably at the end of the season, rather than just dropping the whole thing on the viewers like a sudden bomb. The visuals are quite effective and so is the setting that gives the whole demonic vibe to the show. 

There are moments wherein the some of the episodes get a little too sentimental for my liking but I suppose it does add a complexity to the characters. I did find one or two episodes a bit dragging as compared to the usual fast paced ones but the incidents in each one are creative nonetheless. The show definitely has the dark edge with the aura of mystery that's very much appealing. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Suits

Be it with books or television, the topic of law is something that has never failed to fascinate me. More than I would care to admit, I love watching shows that portray and sometimes even educate the audience about the inner workings of the legal system. Hence the reason I was not disappointed with the pilot episode of Suits, and had felt like continuing on with it. The protagonists being a Manhattan corporate lawyer, Harvey Spector and his associate, Mike Ross who happens to be a college dropout  but has the smarts of a Harvard law grad, and the unconventional bond between the two is one of the most enthralling elements of the show. 

The episodes of the first season helped me ease into the show with minimal complicated plot lines and mostly just showcasing various clients' cases that the firm has undertaken to resolve. The transition into the suspense and story development was a good one and didn't feel rushed or forced as new problems began to unfold. Additionally, the show has the adequate stylings and atmosphere of a proper legal firm, and even though this is for entertainment, the undertone of seriousness of taking law as an occupation, is more than stressed upon. 

Currently ongoing with the fourth season, I like the direction of which it's going but I can't help but point out that the personal conflicts between the characters might be getting a bit too much in the way of the show's main focus. While the drama is more than welcomed to be used to spice up the show, I do miss the times wherein the main concern of the protagonists and other characters, were their clients' cases. At the same time, I shall also note that in a way, this has all helped the characters evolve and it is obvious that their ethics and moral codes related to the law, aren't so clearly black and white anymore. 

Happy binge-watching! 

The Strain

The one genre of television that I watch the least, is that of horror. I find it quite difficult to find something that could both be scary and with a good plot, which was why I was quite intrigued by the arrival of the show, The Strain. Based on the novel trilogy of by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, the concept focuses on portraying vampires for what they truly are; blood sucking parasites that lose every shred of humanity once they are turned, with only a sort of hunger on their minds. 

Overall, I would say that the first season wasn't as brilliant as one could have hoped. In fact, the most exciting scenes of the episodes would arise only with the appearance of the vampires, shooting out their 'stingers' to draw blood from the victim. The horror and gore elements were most certainly well placed but I think quite a bit more could have been done in terms of character and story development.  Perhaps the show could have pulled it off had it not been for the slightly excessive personal, dramatic moments between the characters. 

But as far as the freaky nature of the show is concerned, the creators have done an excellent job. All the killings and the victims being turned into vampires were portrayed well and that's what I liked the most. I was also glad to see that the show introduced the traditionalism that associates with the word 'vampire', rather than the current trend of having these creatures showcased as 'young, attractive and humane.' It might not be everyone's cup of tea but for a bit of gruesome viewing, I would recommend it. Even though this season may not have been A grade, it shows good potential to become even better in the second season. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Gotham

First off, let me just say that I am a huge fan of all things Batman, which is exactly why I did not give it a second thought before starting with the pilot, after the day it was aired. I would have loved to see Bruce Wayne in action as the Dark Knight but the concept of showing the viewers his origin, all the way from the time his parents were murdered, is one that has definitely caught my interest as well. And of course, Ben McKenzie's amazing performance as the young Detective Jim Gordan, is just another reason to give this show a shot. 

While the ultimate task of Detective Gordan and his partner, Detective Harvey Bullock, has been to solve the case of the Wayne murders, it hasn't stopped the two from catching other major criminals as well  and keeping the city of Gotham safe. I have noted that the show is going about with the introduction of the major Batman villains such as Penguin, Riddler, Two-Face, Scarecrow and their backstories in a creative manner, one that has left me wanting to know more. The scenes in some of the episodes portraying the unlikely friendship between Gordan and Bruce are also effective in telling how the Detective will play an influential role in Bruce becoming the Dark Knight, much later in the future. 

Aside from the expected dangers that arrives from being a cop, Gordan finds himself exposed to even more dangers and corruption as he gets entangled with Gotham's Mafia and gangster associates, who are major controllers of the underworld of the city. The casting is brilliant, especially the actors portraying the Penguin and the Riddler, seeming as though both have merged with their characters to give more than convincing performances. There may be no Dark Knight yet, but I love the show's plot line so far and DC fans of this superhero will not be disappointed. 

Happy binge-watching!

The 100

Even though the show is currently at it's ongoing second season, I had only started watching it since last week. The main reason for the show having caught my attention, is the theme at which it's set at, which is post-apocalyptic in nature, taking place 97 years after a nuclear war had wiped out almost all form of civilisations on planet Earth. The only known survivors are the residents of twelve space stations in Earth's orbit prior to the war but once they realise that their resources are on the verge of failing, a hundred prisoners are sent down to Earth to ensure whether it's habitable or not. 

If there is one word I would use to describe this show, it would be 'brutal'. Sudden deaths all around, merciless punishments, rushed acts of violence are just some of the dangerous situations that the prisoners find themselves surrounded by on the ground. A natural flow of transformation occurs from wherein the young adults go from not trusting each other to being united in order to be able to fight the dangers of this new world. The impact of the show is undeniably raw, thanks to the gritty atmosphere and with the way the scenes have been captured. 

I think it's safe to note that the only drawback so far are a few of the random, romantic rendezvous that seem to spring up between some of the characters. Luckily, the attention is not drawn onto that with much focus, though momentary confusion did linger in my mind. Apart from that, it is a brilliant concept for a sic-fi adventure categorised television show, providing the viewers with a different reality that's the outcome of an apocalypse. 

Happy binge-watching!

Grimm

This is a police procedural categorised show, therein which exist creatures and characters inspired by the Grimms' Fairy Tales in a twisted, dark world. The protagonist, Nick Burkhardt, is a homicide detective, who also happens to be a descendant of hunters called Grimms, who have the unique ability to fight supernatural creatures and see them in their true form that nobody else can see. Unlike the happy ending stories that kids are used to growing up with, the characters on here are shown with a darker side, as was possibly intended in the original tales written by the Grimm brothers. 

The show kicks off with Nick battling his newfound awareness about his ability by himself, but as the seasons proceed, the people closest to him begin to find out as well. As far as the pace of the episodes are concerned, I can't complain much, though there are places in the plot lines here and there that could have done with a bit of improving. Regardless of a few stretched out episodes, the character development and story keeps going in a better direction by the end of the first season. Admittedly, it did take me a bit of time to get used to the theme and setting but having stuck with it till the current season four and still ongoing, I do not regret it. 

One of the intriguing things that I've noticed is how they show Nick caught in a hard place at times, struggling between his duty as a cop and as a Grimm; one as a servant to the law and the other, a killer of supernatural beings. It portrays just how intricate his character is and how it affects the lives of those around him. The fantasy/fictional element consisting of the creatures is played in well and certainly gives the show the grit and edge that's not seen in the usual 'cop shows'. Also, I'm definitely happy to have heard that the show is renewed for a fifth season, by the NBC. 

Happy binge-watching! 

The Flash

This show is based on the DC Comics character Barry Allen/Flash, who is a superhero with the ability to move at superhuman speeds, which was acquired when he was struck by lightening caused by the explosion of a particle accelerator in his hometown, Central City. Whilst his actual occupation consists of being a forensic analyst for the police force, he uses his new found power to stop others who had gained powers (meta-humans) during the explosion but chooses to use them to do harm. 

I'm not going to lie, even though the show is only on it's first season, I'm already a huge fan and when I heard that it was renewed for a second season, I was more than ecstatic. Apart from the casting being more than adequate, it is obvious that the creators have put in their best efforts to make sure that the elements of the show resemble those of the comics. Unlike having the dark and gritty edge that can be found in the other DC Comics character adapted show, 'Arrow', The Flash contains more of a lighter tone and portrays a lot of scientific explanations regarding the meta-humans, that makes the show all the more fascinating. 

While the episodes are basically just the average 'stop the bad guy' storyline, it is the action, the visuals and the acting that make the show a very worthwhile watch. The characteristics of each individual with hauntings from their pasts, adds in that air of mystery, unable to read them like an open book. The introduction of major villains like Captain Cold and Gorilla Grodd has been superb so far and I can't wait to see where the writers are headed with the upcoming episodes. 

Happy binge-watching!