Riverdale

Just like many others, I was one that grew up reading the beloved Archie comics. The characterization, the humour and the sketches all stood out for me. Not to mention, it never failed to make me feel better on a bad day. So, you can imagine my sheer excitement on hearing that the comics were going to made as a TV series on CW network. But alas, the elation only lasted till I watched the trailer. 

To be honest, I had mixed feelings about it and even after watching the episodes till date, I still do. I am thoroughly disappointed that the series isn't an exact replication of the comics themselves, seeing as it was one of my all time favourites. Rather, it has been given a CW treatment of drama, scandal, and intrigue and I have yet to be a 100% on board with it. 

The changes in the characters are not subtle from the original. Not only is Archie a hunky football jock, but he and Jughead (who is rather intellectual on here, rather than being his comedic self) don't appear to be best friends and Veronica is new in town and to the Riverdale gang. As a hardcore fan of the comics, I couldn't find myself loving these alterations. 

At the same time, another part of me is quite interested with the shapings of these characters. Similar to how the Once Upon A Time series display traditional and happy fairytale characters in a darker light, the Riverdale gang are now part of a world taken over by a murder mystery and secrets. It is a usual CW formula and for now, my genuine curiousity makes me want to give it a shot. 

I would like to conclude by saying that, for those of you who are open to seeing your Riverdale friends in a different light, I would definitely recommend this. I only hope that it does not turn out to be another Pretty Little Liars flop, with the drama and plot twists getting too outrageous.   

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!