13 Reasons Why

To say that I enjoy binge-watching painful shows would be an understatement. Just when I was in the mood for something new, Netflix did not fail to deliver with 13 Reasons Why. This emotional rollercoaster of a show focuses on high school student Hannah Baker who committed suicide and has left behind a series of tapes, talking about the individuals responsible for her choice. 

Sounds a little odd? But that is precisely why you might find it worth a watch. Not only does the show highlight the dangers and consequences of suicide, but it tackles other issues like  bullying, rape, slut-shaming and emotional angst that often plague the teenage mind. This adaptation of the novel additionally stresses on an often overlooked lesson: it is important to be kind to one and another and treat each other with respect. 

However, as much as I liked it, my primary concern is that it glorifies suicide to an extent. For people fighting the same battles as Hannah did, it may give them the impression that the only way to be heard is through a drastic measure such as suicide. There is also the possibility of her action being a trigger for those who are undergoing depression or other mental illnesses. 

Teenagers may be the intended target audience of 13 Reasons Why but it is an eye-opener for any individual who chooses to play the role of a viewer. The graphic scenes of rape and Hannah's suicide is something that might make you uncomfortable and want to flinch (I most certainly did) but as was pointed out by the show runners, that was their intention. They talked about how they wanted make viewers uneasy, as a way for people to see that suicide should never be a resort for any problem. 

With the ever-continuing rise of social media and the need to be accepted through 'likes' and 'comments', this show is most definitely relevant, even though the novel was written a decade ago. It portrays the need for loyal friends and decent human behaviour and how even the smallest of actions can have a long-lasting impact on someone's life. 

The entire 13 episode season is streaming on Netflix and as of yet, there is no news on a second season. 

Happy binge-watching! 

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! 

Person of Interest

This is one of those shows that had me hooked right from the start. Unlike regular crime fiction shows, this one takes a whole different approach, mainly with the existence of The Machine, a mass surveillance computer system that can predict ordinary crimes and terrorist attacks, much before they actually happen. The two protagonists are, the creator of the system (Harold Finch) and an ex-CIA operative (John Reese), hired by Finch in order to intervene and help stop the predicted crimes from happening. The sense of realism that is attached to the show is one of the things that makes it such a good watch. 

Whilst the cases in the episodes and the incidents may be fiction, the whole concept is anything but unreal. With references and mentions of actual events happening in the world, it displays the level to which citizens' privacy is a major concern and how it's manipulation affects lives, either in a positive or a negative way. The whole storytelling format is one of the appealing features as well, the creators having taken an out-of-the-box approach with the plot and sub-plots too. The action scenes are timely and nothing as 'too much' or 'too less'. The intellectual factor is evident in the episodes and isn't really about only showing murders and other crimes, but rather focussing on something much bigger. 

Additionally, the show also delves into the topic of artificial intelligence and just how scary the possibility of machines, taking over mankind can be. Bit of history and modern-day conspiracy theories have also been inserted, and all this gives the show that thriller feel. Then of course, there is the emotional investment that goes into the show from the audience, including me, and honestly, this is one of those few shows that has been exciting and thrilling from the beginning to the present moment with it's varying plot twists. I highly recommend this show for it is something that you probably do not see everyday in most television serials. 

Happy binge-watching! 

Sense8

Focusing on eight strangers from different countries in the world who one day become emotionally and mentally linked, Sense8 is a science-fiction drama series that was launched on Netflix on June 5th, 2015. I was excited to check it out simply because of the Wachowskis (The Matrix Trilogy), who have created and executive-produced the show. The entire first season of twelve episodes is available on Netflix. 

Allow me to start off with the positive elements of the show, one of the major ones being that is a real visual treat. Apart from the States (San Francisco and Chicago), scenes were also shot on location in seven cities: Seoul, London, Mumbai, Reykjavik, Nairobi, Mexico City and Berlin. Due to this, the episodes are simply beautiful to watch, the creators having also incorporated cultural events happening in the cities and I got a little taste of each place in all the episodes. 

Additionally, I also found the series to be impressive for it's broad representation of topics like sexuality, identity, culture and politics. Each character is unique and brings forth their own strengths/weaknesses and it was interesting to see how they channel each other's skills and languages depending on the situation. This is particularly evident in the action scenes, which had a very good choreography. 

Now, moving on to the negative aspects of the show, I want to begin by saying that the story was initially just too slow. Sure, there are episodes that let viewers get used to the atmosphere of the whole thing, but this prolonged for a little too long. Nothing spectacular happens within the first three hours into the show, and it is only after that the main plot comes into light. Even then, at times it felt as though the characters' individual conflicts were coming in between the main story and that was a little off-putting. 

Another thing that bothered me was that the characters weren't all that amazed or astounded by what was happening to them. They were a little surprised in the beginning but other than that, they weren't really freaked out and treated it like a usual occurrence. I felt like that angle was very much unrealistic as they adapted to their new found 'connections' too easily. 

All in all, it is a very interesting concept with a scope for something greater and despite the flaws, it was an entertaining watch. Sense8 has been renewed for a second season but the premiere date has yet to be announced. 

Happy binge-watching! 

The Shannara Chronicles

Based on the fantasy series by Terry Brooks, 'The Shannara Chronicles' is a drama television series that premiered on MTV on January 5th, 2016. As of now, there are just five episodes released, with the first season set to have ten episodes in total. It is set around 300 years after the War of the Races; a war that caused all demons to be locked in the Forbidding by an ancient tree, the Ellcrys. But now the Ellcrys is dying, which poses a threat for the Four Lands since the demons could escape and it is up to rest of the creatures (elves, druids, humans) to save the tree. 

Yes, sounds like your basic fantasy formula. But even if the story may not sound all that enticing to you, the show is worth checking out for it's visual effects, sets and costumes. It is evident that MTV has spent more than a considerable budget on the series and overall, it is most certainly a visual treat. Since the plot is just starting to get on track, I do not want to criticise it all that much and the episodes do seem to be getting better. However the situation, it is a storyline that has a lot of potential to become something engaging and exciting. 

Apart from that, if there is one problem that I want to bring to the forefront, it is the performance of the cast. Most particularly, it is Poppy Drayton's (Amberle Elessedil, the Elven Princess) acting that is the main turn-off. It is as though she is not even trying to put on a convincing act for the audience or even if she is, it has so far become a fail. The worse part is that she is the lead for the show, which makes me wonder how could she have been cast for that position. Even the performance of Ivana Baquero (Eretria, a human) is not up to the mark and needs a lot of improving. 

That aside, the notable actors for the show who are doing a good job are Manu Bennett (Allanon, a human and druid), Austin Butler (Wil Ohmsford, half-human/half-elf) and John Rhys-Davies (Eventine Elessedil, Elven King). Hopefully the rest of the cast will get better as the series progresses. 

Whilst it is not one of my absolute favourites, it has most certainly raised my curiosity and made me want to stay till the end of the season. 

Happy binge-watching! 

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!  

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! 

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! 

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!