Brooklyn Nine-Nine

First off, I must admit that majority of the shows I watch are not of the comedy genre. Granted, there were the classic ones like Friends, Scrubs, That 70's Show but it has been to find any in the recent time that indeed makes me laugh like a crazy person. That would probably explain my start up scepticism on hearing about the show, but I decided to give the first episode a try anyway and I was really glad I did. The pilot was one of the best ones I have seen and whilst there are quite a few shows that I take some time to get used to, this was certainly not one of them. 

Not only is it blatant humour in it's raw form, it is a perfect mix of parody and actuality in accordance to the happenings in a police precinct. The script is just spot on and the acting of the cast fits in quite well with the satirical mood of the show. Granted, seeing Andy Samberg is just great but I mustn't forget to mention the awesomeness that is Terry Crews. The episodes have a sense of realism as compared to the regular, dramatised 'cop shows', for it portrays the lighter and comical escapades that police detectives often undergo in their daily routine. 

Of course, just like any other show, it has one or two off days wherein the scenes aren't up to the usual standard, but that is no reason not to watch this. Apart from showcasing the reality bits, it mocks the typical cops related cliches with humour that isn't cynical. Especially for those who are fans of either Community, Modern Family or Parks and Recreation, this will be just an absolute delight. Though the show is only at it's third season, (which is better than the first and just as good as the second), I definitely have high hopes that the comedic acts will continue on to further seasons. 

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! 

Master of None

This particular show is of the comedic genre, centred around 30-year-old Dev Shah, an actor trying to make his way through the hustle and bustle of New York City. Since the hosting network was Netflix, the entire first season was released all at once, consisting of 10 episodes. 

While it began on a fine note, the first episode was not as great as I had hoped. Yes, it played a part in easing me into the whole setting but lacked the much needed punch. However, that was quickly compensated for from the second episode. That was when the comedy kicked in and I couldn't have asked for anything better than Aziz Ansari's performance to hit that note. The plot of the show is not original but it is Ansari that brought in the uniqueness that made this series stand out for me. 

Oh, and here's a fun-fact: Dev's parents are played by Ansari's real life parents, which was highly amusing to witness. Sadly, they were not featured in a lot of the episodes and I really wish they had, especially his father, who was awesome. Another reason I found it appealing was due to the relatability factor. Specifically in the second episode, with flashback moments in India of his parents, the typical immigrant scenario was portrayed; struggling and working hard to ensure a better life abroad. 

The series tackled relationship and life issues in a humourous light, and the same time, succeeded in delivering the message. The contrast between his parents having not had too many options in their life to the current generation having a wide variety of paths to choose from (which tends to be nerve-wrecking) was beautifully played out by the show. It also supported Dev's character growth, which is evident in the finale. 

For all those of you who have seen Parks and Recreation would already be familiar with Ansari's comedic stand, and honestly, that was one of the main reasons I decided to give this series a shot. In a nutshell, I found it to be funny, charming and light. 

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!  

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!