El Poder

This is one of my favorite books, and I generally have very low expectations of any adaptation, so I went in to this with that mentality. It isn't perfect, but it feels like it's coming from the same place as the book, with the same themes driving the plot and characters (who are very well cast).

The source material covers a lot of ground, literally and figuratively. I've only seen four episodes, but I have been pleasantly surprised at the world and character building. I'm a little more concerned about how they will handle later events, as the story continues and women take power over the new world.

All in all, it's better than I expected and I'm excited to watch the rest.

I assumed when reading through other reviews that there was going to be a mixed bag. People praising it because it flips gender power dynamics on its head and those who bash on it for the same reason. What I didn't expect was people claiming that the show is slow?? Yes, they take their time in order to introduce a large and diverse ensemble. Having just come off the Last of Us though, this show is a piece of cake (although I loved that show too). The only thing that stood out to me was some of the dialogue, especilaly with the teens, seemed a bit clunky.

There are quite a few characters, all with very interesting backgrounds, all unified by the Power. I am currently on episode 3 and can already sense the imminent collapse as people become trigger-happy naysayers out of fear and anger. Not that its too far fetched given how some world leaders reacted during the pandemic (and continue today).

Overall, the premise is interesting, the pacing steady, and I can't wait to see how they further develop the plot and characters.

This is based on my absolute favourite book from the last 5 years and I was fearful that a "prime" adaptation might water down or homogenise what is, literally, an explosively revolutionary story line.

Short answer: it hasn't.

The author herself, Naomi Alderman, is in place as writer/adaptor of her own work and, so far, it hasn't lost any of its power, strong characterzation or excitement.

Like any well told and effective story it's taking it's time to introduce the main players. Sadly the "I want it now" demographic will fail to see the importance of such world-building ...but then they always do.

Literary echoes of "Handmaids Tale" "Consider her ways" and even a sprinkling of "World War Z" abound and I'm genuinely eager for the next episodes to be released. All the main characters seem well cast (love Roxy) and there are several truly impressive acting stalwarts in pivotal roles.

So far so good and episode 4 was magnificent. I was in tears throughout the whole Saudi Arabia section.

Keeping everything crossed.

My review is based on the first two episodes.

The show is beautifully shot.

Despite the many characters, the story is easy to understand and the actors portraying them are delivering strong performances. All around the production is delivering everything I can ask from a show.

But unfortunately its fails to ask any interesting questions in regards to the shows premise, at least so far.

The obvious question being, does might make right?

Instead it seems to have already settled on an answer that "Yes, might makes right" meaning that a societies moral standards are defined by those in power. It portrays a world in which the powerful are categorically unempathetic to the plight of the powerless and cannot be persuaded by logical arguments, and therefore should the roles be reversed, they wont deserve any empathy either.

Frankly it is awfully black and white, with good people and bad people and nothing in-between. The universe seems like a oversimplified representation of the world we live in, juvenile, boring and unimaginative.

I look forward to the day shows are written by people who are smart enough to come up with creative solutions to problems - but with American productions it's always the same; Violence is the answer. Every genius in a superhero movies seem intent on creating easier ways to kill things. Doesn't matter if the hero of the story is a man or a woman, black or white, old or young - and in a story specifically about oppression and for one named The Power, it seems to spend awfully little time questioning how such power should be wielded. I get it might not be the first question, but at this point it should have come up. Its not believe able that so many characters would just roll with it.

I wonder if this show will end up looking like a CW production after a season or two.

First I'll start by saying I didn't know this was a book. Didn't even know it was a thought until this show. For everyone saying it's boring... this is happening to women all over the world, all walks of life and from wealthy to poor to homeless. That being said fleshing out the characters, and giving backstory is very much needed! I for one was very happy to have origin stories, had it just happened with no what, when, why and how I'd have been confused. By the end of episode 4, I was thoroughly hooked! The imagery coming out of Saudi Arabia was extremely powerful, literally and figuratively. I have no doubt there will be some terrible paths taken and terrible things to happen to some of these women, and the people in their path. And I'll be here for it! I'm happy to see something new, completely original! This is not superhero stuff, this is evolution and maybe even survival for some. I'm excited to see where it goes and will update my review at the end if needed.