Back Half

This was without a doubt the best episode of the show so far, a good deal better than episode 4 was.

Episode 3 was my favorite one before this, but now my favorite is episode 5.

The show has gotten REALLY good with episode 5, things are getting more intense and more elements that are like the book. They are finally showing more about what is going on in the back half and the show has improve drastically for it!

If you where not sold on the first 2 episodes, PLEASE give the show a go, especially for episode 3 and the best one yet episode 5!

The show is stepping it up with this episode 5, check it out! I hope it can continue the momentum of episode 3 and especially 5, because it is getting really good after a very slow and meh first 2 episodes. I hope they can continue this for the rest of the episodes!

This still looks very cheap. I know they may not have the money at MGM+ like Prime but I have seen people shoot on a iPhone better than this. I guess maybe that's why it is so dark to hide filming flaws.

The writing in some instances have caused the performances to be wooden especially when it comes to the Tim character. There are things in screenwriting 101 that have been missed like don't let things just happen to the character but have the characters' actions to propel the plot forward. The thing I think with Barnes is with the right and a strong direction and writing he can be guided to performances that he has pulled in Westworld or the Punisher. The actor also slips in and out of accents. Parker is also a bit out of her element too playing a villain. Sure it is refreshing to see both Parker and Barnes out of their elements, but both performances need more work. Joe Freeman just doesn't seem appealing and I was more vested in the other "children" cause except for the kid playing Avery these people are in their early to mid 20s.

My fear is when everything in the end happens to the characters like in the book the viewer will not care enough.

Episode 5 seems to be where the series has taken off but it shouldn't have taken off this late in the series. Bender and company should know better.

Ep 5 is a proper gear change, and it's easily the most electrifying instalment to date. Everything that's been bubbling under the surface for the past four episodes finally comes to a head, and it's a thrilling, heart-in-your-mouth affair from start to finish.

This is where the stakes get truly real. The kids' desperate plan for freedom moves from a quiet conversation to a frantic, life-or-death mission, and the tension is dialled up to eleven. The performances from the young cast are phenomenal, carrying the weight of their desperate situation with conviction and raw emotion.

Crucially, the parallel storylines of Luke inside the Institute and Tim on the outside start to collide in a spectacular and satisfying way. The script does a masterful job of weaving these two threads together, giving us a powerful sense that all the pieces are finally falling into place.

It's a masterclass in pacing, balancing the dread and horror with moments of genuine hope and bravery. If you thought the series was good before, this is the episode that proves it's truly great.

Rating: 8.5/10 (The best episode yet, a pivotal moment in the season that is gripping, emotionally charged, and utterly unforgettable.)