CosmicWizard

A masterclass in subverted expectations.

In this episode, we are introduced to the Hornimans of Halstead Manor and the cast of characters caught in their orbit. Scholar-gentleman Edward, followed by his delinquent ne'er-do-well elder brother. As the ailing Duke of Halstead finally succumbs, a succession drama of titanic proportions is ignited at the posthumous reading of the Last Will and Testament. And yet there is so much more simmering below the surface of these people and the ground on which they stand...

"The Gentlemen" is a masterclass in subverting expectations. The plot is ravishingly unpredictable, delivered with even pace and just the right amount of tension. Evenly paced delivery enhances this effect. The content is incredibly dense; there are several plots and techniques at work in this highly technical offering, but never feels difficult to follow or understand. The dialogue is clever and quick-witted without feeling heavy-handed, synthetic, or too "British." Characters are layered and thoroughly 3-dimensional. These are all indications of excellent writing. Sets and scenes are vibrant, engaging, and highly detailed. Wardrobe is excellent!

This is a brilliant opener - perhaps one of the best I have ever personally seen. Optimistic for this vehicle.

"Maniac" tells the stories of two pharmaceutical trial participants each motivated by their own personal brand of suffering to submit to the designs of mad scientists and a sentient supercomputer. What happens next is intriguing, insightful, and deliciously entertaining as we follow our humble protagonists into the quest for healing.

Viewers can expect commentary on psychiatry, childhood, and human condition. This is not nearly where "Maniac" ends, though. The entirety of this show holds up well to to analysis, and themes of postmodern America are extensively invoked.

Despite tiptoeing into serious theoretical territory steeped in transpersonal psychology and a dash of the occult, "Maniac" never once feels preach-y, condescending, or pretentious. Rather, this adaptation cleverly relies on entertainment to make profound statements on complex topics like human triumph and the collective unconscious.

Masterfully written and thoughtfully performed. Emma Stone and Jonah Hill both bring their A-Game, playing multiple personalities in broad range throughout the series. Parallel plot lines are well supported by Sonoya Mizuna and Justin Theroux. Set and cinematography are creative; dynamic. Writing deserves additional recognition for character development and conclusion.

Excellent offering.

Slow, meandering, and gratuitous. This show bucks all theatrical convention in favor of advancing the plot randomly. Meaningless complexity. Gratuitous characters, mostly wooden, with absolutely no development. Not a single character has a human flaw -- they are all presented to us at the apex of moral perfection or devious genius. This show relies far too heavily on the novelty and intrigue of the context or culture to obscure the poor writing and lack of purpose.

Wasteful, pandering, and disrespectful use of what might have been a beautiful cultural vehicle to communicate mythos/legacy/life cycle events, etc of the Navajo people. But it is never established what genre Dark Winds actually is, or what message the creative team hopes to communicate. The lack of intention or definite clarity becomes increasingly difficult to ignore. Random and disappointing to watch.