The Power

What an intriguing show! I started watching it around the time that episode three came around, so I binged 1-3 and then read a bunch of reviews thinking that some of the reviewers had previewed the entire thing. Nope. And I'm happy I stayed along for the ride. It takes awhile to get to know the characters and for their interconnections to start snapping into place, but it is a seriously intriguing, joyous, nail-biting, terrifying and horrific ride along the way.

The ensemble is excellent, too. Toni Colette is an actor's actor. And I have a soft spot for Toheeb Jimoh (whom you may recognize from Ted Lasso) as Tunde. Even some of the smaller characters are given some depth by story and cast.

I will be deeply upset if there is no season 2.

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.

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.

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.

I did not know anything about the show prior to watching and was instantly impressed. This show was able to bring so many worldwide social issues to mainstream awareness. The cross cultural storylines of women's oppression and the complex relationships they have in their lives was tied together seamlessly. The performace of the cast was a high quality, Toni Collette is always great and her interactions with Auli'i Cravalho who plays her daughter came across as genuine. It was good to see John Leguizamo playing a more serious, non villainous role.

Overall, I recommend this show. I know it isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea but I am glad I gave it a go and more importantly I'm glad it was made and released mainstream.