Cruel Summer

This series is great when you get past the bad "Texas" accents, and the annoying Harley Quinn Smith.

I think this show had a lot going on for it but after watching the entire season I think there were a few things that ruined it. The concept was interesting, it got my attention at first but as I kept on watching I liked it less and less. I think the writing was too messy, the pace was too slow (some episodes had nothing interesting going on in them), the characters development was all wrong (especially from a psychological perspective), some really unlikable characters (Mallory for example was getting on my nerves a lot and I must point out she doesn't look like a teen either) and lastly there was too much unexplained behavior. By the time I got to the end I felt the time invested in the show was not worth it. I was expecting it to be more mature. It had a teen show feel to it and by the end even the twists were not impressive. It's watchable but not as good as it should have been.

It is hard to pick a rating for this because Season 1 deserves 9 stars, but season 2 is barely 4 stars. When I found out S2 was not a continuation, but a new plot with all new cast, I was equally excited hoping it would be as good as S1. It doesn't even come close. I don't understand how this show went from being as good as it was in S1 to this junk in S2. I've watched all 8 available episodes of S2 so far and honestly don't know why I'm still watching. I think there is only one episode left and no matter what happens it can't make up for how bad the other episodes have been. TLDR: Season 1 is amazing, Season 2 is trash.

I had never heard of this show, but it was among the recommended titles on imdb.

So I decided to give it a chance, while not betting a dime I'd end up loving it. I stand corrected! It had me "hooked, lined and sinkered" after 2 episodes.

First of all, it is not a teen series, although the main characters are actually teenagers.

Second, the plot is very good and bursting with twists that keep you guessing all along. The idea and of the 3 parallel timelines one year apart works great and seamlessly here.

Third, the acting is impeccable, the evolution of the characters over the 3 year span is flawless, and quite impressive, with a special mention for Chiara Aurelia. Olivia Holt is insanely pretty.

All in all, a great and entertaining series, that comes as an unexpected surprise. I'm glad I watched it.

Each episode is addictive, because it allows the audience to trust and doubt the two female lead characters at the same time. With all the plot twists, you will find that both characters are the victim and the villian at the same time. Yet, I feel sorry for both. Also, I appreciate how they don't romanticise an underage student and authoriative figure relationship like pretty little liars. Instead, it covers the grooming, a real issue.