City on Fire

This turned out better than I expected it to. "City on Fire" has engaging dialogue, solid character growth, and hardly any plot inconsistencies, which I found quite impressive given the number of things the show tackled story-wise. I can't comprehend that people think the writing is subpar. It's not perfect, but it consistently delivers and certainly has its great moments. Despite a few odd character interactions and representation, the writing is pretty airtight. And it only gets better as the show progresses.

While the busy plot focuses on multiple storylines simultaneously, the show never sacrifices one for the other. It will sometimes seem like two shows at once, but everything is connected brilliantly. This split focus between storylines is done tastefully to build relationships between certain characters and generally make the story more cohesive in the end. I also love that there are open ends, leaving the possibility of a return, but the main conflict is mostly resolved. It's all crafted very neatly, I'm confident I'm watching a decent adaptation without even having read the book.

The characters are mostly serviceable, and an amusing one pops up every so often. They serve their purpose in the story well and are played by competent actors. The dynamic between the two main characters is also great. Every scene with Chase Sui Wonders (Sam) is gripping. She breathes life into Oleff's character (Charlie), who comes into his own regarding honouring and defending Sam, which scored his character some points. I didn't think he was boring.

The production looks good, the cinematography is solid, and the score/soundtrack augments the dated feel of the show, given the setting. It's nothing revolutionary, but I found it very engaging and I might have teared up a few times during the finale. I think it's worth your time.

There does need to be a little bit of plausible deniability here but if you can get past that it's a great show! I thought it was well acted and the characters were well developed. I feel like there was a good amount of suspense and twists through the series. I have a hard time paying attention to most shows and turn them off after the first 1 or 2 episodes. This one kept me intrigued and kept me pushing play. You root for the good guys and hate the bad guys and you are left hanging on until the very end. Not sure why the low rating, I thought this was a winner and better than more higher rated shows. Give it a chance.

I didnt watch the trailer just saw the description on apple tv plus and started watching. I also searched up reviews before starting and saw metacritic and rotten tomatoes critics gave it a bad score so I was worried i was wasting my time but I kept watching and I finished the first episode and I really enjoyed it. I love the 2000s and the characters are pretty cool except for the socially awkward boy whose leading but hes not terrible terrible.

I think young people will enjoy especially if you grew up in the 2000s and i think people that didnt read the books would enjoy because i didnt read.

Update on 6/14: im still liking it! First ep was awesome then it goes downhill for 3-4 episodes but then around ep 5 it picks back up so if you give it a try make ur way to atleast the 6th ep!

The 1st episode doesn't do justice to the rest of them. The plot and characters change dramatically. It is interesting how the character lives intertwine and who is connected to who, and why. It's almost impossible to predict what happens next, and yet the story makes sense.

This needs to be binged watched because you need to have everything fresh in your head, in order to follow the story. Most clues are important and you constantly keep guessing who's the bad guy and who shot the girl. So many people, so many motives!

There are a few flashback scenes, but once you understand them, that wont feel confusing and out of place.

The main story concludes in the 1st season, but there are enough open threads that I would love to see them answered in the 2nd season.

I'm only at the beginning of Episode 2 so I can't say much else but... as of right I'm intrigued! Take a peek for yourself and don't let our reviews always lead you away! What some like others will hate! This isn't one of them though. Once again I would say it's worth the watch this far! Since I have to continue writing lol. There's a lot of things going on in all the characters lives however I don't see myself being confused I understood immediately and I appreciate that! Oh yea it's set in New York after 9/11. Saying what I can without saying much lol! Just give it a watch I went straight into the next episode maybe you will too!!!