urthpainter

Up to the season 4 final, I would rate Magicians 9/10, and a must watch - not just for fans of the genre, but for fans of entertaining TV. Reviewing in 2025, all these years later, I fully recommend the Magicians to Anyone.

But about that season 4 final... not matter how flowery they try to present the behind the scenes scenario, and content conclusion - it's a betrayal to fans, but especially to the heart and soul of the show - by having the main character make the One choice he could Never make. The choice is disgusting, disturbing and obscene. My first take on this is the actor Jason Ralph must of really upset the producers to write his character out in this way... fulfilling some absurd revenge on the actor for not capitulating in contract negotiations. But on investigation, it really appears just... idiocy, bad choices, and not thinking the scenario through.

A better result would of been Recasting Quentin Coldwater. A better result would of been Canceling the show after the fourth season. While there is merit in the fifth season, it never escapes the shadow of that season 4 final. Honestly, they never even really try! The season 5 storylines often serve as a reminder of what went wrong, and how the show can not capture the same magic.

I think this is a lesson - somehow real world choices got in the way of the Art of this show, and crushed it's essence. And in doing so the season 4 final, and 5th season destroys a lot of the initial merit. I'm sure my harsh opinion isn't shared by all, even many fans? And 10 years down the road, it really doesn't matter.

But what happened to Jason Ralph the actor? Not sure! But his choice to leave the show did not appear to be a great career move, and the inability of producers to maintain the cast, disappointing. No matter how much they tried to 'art up' the season 4 final - it is a Brutal slap to the face for fans. Even with this disgrace I still give the show 7/10 for all the amazing scenes, humor and creativity.

Final Prayer isn't a bad movie - it has a compelling story of church haunting, and effective 'research crew', found footage presentation.

I'd say a huge problem with this movie is the lack of a likable character to root for, and pull one through the adventure. That might make the ending a little bit more palatable (so to speak) - but I feel like I'd be more keen for this story with likable characters.

There is some clever moments that are well woven into film. None more so that the harrowing final 15 minutes of the film. But about this ending... it is not for the meek, and will linger in the mind well after viewing.

Really fun, entertaining TV from 2016 that makes me wonder why so much TV right now is average at best.

Really see it in the casting. Modern shows... Producers cast different versions of themselves instead of talented stars who are Actually built for AAA production. When a producer gets in the way of director/writer vision and doesn't let casting do their job... entire projects suffer.

Yes, I could simply say Goliath has great casting, and it does! But I've been watching other popular TV shows from same time - and it's pretty consistent.

Goliath follows Billy Bob Thornton, (character name) Billy McBride, a burned out LA lawyer going no-where fast... suddenly wrapped into a conspiracy laden case that brings out the shadows of his past. Hijinks ensues.

Goliath, to me, is a Very satisfying watch. There's characters to care about, injustice, investigation, retribution - and the show is so classy in terms of presentation. Content can be super harsh, very weird and at times hard to stomach. But I'd argue even the times I really disagree with character choices and outcomes, I'm still fully engaged and entertained by the story lines.

I do think season one is the best. Some elements kinda fray out a little bit as we go through the 4 seasons. But I still loved the entire journey even if the first 8 episodes stand above the rest.

I think the biggest draw/deal breaker is the MC, Billy McBride - I could see a viewer simply not liking his character, but I Love his character, the flaws, and those rare circumstances that Billy shines like the sun, taking on the persona of an almost real life superhero - defending the innocent in the wake of corporate greed and overreach. I'm not even going to validate any technical law stuff - if that's an issue, imo really missing the point of the show.

So in 2025 I actually recommend this show above anything out right now. In 2016 Goliath was merely Very good - but today? I think its cast and unrelenting approach would really stand out in the midst of a lot of shiny mediocrity. I also recommend other TV from this stretch as well - things were going so good 2010-2015 with movies and TV. Around 2017 there is a noticeable turn in quality, and this turn has not recovered. Not saying there isn't great TV - I love Fallout as much as the next person. It's just the average of all TV that is so noticeably down.