The Alienist

After watching the first episode I wasn't sure I would continue, but I am glad I did. Each week it gets better and now I can't wait for Monday nights to watch it. I think part of it has to do with becoming more familiar with the characters, but it's also the fact that they are getting closer to solving the mystery, (there are only two episodes left.) In this case my loyalty is paying off.

Great first season with the lead character in full flow but then a spectacularly offshoot type second season - ideally should have been called "The Sara Howard detective agency show"-totally sidelining the main character and theme and name of the serial and the main essence ion dwelling into human mind and figuring out the riddle, per say. Very sad deviation in season 2.

First season great but the second season focused a lot on Sara Howard so the season should be renamed "detective Sahara Howard" as the antagonists in the series seems to be her.

I thought The Alienist was a pretty good murder mystery thriller that is definitely worth watching. The main cast (Daniel Bruhl, Luke Evans, Dakota Fanning) is absolutely terrific and they are what separate this show from others like it. The three of them chase serial killers in 19th century New York City. I don't understand why the reviews are so mixed, what were you expecting that you didn't get? I guess most of the negative reviews are from people who thought it was too gruesome and others who thought it was too feminist. It's neither. If you're looking for a good murder mystery then give this a try. You won't be disappointed!

Seing Dakota Fanning in the cast was one of my motivations for watching the show. I've been very unimpressed by her performance, though. The plot itself sparks interest and is entertaining, but Daniel Brühl is the real reason I've kept up with it. He's outstanding as Dr. Kreizler. Inexplicably, he became Sara Howard's sidekick on season 2, which is a tiring feminist cliché... And I'm a woman.