Ringer

After seeing the pilot episode, I wasn't quite sure what to think. It wasn't awful, but it didn't outright grab me and make me think "I have to watch next week", either. But I decided to give it time to develop, and around episode three I was very grateful I had not given up on it, because currently episode seven just aired and it's one of the best shows I've watched in a long time. Boy, does it improve. The only other show I've been this interested in this season is "American Horror Story."

The plot really starts to come together by episode three, the performances improve every week as the actors settle more into their characters, and the writing and twists just keep getting better and better. This is definitely one show that improves as it goes on. Currently there are so many interesting plot threads and potential outcomes that it's like one big juicy mystery/thriller/soap opera that, by the end of episode four, keeps you riveted and wanting more when the credits roll. It helps that the writers also use the time-honored but catchy tradition of ending every episode with a cliffhanger, ala "Alias" and "True Blood." The cliffhangers for the past few episodes have been nothing short of fantastic and if the show keeps going at this pace, it's going to be one of the most addicting dramas I've seen in a long time. The writers manage to blend the mixture of drama and crime thriller perfectly so it never feels like you're watching too much of either. And as for the double-crosses and the twists, I haven't seen this much insanity since "Dynasty" or "Melrose Place." Every week so far has had at least one "WTF!" moment.

So, in short, if you watched the pilot and it turned you off, please give it another chance because I promise it gets better as it goes along and by episode four you will be HOOKED. And for those who haven't given it a chance yet, you don't know what you're missing out on. Make it through the first two episodes and pretty soon you'll be very glad you did. The plot is currently truly intriguing and there are so many ways it could go each week and it always leaves you guessing. The show is playing all of its cards right and really got it together quickly to become one of the best new shows this season. I, for one, can't wait for Tuesdays.

Don't judge the show on the Pilot alone. Even though the pilot is not very good and hard to watch, trust me, it really does get better. The script improves,the characters develop a little more, there are no more horribly cheesy green screens, there are less close-ups, there is more background information, and the acting improved, especially Sarah Michelle Gellar's acting.

Plus, there is a little twist in the plot that I did not understand after viewing the pilot. So what I am saying here is don't lose hope, because if you give up due to the pilot then I feel sorry for you, you are missing out on a pretty good show.

What I love about Gellar's new series is the way it slowly evolves each episode, revealing a new layer to the rich tapestry of it's characters. Just when you think you're figuring out the motivations (and trajectory) of a character you find out something new and you're given a new perspective.

One thing this series is not is predictable. The only time I could understand the CGI criticism was during the boat scene where the two sisters (both played by Gellar) were meant to be on an open air boat hurtling across the ocean but could be heard speaking softly over a baldly rendered ocean background. Apart from that the brief CGI scenes shared by the two were flawless. Could this scene be a stylistic approach? It looks as it should, it sounds as it should, but something is 'not right'. Reality has been altered and manipulated. Then again maybe it just comes down to budgeting and time constraints but personally I would like to believe in the former.

Gellar plays the two sisters with subtlety. After all she's playing twins who share mannerisms yet are completely different people. Gellar is acting one character who's acting as another... but she pulls it off. The banter about her 'not ageing well' is rubbish. Talk about unrealistic expectations. I would like to see who's sitting behind the keyboard.

8 Stars so far.

Initially, I was reluctant as to whether or not I wanted to watch this show but I am so glad that I finally got round to it. The pilot was a good start - the story came together well and the characters were very well played by the cast. It was a great pilot, expect one very poor green room scene (but that's a minor glitch).

As I started to watch more episodes, I began to fall in love with the show even more. Everything about it is just awesome. The music, the characters, the plot - everything. Sarah Michelle Gellar is an amazing actress and so are the rest of the brilliant cast.

If you're into thriller type stuff (with some drama and romance) then this is definitely for you. It's a great show with some real jaw dropping moments. Its' not too intense but enough to keep you wondering what the hell is going on.

Give it a chance. You'll love it.

After watching the three first episodes, I'd thought I would write a short (p)review. The pilot is basically used to set up the premise, and while it lacks the beautiful polish of the following episodes, it really kick-start the series. And I can forgive the few shortcomings of the pilot.

The following two episodes were beautifully produced (if that's right word) and Sarah Michelle Gellar is perfect in her role. The series also have that hard-to-put-your-finger-on-and-even-harder-to-achieve feeling. I kind of got a "Cruel Intentions" vibe. But just as with Sarah Michelle Gellar, it's a more mature and confident feeling. It's really great.

There's, in my humble opinion, just one flaw with "Ringer". But it's a flaw that could potentially ruin everything. The problem is that while the concept is great, Sarah Michelle Gellar is perfect and the production has that great feeling, the writing seems very sloppy. There are so many inconsistencies and plot holes that I get frustrated. The problem is basically limited to the thriller part of the writing, almost as if that writing was forced in by accountants rather than delivered by the writers.

And if it continues down this path, I think it's going to backfire and ruin everything. This is, of course, only my speculations, but I think that the thriller writing must up to par with the rest. Whether it be a problem caused by money counters or that the "thriller writers" are too junior or have to little resources. Otherwise I think that this series will collapse, and that would really be a shame.