Episode #1.2

I've made it through two episodes of the show. I may revisit it at some time in the future when I'm desperate for something to watch. I've never been a fan of puppets or puppet shows, so that aspect leaves me cold. Benedict Cumberbatch is a good actor, perhaps too good to be enjoyed in this part. His character is abrasive, obnoxious, and unlikable. He's an alcoholic, therefore he's self-centered, caring very little for anything or anyone around him. That's a burden for his wife, but she too is so aggressive and obnoxious I can't imagine a time when she was young, and sweet, and likable. Despite the dyer circumstance of their predicament, I'm feeling no sympathy for either of them. On the other hand, the kid who plays the son won me over from the start. So much so that I find myself hoping he ran away to join a supportive, loving family, and that he is never found nor finds his way back to the misery of his real home. Anyway, unlikely as that is... it's not quite as unlikely as the imaginary 6 ft tall man in a critter suit who is his drunk dad's imaginary buddy. And with no strings attached, is none the less, called a puppet.

Clues about disparition of Edgar. And the first step for Vincent to determin his come back. Simple sketches becoming a puppet and video recordings offering, mazbe , some answers.

And the old administrator, like the young Sebastian.

Maybe not exactly an impressive series but a well crafted one.

Good story, good acting, fair crafted tension and the science of fair end of episodes. No doubt, virtues/ In same measure, interesting portraits of characters as pieces of puyyle for define 1980 decade , from AIDS to the dark past, from refuge in work and alcohol to the pressure of rich family on shoulders of libertarian son.

So, again, good premises, encouraging steps.

"It's just something you say."

Part 2 of this 6-part mini series sees important development in both the investigation led by Ledroit as well as the further downfall of Vincent, now losing himself completely to his own lack of reality. While Cumberbatch portrays the role of lost-at-sea dad excellently, the character itself is aching towards becoming dangerously obnoxious. Rude and devoid from human decency can be rather enjoyable, if those characters are paralleled by different personalities. Especially when that character is the show's lead, it can become painful to behold. Luckily, the show's supporting cast offer that much needed diversity and is truly king in this episode.

Clarke Peters, playing a visually distraught landlord, is incredible. Wade Allain-Marcus is a very strong actor of which I hope we'll get to see more. And still, yet again, Gaby Hoffmann plays a role of a life-time in acting out a desperate mother, effortlessly switching through a carroussel of emotions. Benedict and McKinley continue to perform strong lead roles, with the latter enjoying some more room for character development this time around.

All in all, episode 2 simply continues where episode 1 left us. And while "Episode 2" is considerably slower than the first one, it's also an important follow up to the main plot points laid out in that first part. There are some weird decisions in terms of plot development, but as it's still early on in the show, I shall hold my breath before concluding anything. The show's pacing feels good enough still, and while the 80's-setting is forgettable most of the time, it also functions as a fine backdrop for Eric's landscape. Part 2 scores a very respectable 7 out of 10, and continues to inch me closer to the next episode.